NEHU delegation discusses skill development and entrepreneurship with Jayant Chaudhary

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 3, 2024

A delegation from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla and Prof. Sherwin May Sungoh, met with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, at the North Eastern Skill Conclave held at IIM-Shillong on October 1, to discuss the university’s efforts in fostering skill development and entrepreneurship in the North-East region.

The meeting focused on the achievements and future plans of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College (DDUCC), Wahiajer, NEHU, and its contributions to enhancing vocational and skill-based education in line with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Prof. Sherwin May Sungoh briefed the Minister about the curriculum and objectives of DDUCC, highlighting its alignment with UGC guidelines for skill-based education. She emphasized that the college aims to break down the social hierarchy associated with vocational education by integrating it into mainstream education, elevating the dignity of labor, and empowering disadvantaged communities.

Prof. Sungoh further explained that the college focuses on developing and commercializing traditional skills unique to the region, helping local communities achieve economic self-sufficiency. Through targeted training programs, field visits, and hands-on collaboration with industries, the college has successfully enabled rural youth, especially in the Jaintia Hills, to explore self-employment opportunities in sectors such as local industries, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shukla briefed the Minister on the significant strides NEHU has made in promoting entrepreneurship through its recently inaugurated Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in Shillong. Established as part of the NEC-Sponsored Project, the EDC aims to foster innovation, encourage risk-taking, and nurture entrepreneurial ventures by students, faculty, and local communities. Prof. Shukla stated, “Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business; it’s about identifying opportunities, solving problems, and contributing to societal change.”

The EDC at NEHU has already hosted several faculty development programs and entrepreneurship awareness camps, creating a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship in the region. The Minister appreciated these efforts, recognizing the importance of such initiatives in fulfilling the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

During the meeting, Prof. Sungoh shared plans for future entrepreneurship awareness programs and boot camps. The best ideas from these camps will be selected for expert training, with participants having the opportunity to win a startup grant of Rs. 5 lakh from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and NEC, Shillong. These initiatives are designed to equip students and rural youth with skills that will help them transition from traditional agriculture-based livelihoods to modern, sustainable vocations.

The Minister expressed his support for NEHU’s initiatives, commending the university for its role in skill development and entrepreneurship in the North-East. He noted that such programs are key to unlocking the potential of rural youth and creating pathways to economic independence and national development.