Government Advisors Push for Major University Reforms to Boost Student Employability
Senior government officials have issued a strong call for Indian universities to fundamentally reinvent themselves with a much greater focus on industry needs and practical skills. The urgent message was delivered by Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and the Northeast Region, and Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.
Industry-Focused Curriculum and Practical Learning
Speaking at an education summit organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata on Friday, both leaders emphasized the critical need for academia to align more closely with the demands of the job market. Drawing from his personal experience as a botany teacher at Gour Banga University, Minister Majumdar directly urged vice-chancellors across the country to reframe university syllabi comprehensively to ensure students secure significantly better placements upon graduation.
Echoing this sentiment, Sanjeev Sanyal stressed that improving the quality of education must be based on practice and real-world application. He pointed out a stark reality in hiring trends, noting that employers frequently prefer candidates with direct sales experience over fresh graduates who possess no prior job history, highlighting a major gap in traditional academic preparation.
Rethinking Campus Infrastructure and Embracing Technology
Sanyal proposed a radical shift in how educational infrastructure is conceived, arguing that large, sprawling campuses are no longer a necessity. Instead, he advocated for a move towards smaller, more interactive campuses that foster greater student engagement and collaboration. He also observed a clear generational shift, with people under the age of 30 increasingly showing a preference for flexible online education models.
On the technological front, Sanyal was unequivocal. "We must encourage the use of Artificial Intelligence, and teachers need to upgrade their skills immediately, as students cannot wait," he stated. He further suggested that the next generation should be inspired to work while they study, supporting their own education financially instead of relying solely on their parents. He cited the successful model of chartered accountants, who learn their profession while working as apprentices, as a blueprint worth emulating.
Caution on Foreign Universities and a Call for Self-Reliance
While advocating for modernization, Sanyal also sounded a note of caution regarding the entry of foreign universities into the Indian market. He warned against allowing such institutions to operate without proper oversight, as their underlying ideologies may differ and not always be appropriate within the specific Indian context.
The overarching message from both officials was clear: universities must prove the relevance of their degrees and have a core mission of helping students stand on their own feet in a competitive global economy. This summit in Kolkata has set the stage for a potential nationwide conversation on reshaping higher education to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
