Lucknow, May 2 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday underscored the importance of prioritising innovation and hands-on training in technical and vocational education.
During the review meeting of the Technical and Vocational Education departments, the CM said that over the past eight years, the state government has undertaken several impactful initiatives to make technical education more accessible, high-quality, innovative and outcome-driven, the results of which are now becoming evident.
Appreciating the successful implementation of the State Institutional Ranking Framework (SIRF) for government and aided polytechnic institutes, he directed that private institutions be brought under the framework as well, to maintain uniform quality benchmarks across the board.
Yogi stressed that all technical institutions must actively participate in quality evaluations conducted by bodies such as NAAC, NBA, and NIRF. However, he underlined the need for thorough preparation before applying for these accreditations to maintain excellence.
During the meeting, it was informed that 1.64 lakh seats have been enrolled for the 2024-25 academic session in Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. The university has aligned its curriculum with the National Education Policy 2020, introducing MOOC-based learning, a choice-based credit system, multiple entry and exit options and integrated programmes.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 12,739 students from the university secured employment, with the highest annual package reaching Rs 59.91 lakh. Similarly, students from MMMUT, Gorakhpur, were placed in reputed firms with packages up to Rs 52 lakh per annum.
The CM directed universities and engineering colleges to strengthen practical training and ensure that laboratories are well-equipped. Besides, he directed the officials to expedite the recruitment process for all vacant academic and non-academic positions.
He directed that all infrastructure and campus development projects related to the newly established Government Engineering Colleges in Basti, Gonda, Mirzapur and Pratapgarh be completed within stipulated timelines, ensuring these institutions become fully operational from the next academic session. He said that the courses offered must align with the local industrial landscape and emerging job opportunities.
In the review of diploma-level technical education, it was noted that 2,139 polytechnic institutes are currently functioning in UP. These include 147 government, 18 PPP-mode, 19 aided and 1,948 private institutions, with a total intake capacity of over 2.68 lakh students.
The department has introduced digital classrooms, Aadhaar-based biometric attendance, industry-integrated programmes and cutting-edge technologies such as drone technology, cyber security, data science and machine learning to modernise the curriculum. Since 2017, the state has established 39 new government polytechnics and provided training to over 13,000 faculty members and officers.
The Department of Vocational Education and Skill Development informed Yogi that 324 government and 2,982 private ITIs are operational in the state. With support from Tata Technologies Limited, 212 government ITIs have been upgraded with modern laboratories and trained instructors. These institutions now offer both long-term courses and short-term skill development programmes.
For the 2024–25 academic year, approximately 1.25 lakh trainees have secured apprenticeship and employment opportunities. More than 30,000 students have also applied under the PM Internship Scheme.
The CM said that technical and vocational education must be closely aligned with industry requirements. Every student, he insisted, should undergo a mandatory industrial internship alongside academic training.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping the youth with practical technical skills and promoting self-reliance. Education, he stressed, must go beyond certificates, it should be practical, skill-based and purpose-driven.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress in technical education, he said that UP is advancing with a forward-looking and robust policy framework. He urged officials to ensure effective implementation of all initiatives and to provide every youth with opportunities that match their talents, thereby contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
UNI AB GNK