Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada district administration has called for stronger coordination between educational institutions, industries and govt departments to address a shortage of skilled manpower in the district.
The move comes despite thousands of students graduating from colleges every year, with industries flagging a widening mismatch between the skills students possess and the expertise they are expected to need in the coming years.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the Dakshina Kannada District Skill Mission, chaired by DC Darshan HV.A district skill development report presented by nodal officer and KPT lecturer Harish CP compiled data from industries, colleges, govt departments and students.
The report assessed future skill requirements in the district, placement trends in educational institutions, average salary packages, students’ expectations and the reach of various govt-sponsored skill development schemes.
Reviewing the findings, the DC stressed the need for effective implementation of state and central govt skill development programmes to improve employability among graduates. He directed departments to coordinate efforts to strengthen students’ practical skills and industry readiness before they enter the job market.
The DC also emphasised the state govt’s Nipuna scheme, which focuses on improving workforce skills through industry participation. He called for wider publicity for the scheme and suggested forming a dedicated team, including representatives from industrial associations, to strengthen collaboration with industries in the district.
The meeting was attended by zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi, district skill development officer Pradeep D’Souza, joint director of District Industries Centre Gokuldas Nayak, ZP planning director K Jayaram, KCCI president PB Ahmed Mudassar and officials from various departments.
