Editor,
As the admission season for colleges and universities begins, institutions across Arunachal Pradesh and India as a whole are once again promoting their courses and facilities. This growth in enrollment is a testament to the importance of higher education in today’s knowledge-driven economy. However, beneath the expansion lies an important issue that requires urgent attention: the quality of education being imparted.
According to data released by the ministry of education, India has witnessed a significant rise in enrollment in higher education institutions. However, this increase reveals a critical challenge – many students are graduating without acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in the job market. The proliferation of non-elite institutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges, where most students pursue their undergraduate programmes, has led to a surge in enrollment. However, these institutions often lack the infrastructure, faculty, and industry connections necessary to provide students with the skills required by the job market.
Viewing education as a social contract that guarantees a meaningful connection between education and livelihood is essential. The current education system in Arunachal and India as a whole is heavily theoretical, with limited emphasis on practical skills. This approach often leaves students unprepared for the demands of the job market.
Countries like China and Japan have successfully integrated technical and vocational education into their education systems, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills required by the industry. In India, however, the transformation of the education system to emphasize skill development is still in its nascent stages. Initiated by the government, programmes like Skill India and the National Education Policy-2020 aim to bridge this gap. However, the implementation of these initiatives is crucial to their success. But I’m looking forward to our state government focusing more on quality education and education scenarios of state, be it in remote areas like my native Kurung Kumey district or the Itanagar Capital Region.
In conclusion, while the growth in enrollment is a positive trend, it is essential to focus on equipping students with the skills required to succeed in the job market. This can be achieved by integrating vocational training with academic education, improving infrastructure, and enhancing industry connections. By doing so, we can ensure that our students are not merely enrolled, but are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
Yangfo Liang,
New Delhi