In a groundbreaking collaboration, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to address the global skills gap and transform higher education in India. This strategic alliance brings together CUTM, India’s first premier skills university, and JNU, a renowned central university, with the goal of integrating skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and action learning. By leveraging their collective expertise, the institutions aim to empower students and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The Collaborative Objectives
The collaboration between JNU and CUTM encompasses various key objectives. Firstly, the institutions will collaborate on designing and delivering higher education, academics, research, vocational education, and skill development, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Secondly, they will explore specific areas of engagement between different schools, such as the School of Languages, Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Biotechnology, School of Physical Sciences, and the Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health, to enhance and integrate skills within higher education.
An essential aspect of the collaboration is community outreach programs that focus on skills integration to enhance employability and entrepreneurship. JNU and CUTM recognize the importance of reaching out to communities and bridging the gap between academic learning and practical applications.
Additionally, the institutions will explore the development of joint certificate programs tailored to the needs of specific industrial clusters, aligning with the National Credit Framework (NCrF). This initiative aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
To facilitate hands-on learning experiences, JNU and CUTM are considering the establishment of a pilot centre in Delhi, in proximity to JNU. This centre will offer action learning opportunities, skills-integrated certificate courses, and advanced programs, providing students with practical experiences and enhancing their employability prospects.
The collaboration also emphasizes the importance of industry partnerships. By engaging with industry partners, JNU and CUTM aim to enhance the quality and outcome of teaching and learning, ensuring that their programs remain at the forefront of innovation and meet the evolving demands of the industry.
Significant Figures and Statements
During the MoU signing ceremony, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor of JNU, commended the collaboration as an exciting opportunity for JNU to explore new horizons. Prof. Pandit highlighted the shared values of CUTM and JNU in their commitment to community and society and expressed confidence in their ability to jointly deliver programs that promote excellence, empathy, equality, and inclusion.
Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor of CUTM, expressed privilege and honour in collaborating with JNU. Prof. Pattanayak emphasised the importance of skills integration in higher education, particularly for marginalized individuals, and acknowledged the significance of reducing the skills gap between white and blue-collar workers in the country.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Prof. Satish Chandra Garkoti (Rector-I, JNU), Dr. Utpal Kumar Debnath (Controller of Examinations, JNU), Mr. Manoj Kumar Manuj (Dy. Registrar, JNU), Abhinav Madan (Director, Skills, CUTM), Monalisha Ghosh (Associate Director, Partnerships, CUTM), and Abhishek Chaturvedi (Director, NCR Operations, Gram Tarang Employability Training Services—GTET).
The partnership between Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) signifies a transformative step toward addressing the global skills gap and reshaping higher education in India. By integrating skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the institutions are committed to equipping students with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. Through collaborative efforts, industry partnerships, and community engagement, JNU and CUTM are paving the way for a future where skills and education are seamlessly integrated, empowering individuals from all backgrounds and driving positive change in society.