CII Telangana EDU Summit 2024 Highlights the Need to Integrate Education and Skills for Future Competence

Hyderabad: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana hosted the 5th edition of its annual flagship event, the CII Telangana Edu Summit, focusing on the theme ‘Skills for Tomorrow: Integrating Education, Employment & Global Competence.’ The event brought together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the vital need for aligning education with skill development to better prepare students for the challenges of the future.

The summit featured the launch of a key report by CII and EY-Parthenon titled "Bridging the Gap: Integrating Skilling into Telangana’s Education System," which explored the current challenges and opportunities in the state's educational and skill development frameworks.

Key Insights and Discussions:

In her address, Sri Devasena, Commissioner of the Department of Technical & Collegiate Education, Government of Telangana, emphasized the creativity and innovation she has observed among students in government schools. Drawing attention to the Centre for Creative Learning at IIT Gandhinagar, she proposed that similar learning models could be implemented across schools and colleges in Telangana. She highlighted that teachers should foster an environment that encourages the joy of learning, tailored to meet the needs of students. Teachers must also create engaging and meaningful learning experiences to inspire students, she added. Additionally, she noted that the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) Consortium could play a transformative role in the long-term development of skill initiatives.

VLVSS Subba Rao, Vice Chancellor of Telangana Young India Skills University, underlined the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical skills. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s no longer enough to teach just theory; students must develop skills that will allow them to apply what they have learned in real-world situations,” he said. Rao also emphasized the need for "future-proofing" education, encouraging students to take a proactive approach to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Prof Sri Ram Venkatesh, Secretary of the Telangana State Council of Higher Education, spoke about the importance of continuous curriculum updates to keep pace with the changing demands of the workforce and society. He stressed that while good teaching starts in the classroom, regular revisions to the curriculum are crucial for maintaining its relevance. Furthermore, he suggested that faculty should engage more actively with industry to stay aligned with evolving trends.

The Role of Skills Development

Dr Avantika Tomar, Partner at EY-Parthenon, discussed the importance of integrating skill education and vocational training into traditional academic systems. She highlighted Telangana's strong economic growth and its commitment to educational reforms, but also pointed out that there are critical gaps that need addressing. According to the Bridging the Gap report, these include aligning academic curricula with industry needs, strengthening industry-academic partnerships for internships, focusing more on soft skills, and developing structured vocational programs that meet market demands. Closing these gaps, she argued, would better equip the state’s youth for high-growth sectors in the future.

Sai Prasad, Chairman of CII Telangana, emphasized that CII has long advocated for policies that will help Telangana achieve its goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He outlined the importance of industry-academia collaboration in fostering sustainable growth, noting that internships should be made mandatory not just for students, but also for faculty members. "This would ensure that educators are more closely aligned with industry trends, enhancing their teaching and preparing students for the workforce," he said. Prasad also discussed the role of heritage and culture in education, stressing that they are vital in shaping students' identities and improving learning experiences.

Holistic Education for Societal Growth

Dr B Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Hospitals, reinforced the idea that education should extend beyond academic knowledge. He called on teachers to challenge students while promoting values such as the dignity of labor and critical thinking. "These are key to the holistic development of students, ensuring they are prepared not just for academic success, but also for active, responsible participation in society," he noted.

The summit saw participation from eminent speakers representing both industry and academia, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and skill development in Telangana.

The CII Telangana EDU Summit 2024 underscored the critical need for integrating education with skill development to build a workforce ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. With strong support from government, industry, and educational institutions, Telangana is positioned to create a more dynamic, skill-oriented education system that aligns with global competencies and market demands.