Platform for industry-academia partnership launched

Bangalore-based Mindlogicx Infotech, an R&D-based technology company, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) launched the Universities of India 2010, a platform to improve education system in India. Over 75 vice chancellors and directors were involved in a two-day conclave which led to the setting up of such a platform.

The conclave aimed at facilitating a synergy between universities and industry. “Our institutes must be agile and be able to adapt to the changing environment, update curriculum, be in the forefront of research and knowledge creation and ensure the students are job ready,” said Arun Bharat Ram, past president CII, chairman CII Education Council and chairman SRF Ltd.

Academicians were of the opinion this, however, has not been the case in most institutes and is part of the eco system that needs to be addressed immediately.

Drawing a parallel between the spectrum auction which recently netted the government significant revenues and knowledge, Ram pointed out that knowledge has wealth hidden in it, it only has to be recognised.

CII has already conducted five editions of the University Industry Symposia as annual events in partnership with AIU. The outcome of the fifth University Industry Council was the CII - Nagaland University Business Development Centre, which was formally announced at the forum.

S S Mantha, chairman (acting), All India Council for Technical Education said 40-50 per cent shortage of the faculty was a matter of concern and, syllabi need to be enhanced to develop multiple skills and value-based education.