Nagaland Governor, P B Acharya has once again called for inclusion of skill development courses in university curriculum as jobs in government sector had reached a saturation point and youth coming out of universities should be encouraged to become entrepreneurs.
Addressing an interactive session with Nagaland University officials of Mereima campus in Dimapur on Wednesday, Acharya remarked, ‘Let academics empower the students and make them employable’.
The Governor pointed out that University Grants Commission (UGC)’s scheme called ‘Introduction of Career Oriented Courses in Universities and Colleges’ aimed at introducing career and market-oriented, skill enhancing add-on courses at undergraduate level that would prove beneficial in seeking jobs, self-employment and empower the students.
Mentioning that the basic foundation of a developed society was education, he termed educational institutions as the backbone of any society.
He said it was important to empower young minds with knowledge, but added that they should not be self-centred and give back to the society once they achieve their educational goals.
Acharya encouraged the universities to inculcate their students with this thought as, according to him, the ultimate goal of education should be to strengthen and develop the society.
He also said that in order for a State to progress its society had to be strengthened and called on the audience to play their role in developing the State.
Referring to various Central and State government schemes and welfare programmes, the Governor, however, regretted that these were not reaching the targeted group.
He urged the university and student community to visit villages at regular intervals and identify the beneficiaries of Central and State flagship programmes
Acharya also informed the meeting that President Ram Nath Kovind had urged the Governors to convene meetings with vice-chancellors of state universities from time to time and inspire them towards University Social Responsibility (USR).
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof Pradeshi Lal delivered the welcome address on the occasion, while pro vice-chancellor Prof RC Gupta proposed the vote of thanks.