Kerala’s Left Democratic Front (LDF) government is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform the state into a vibrant, modern scientific society. This bold vision was articulated by Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu during her address at the inauguration of ‘Skill Pooram,’ a pivotal one-day workshop held at the Government Engineering College, Thrissur, as a key component of the broader ‘Vijnana Keralam’ campaign.
Minister Bindu highlighted the government’s active initiatives to close the chasm between academic learning and industry demands. She noted that Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Cells are now fully operational across all higher education institutions offering four-year degree programs. ‘The ‘Vijnana Keralam’ initiative acts as a crucial catalyst, empowering these development cells and forging a direct link between what students learn and their readiness for the job market,’ Dr. Bindu explained.
Further elaborating on these efforts, she underscored the significant role of various programs under the Higher Education department, including those connected with the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) Kerala and other government bodies, in successfully generating employment opportunities for students. ‘Our aspiration extends beyond merely producing job seekers; we aim to cultivate a generation of innovators and job creators. The government is steadfast in its support for every endeavor that promotes skill enhancement, groundbreaking innovation, and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship,’ she affirmed.
Boosting Campus Placements and Industry Readiness
The ‘Skill Pooram’ workshop, integral to the ‘Vijnana Keralam’ public awareness campaign, was meticulously designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in skill-based training among diverse higher education institutions. A core objective was to equip colleges with the insights needed to identify emerging job markets and to foster collaborative skill enhancement. This strategic initiative directly addresses the critical need to improve campus placements by effectively bridging the existing skill gap between academia and the demands of various industries.
The inaugural session saw District Panchayat President V.S. Prince presiding, while Thomas Isaac, a former Finance Minister and Advisor to ‘Vijnana Keralam,’ delivered a compelling keynote address. The workshop drew an impressive attendance of over 500 participants, including dedicated placement officers, National Service Scheme program coordinators, and enthusiastic student representatives from higher education institutions across Kerala.