Amongst the policy reforms introduced under the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the National Credit Framework is ground-breaking. When fully implemented, it will revolutionise the Indian education system. This policy has the potential to bridge the gap between education and employment, shared Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University (Sikkim), in an exclusive interaction with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:
Please let us know about Medhavi Foundation and what is your vision behind starting this foundation and more exciting facts.
Medhavi Foundation is a Section 25 not-for-profit organisation working in skilling, education and livelihood domain for the past 10 years and has impacted the lives of 1.5 Lakh+ beneficiaries through various short-term and long-term training initiatives. The Foundation is led by a group of IIT Alumni working with a vision to empower the youths of our country who are deprived of access to quality education due to financial constraints. The Foundation became a partner for National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and opened Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) across 6 East and North East states, implementing various government sponsored skill training programmes (Star Scheme, PMKVY, NULM, State Skill Missions).
The Foundation also received CSR projects from TCS, Emami, NHPC, Whirlpool, Teamlease, etc. From 2019 onwards, the Foundation became an Empanelled TPA for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)/ Ministry of Education, and tied up with 120+ establishments/industries for NAPS/NATS implementation. It rapidly expanded operations to 11 states with 40+ vocational centres. In 2020, the National Education Policy (NEP) was announced for a major overhaul of the education and skilling ecosystem. In line with NEP 2020, the Sikkim Government paved the way for the formation of Medhavi Skills University (MSU) in 2021.
What is your take on industry-academia collaboration for building a better ecosystem of learning at higher education institutes?
In the recent decade, the industry and academia have found common cause – in order to remain relevant and to preserve the nation’s competitiveness and economic opportunity in response to rapid technological change and increasing global competition, a highly skilled workforce is required. This is an economic imperative. The integration of vocation and employment oriented goals in academic educational programs is perhaps the only way forward. In the true sense, an Industry-Academia partnership for skill development might perhaps provide alternate pathways to academic credentials that have market value for individuals.
Amongst the policy reforms introduced under the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the National Credit Framework is ground-breaking. When fully implemented, it will revolutionise the Indian education system. This policy has the potential to bridge the gap between education and employment. By doing so, the NCrF seeks to empower a generation of skilled and adaptable learners prepared to confront the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.
What is your vision of the future workforce?
I envision a future Indian workforce, that is young, knowledgeable – not only in theory but has hands-on practice. The workforce will be technologically advanced. The technology driven world in which we live is a world filled with promise but also challenges. Digital platforms and technology will enable those with winning ideas and allow for specialist and niche profit markers to flourish.
What are the various programmes your university is introducing to tackle the volatility of the future workforce?
Medhavi Skills University is dedicated to providing the youth with the training they need to handle the future workplace’s dynamism and volatility. Our top focus in carrying out this purpose is collaborating with eminent industry partners both inside and outside of India to design and implement demand driven programmes that incorporate on-the-job training and learning into the industry.
MSU has tied-up with IHG Hotels and Resorts for apprenticeship embedded degree programmes (AEDP) – B. Sc n Hospitality and Hotel Management. MSU has tied-up with Reliance Retail, as well as, Aditya Birla Group. In the Gems & Jewelry Sector, we have a tie-up with the Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IGJ)to jointly launch Work Integrated Degree/Diploma/ Certificate Programmes in association with various jewellery retail and manufacturing industry partners. MSU has tied up with CICU – Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertaking for the manufacturing sector. We also have a strategic tie-up with B4M Brothers 4 Musics Entertainments, for both AEDP programs as well as for short-term skilling programmes related to the Music & Entertainment Sector.
Recently, your university signed an MOU with Critical Care Hospital & Research Institute. Let us know about this collaboration and how it can help students.
Critical Care Group of Hospitals shall provide industry-relevant on-the-job skill training, or in other words, practical training, to select students of MSU, where they will work as interns or apprentices. The intent and focus of the practical training shall be to provide practical exposure to and teaching of industry relevant on-the-job skills to the students of MSU, rather than only providing a broad, knowledge-based education. It is to be noted that the practical training imparted to the students will be in accordance to the curriculum approved by the Academic Council of MSU. The curriculum is standardised as per UGC and B.Voc. Guidelines and AEDP Guidelines. MSU shall oversee the practical training being imparted and also oversee the development of technology-based content, curriculum and pedagogy for the practical training programs.
For students. selected for the training will have a distinct advantage. Every hospital or healthcare facility is looking for applicants who have a hands-on understanding of how things operate and can use it to their advantage to streamline hospital care processes. The students would gain these professional abilities from on-the-job training, which would be a fantastic addition to their resume.
The World Education Summit has been igniting transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of this global platform on 4-5 July in New Delhi?
It is really exciting. Participating in such forums and conferences makes one learn a lot from the level of expertise and knowledge of the speakers and participants. It also accords an opportunity to build networks with other academics and experts in the same or similar field of studies all around the world and to share thoughts on recent advances and technological breakthroughs. Meeting new people with different cultures and dispositions enlightens the way of thinking. On can witness some of the many different aspects and solutions which exist on the same issues.
