Academia must be responsive to fast-changing industrial landscape: KU VC

Srinagar, Oct 17: To explore how educational institutions can bridge the gap between industrial needs and youth capabilities and discuss the evolving requirements in the region’s industrial landscape, the Centre for Capacity Building and Skill Development (CCBSD), University of Kashmir (KU), Thursday organised a daylong industrial meet here.

The event brought together industry experts, academicians and policymakers to discuss the evolving skill demands in the job market and explore efforts towards crafting a sustainable skill development roadmap for the region.

On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, underscored the need for academic institutions to remain responsive to the fast-changing industrial landscape.

“We are on the right path and direction as we are focusing more on upskilling and strengthening our industry connections. The NEP-2020 also prioritises skills and experiential learning and KU is simultaneously investing in incubation centres and entrepreneurship initiatives,” she reiterated.

She highlighted KU’s efforts in patenting innovations and the aim to link local talent with global market needs while urging the participants to provide grassroots-level feedback to ensure that skill development initiatives are aligned with both local and international demands.

Joint Secretary, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Omer Nazir Tibat Bakal, highlighted a significant mismatch between industry needs and available skills.

“There is a lack of proper skills across sectors like tourism, hospitality, handicrafts and horticulture. We need to formalise education in specified trades and remove the stigma associated with certain job roles,” he said.