Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has called for closer coordination between educational institutions and industries to prepare a skilled workforce for the vision of Viksit Gujarat 2047 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the valedictory session of a one-day seminar titled “Viksit Gujarat 2047: Higher Education for Future Workforce Readiness” in Ahmedabad on November 3, Patel said developing a strong talent pool and strengthening the skills of young people must remain central to the state’s long-term development roadmap.
The seminar was organised by the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT) in collaboration with the state government’s Higher Education Department. Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Trikambhai Chhanga also attended the closing session.
CM Stresses Industry-Linked Education and Skill Development
Patel said the competitiveness of Gujarat in the coming years would depend on how effectively its young population is equipped with relevant education and skills.
He described the seminar as a timely initiative to prepare students for changing employment requirements through future-oriented education.
The Chief Minister also said the state government’s Viksit Gujarat 2047 roadmap should be implemented with an open and results-oriented approach, taking suggestions from different stakeholders into account.
Universities Asked to Update Curricula with Industry Participation
Emphasising the need to connect academic learning with workplace requirements, Patel called on universities to:
- Regularly update academic curricula in consultation with industries.
- Promote internships to provide students with practical exposure.
- Encourage research and experiential learning.
- Strengthen coordination between educational institutions and employers.
- Align skill development programmes with emerging workforce requirements.
These measures, according to the Chief Minister’s Office, are in line with the multidisciplinary and experiential learning approach of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Focus on AI, Data Analytics and Semiconductor Technologies
Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Trikambhai Chhanga highlighted the importance of digital literacy and technology-based education across academic disciplines.
He said students should be equipped to understand and use emerging technologies, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data Analytics
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Electronics
- Automation
The emphasis was on extending technology-related learning beyond specialised technical courses so that students from different academic backgrounds can engage with emerging technologies.
NITI Aayog Presentation Highlights Future Workforce Requirements
During the seminar, Sonia Pant, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, delivered a presentation titled “Higher Education for Viksit Bharat”.
The presentation addressed the need to align higher education with future workforce requirements, employment-oriented learning and skill development.
Discussions during the seminar also covered ways to strengthen industry–institution partnerships and make higher education more responsive to changing employment needs.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department Mukesh Kumar (IAS: 1996: GJ) and Commissioner of Higher and Technical Education Dilip Rana 9IAS: 2007: GJ), were among those present.
The deliberations formed part of Gujarat’s broader effort to align its higher education and skill development priorities with the state’s 2047 development roadmap.
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