“Rethinking Higher Education, Focusing on Skill Development”

By Swastika Mahankali 

Education being a fundamental right, has seen tremendous transformation through ages. With the passage of New Education Policy 2022, the education system in India is keen on focusing issues such as skill enhancement, flexibility in choosing the subjects, increase the gross enrolment ratio etc.

Now, it is quite necessary to discuss about how skill learning along with the subjects of higher education might impact the later life. As quoted by “Nelson Mandela” – Education is the most powerful weapon which can change the world. It is essential for the system (Government) too to adopt flexible methods with which the upcoming generations might benefit with. At present, the life of people not only revolves around gaining knowledge but also learning skills seems to have quite a role in their professional life.

Reasons why skill adaptation is heart of the matter:

1.    To have a balanced social and economic aspects. Let’s consider an example of Japan school’s method of technical and skill adaptation. It allows students to learn to manage the pressures of life.

2.    Acquirement of practical knowledge through skill learning helps to achieve self-sufficiency and boosts confidence in life.

3.    As it is said that today’s youth is tomorrow’s citizens. Competence and skill potential will enhance decision making ability which in turn uplifts the chances of making right decisions for the country tomorrow, which could increase the credibility of India.

4.    Skill enhancement makes adapting to changing walls easier. With changing mindsets and technology, it is a must to develop a broad thinking towards everything.

5.    Skill education opens a door towards increased per capita income and quality of work is enhanced.

Despite having constraints such as Spotlight syndrome, Religion and caste bifurcation, gender bias, lack of infrastructure etc., The government of India has launched multiple schemes through which people of India regardless of their financial status can take the advantage. The schemes introduced are:

a.    Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): To enhance aptitude towards employable skills and to increase working efficiency

b.    Skill Acquisition and Leadership Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP)

c.    UDAAN: Concentrates skill development for Graduates.

d.   Standard Training Assessment and Reward Scheme (STAR): Skill development to graduates and a monetary reward tis given to one who completes it.

Hence, GOI has so far implemented many schemes. It is the responsibility of the people to take the advantage of it so that we take our country a step forward.