New Delhi [India], July 6 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has urged Vice Chancellors of universities across the state to prioritise skill development programmes to enhance youth employability.
According to an official release, the Chief Minister emphasised that universities should work in close collaboration with industries to bridge the gap between education and employment.
‘Each university should run at least 10 per cent of its programmes in collaboration with industrial partners. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for the state's youth while addressing the evolving needs of various industries,’ he said.
Presiding over a meeting with newly appointed Vice Chancellors of state universities, Saini assured them of the state government’s full support, guidance, and resources.
He stated that Haryana must transform into a state that not only confers degrees but also gives its youth meaningful direction and purpose.
Outlining the government's vision, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a Model Skill College and a Model Skill School in every district of Haryana. These institutions will offer specialised skill education to equip students with practical expertise for the competitive job market.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce aligned with modern industrial demands, contributing to Haryana's overall economic growth.
Saini called on the Vice Chancellors to intensify efforts to improve research output, employment prospects, institutional rankings, and overall educational quality. He stressed the need for integrity and a fair, non-discriminatory approach in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
‘Vice Chancellors must focus on enhancing the rankings and ratings of their institutions to raise Haryana’s profile at both the national and international levels,’ he said.
He also highlighted the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing it as a historic document and stressing the urgency of its effective implementation across educational institutions.
The Chief Minister urged universities to align their strategies with NEP’s core dimensions to foster innovation and holistic development. He encouraged institutions to contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana, thereby playing a key role in the state’s and nation’s socio-economic advancement.
Saini noted that the Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF), with an initial allocation of INR 20 crore, has been established to promote research in higher education. It is the first fund of its kind in the state aimed at encouraging innovative research. He directed universities to make optimum use of this fund, especially for projects addressing pressing social issues and challenges in Haryana’s villages.
He emphasised that the fund should be strategically utilised to promote impactful studies that benefit rural communities.
Additionally, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of quality assurance in higher education. He urged all universities and affiliated colleges to obtain NAAC accreditation and highlighted faculty development, comprehensive student guidance, and active participation in social projects as institutional priorities.
Saini underlined the role of value-based education in preparing students academically, ethically, and socially for the challenges ahead, and called upon Vice Chancellors to elevate their institutions to the highest standards of education.
(ANI)