• UGI USER
  • Jan 06, 2024
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IS HIGHER EDUCATION OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE SKILL REQUIREMENTS IN THE JOB MARKET?

Relevance:

GS 2

  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Why in News:

Recent reports by private agencies state that fewer than half of India’s graduates were employable in 2021.

Source- The Hindu

Reports indicating low employability rates among graduates and a high unemployment rate raise concerns about the effectiveness of higher education in preparing students for the workforce. The impact of online learning, structural challenges in education, and the role of policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) are explored.

Employability Challenges in India

  • Reports suggest that less than 50% of India’s graduates were employable in 2021.
  • The Periodic Labour Force Survey indicates a high unemployment rate among graduates compared to other developing countries.
  • Concerns arise about the employability and quality of online education for students who enrolled during the pandemic.

Impact of Online Learning on Employability

  • Graduates pursuing higher education tend to come from the top 20-30% of the income distribution, leaving many youth unable to access higher education.
  • The unemployment rate among graduates increased from 20% in 2012 to 34% in 2021.
  • The massification of higher education between 2006 and 2018 contributed to the problem, with the growth of private colleges and declining quality.
  • Online learning caused learning losses, leading to students missing out on knowledge acquisition and affecting their employability.
  • Ed-tech companies downsized as students realized their limitations.

Aligning Higher Education with Job Market Requirements:

  • Relevant Curriculum: Regularly update and align academic programs with industry needs to ensure graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Industry Collaboration: Foster strong partnerships with businesses to provide students with real-world exposure, mentorship, and insights into industry demands.
  • Soft Skills Emphasis: Prioritize the development of soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to enhance graduates’ employability.
  • Entrepreneurship Focus: Promote entrepreneurship through courses, incubators, and funding opportunities to encourage innovation and self-employment.
  • Internship and Co-op Integration: Incorporate mandatory work experiences into the curriculum, enabling students to apply their learning in practical settings.
  • Certifications and Accreditation: Offer industry-recognized certifications alongside academic degrees and ensure program accreditation for enhanced employability.
  • Career Support: Provide comprehensive career counseling, placement services, and lifelong learning opportunities to help students navigate their professional journeys successfully.

Challenges in Research and Development (R&D)

  • India faces challenges with R&D expenditure, with a low proportion of GDP allocated to R&D compared to other countries.
  • Private sector contributions to R&D in India are relatively small.
  • Public research institutions struggle to translate research output into usable products and processes for the public.

Disparities in the Workforce

  • Despite better education for women, India has one of the lowest female labor force participation rates globally.
  • Education and aspirations alone are insufficient if job opportunities are limited.
  • The NEP doesn’t address specific equity actions for marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Muslims.
  • Intervention strategies for inclusiveness and equity need differentiation.

Role of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)

  • ITIs have expanded rapidly but face quality challenges due to massification.
  • An alternative approach is suggested: divert students away from higher education towards ITIs and vocational training institutions and engage industry and employers to improve quality.

In conclusion, aligning higher education with the evolving demands of the job market requires a multifaceted approach, addressing not only educational reforms but also economic growth, gender disparities, and skill development. By addressing these challenges comprehensively, India can better prepare its graduates for the workforce and promote economic prosperity for all its citizens.

Key Points About NEP 2020:

1. Aims and Significance:

– NEP 2020 aims to position India as a global knowledge superpower.

– It marks the third major education policy overhaul since India’s independence.

2. Historical Context:

– Previous education policies were introduced in 1968 and 1986.

3. Universal Access:

– Ensures universal access to education at all levels, from pre-primary to Grade 12.

4. Early Childhood Education:

– Focuses on providing quality early childhood care and education for children aged 3-6.

5. New Curricular Structure:

– Introduces a new 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure, catering to different age groups.

– Divides education into four stages: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary.

6. Integration of Streams:

– Eliminates rigid separations between arts and sciences, vocational and academic streams, and curricular and extra-curricular activities.

7. Promotion of Languages:

– Emphasizes multilingualism and the importance of Indian languages.

8. Assessment Center:

– Establishes PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), a National Assessment Centre.

9. Gender Inclusion and Special Education Zones:

– Includes provisions for a separate Gender Inclusion fund and Special Education Zones to address the needs of disadvantaged regions and groups.

 

Source

The Hindu

Mains Question

Q “Discuss the challenges faced by higher education in India in meeting the skill requirements of the job market. Examine the role of online learning, economic factors, and the National Education Policy (NEP) in addressing employability issues. Analyze strategies to bridge the gap between higher education and job market demands, considering equity and quality in skill development.”