Nagpur: Reiterating need for timely issuance of degree certificates and industry-oriented education, Maharashtra higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil on Saturday said universities must ensure students receive their degrees without unnecessary delays, as many graduates begin pursuing higher education, employment and opportunities abroad immediately after completing their courses.Addressing the first convocation ceremony of Ramdeobaba University (RBU), Patil said digital technologies such as DigiLocker and digitally signed certificates have made it possible for universities to provide degrees promptly and efficiently.“Students should not have to wait for their degree certificates. Once examinations are over, many move on to higher studies or employment. Universities must ensure that degrees are available on time,” he said.Highlighting objectives of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Patil said the previous education framework had produced graduates who often lacked industry-relevant skills, contributing to unemployment despite rising educational qualifications. “The biggest challenge was the disconnect between education and employability. The new policy seeks to bridge that gap through skill development, vocational education and practical exposure,” he said.Patil stressed that internships and hands-on industry training are becoming integral to higher education, including in traditional streams such as Arts, Science and Commerce. Students, he said, must gain real-world experience before entering the workforce.“India cannot become a developed nation on strength of routine education alone. We need researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs who can secure patents and generate wealth for society and themselves,” he said.“True success lies in our ability to turn adversity into advantage,” said Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, chairman, Shri Ramdeobaba Sarvajanik Samiti (SRSS). RBU VC Rajesh Pande urged graduates to learn and unlearn in the age of AI.Degrees were conferred upon graduates of MBA, MCA and MTech, with 6 medals for academic excellence, including gold medals to Aniket Pandey (MBA), Purva Vyawahare (MCA), and Chetali Karanjekar (MTech), and silver medals to Jessica Bhatt (MBA), Jahnavee Singh (MCA), and Rupak Bhaisare (MTech). Rajendra Purohit, general secretary (SRSS), and others were present on the dais.
