An academic from Panjab University (PU) has been recognized for her significant contribution to the Punjab government's efforts in revamping vocational education for senior secondary students. Neha Gulati, an assistant professor at the University Business School, Panjab University, was felicitated on December 19 for her pivotal role in a major state-led educational initiative.
Honouring Academic Contribution to Skill Development
The felicitation ceremony acknowledged Professor Gulati's work as a content reviewer within the curriculum review groups of the Hunar Sikhia School programme. This ambitious project is a vocational education drive launched by the Punjab government, aimed directly at transforming the learning landscape in government senior secondary schools across the state.
By integrating expert academics like Gulati into the curriculum development process, the government seeks to ensure the educational content is robust, industry-relevant, and effectively bridges the gap between traditional schooling and practical skill acquisition.
The Hunar Sikhia Initiative: A Focus on Future-Ready Skills
The core mission of the Hunar Sikhia programme is to strengthen and systematize vocational training within the government school system. It moves beyond conventional academics to equip students with tangible skills that enhance their employability immediately after completing school.
The programme focuses on delivering high-quality courses in critical and growing sectors of the economy. Key areas of training include:
- Banking and Financial Services: Preparing students for roles in one of the country's core industries.
- Healthcare: Building a foundation for paramedical and support roles in the vital health sector.
This structured approach ensures students are not just learners but become job-ready candidates with certified skills, thereby directly contributing to the state's skilled workforce.
Implications for Punjab's Educational Framework
The recognition of Professor Neha Gulati underscores a collaborative model where university expertise is leveraged to uplift school-level education. It highlights the Punjab government's commitment to creating a seamless ecosystem where academic knowledge translates into practical vocational training.
Such initiatives are crucial for addressing skill gaps at the grassroots level and for providing diverse career pathways to students. The felicitation event on December 19 serves as both an acknowledgment of individual contribution and a reinforcement of the programme's importance to Punjab's future economic and social development.
