'Varsity must lay emphasis on providing skill sets'

Chennai, Nov 14: Universities in India should re-invent themselves and offer courses that would turn out scholars with relevant talent and skill for the development of the country, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said today.

Delivering at the 149th annual convocation at the University of Madras here, Mr Chidambaram said though higher education in India had reached great heights, the skills learned at the end of a course of higher education do not meet the skill requirements of modern enterprises.

''Employers still complain that they are unable to attract adequate talent. They find serious shortage of skilled candidates, forcing them to invest directly and heavily in education and training,'' he added.

Mr Chidambaram said in order to sustain high growth rate, it was important that the Universities lay emphasis on providing requisite skill sets to the students and make them fit for the industry.

''There is shortage of talent. The world is waging a talent war. A modernising economy like India requires professionals in every field with very high skill sets and the ability to innovate and adjust in a rapidly changing environment,'' he added.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Higher Education and University of Madras Pro-Chancellor K Ponmudi, in his address said employment opportunities in the state was very high.

He said the state government was fully committed to raise the quality of higher education and to make sure that all sections of the sociey could access to quality higher education.

Tamil Nadu Governor and University of Madras Chancellor Surjit Singh Barnala presided over the function.

UNI