Skill-Driven Higher Education Key to Building Future Workforce Says Mahipal Dhanda

Palwal, July 24, 2026:

Skill-Based Higher Education received a major push on Friday as Haryana Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda called for stronger integration of education with industry and practical skills during a workshop at Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Palwal.

The programme, conducted under the Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC), focused on strengthening skill-based curricula and expanding the use of micro-credentials across higher education institutions. The workshop reviewed the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and discussed ways to make academic programmes more flexible, industry-oriented and outcome-based.

Addressing participants, Dhanda said the reforms introduced under NEP 2020 are designed to transform India’s education system by providing learners with practical competencies alongside academic knowledge. He noted that effective implementation of these reforms would play a significant role in achieving the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Minister also assessed the progress made by universities in introducing skill-oriented courses and short-term certification programmes.

HSHEC Chairman Prof. Kailash Chandra Sharma welcomed the chief guest and underlined the importance of embedding internships, field exposure and experiential learning into university education in accordance with the University Grants Commission’s framework.

Chief Minister‘s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Dr. Raj Nehru highlighted the need to increase Haryana’s Gross Enrolment Ratio among the 18-24 age group from nearly 33 per cent to 50 per cent. He said industries are increasingly recognising micro-credentials as valuable indicators of specialised skills and job readiness.

HSHEC Vice-Chairman Prof. S.K. Gakhar observed that skill-oriented education has become indispensable in the rapidly changing employment landscape. SVSU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Kumar said universities should align academic programmes with the objectives of NEP 2020 while integrating micro-credentials to improve students’ employability and placement prospects. Earlier, State Project Director Prof. R.S. Rathore explained the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop.

During the visit, the dignitaries toured the university’s Centre of Excellence and viewed projects displayed at the student startup exhibition. The Higher Education Minister also inaugurated the newly developed conference hall, released the latest edition of the university’s publication “Kaushal Samvad” and planted a sapling on the campus.

As part of the ceremony, Prof. Dinesh Kumar presented Lord Vishwakarma statues and ceremonial shawls to the distinguished guests, including Mahipal Dhanda, Prof. Kailash Chandra Sharma, Dr. Raj Nehru, Prof. S.K. Gakhar, Prof. Deepti Dharmani, Prof. Rajendra Anayat, Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, Prof. Sudesh Chhikara, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh and Prof. Aseem Miglani. Registrar Suman Vashishtha felicitated representatives from participating universities with mementoes and delivered the vote of thanks. Faculty members, officials and representatives from higher education institutions across Haryana also attended the workshop.