Mangaluru: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader on Thursday highlighted the growing issue of unemployment among educated youth, attributing it to a mismatch between academic qualifications and the skills demanded by employers. Inaugurating the three-day Kanara Engineering Industrial Tech Expo 2026, organized by the Kanara Industries Association in Mangaluru, Khader emphasized the urgent need for deeper collaboration between industry and academia.
Skill Mismatch and Policy Needs
Khader stated that many young individuals hold degrees but lack the practical skills required for employment. He called for a separate policy to address this gap, asserting that book knowledge is futile without applicable skills. "The educated must have the right skills, and there is a need for a separate policy in this regard. No book knowledge is useful if one does not have skills," he said. To bridge this gap, he recommended establishing language labs to enhance communication abilities.
Global Competitiveness for MSMEs
Speaking about micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Khader urged them to compete globally by adopting advanced technologies. He noted that global disruptions, such as wars in other regions, impact India through shortages of essential commodities like LPG and fuel. Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta advised local small-scale industries to emulate successful models from other states, focusing on quality and international standards.
Women Participation and Connectivity
Kanara Industries Association President MD Poojary pointed out that small-scale industries are predominantly male-dominated and called for greater participation of women entrepreneurs. He also highlighted poor connectivity to Bengaluru as a hindrance to industrial growth, urging elected representatives to address the issue promptly.
Expo Objectives
The three-day expo aims to provide a platform for local industries to connect with global markets, adopt advanced technologies, and enhance product quality. The event underscores the collective effort to boost industrial development in the region.
