The Punjab Higher Education Department has launched several initiatives to promote higher education in the state under visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. These schemes aim to provide students with career-oriented courses, employment and self-employment opportunities.
Underlining the major initiatives, the Higher Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that budget provision of Rs. 3.25 crore has been allocated for Vocational and Skill Orientation Program, which focuses on making government college students employable.
The Minister said that Scheme of Career and Couseling in Govt Colleges provides career guidance and counseling to students in government colleges with a budget provision of Rs. 3.25 crore. The Cabinet Minister further said that Industrial Visit and Exposure Scheme has budget allocation of Rs. 2 crore and aims to prepare students for future employment by exposing them to various industries.
An amount of Rs. 33.44 lacs has already been released under this scheme. Mr. Bains added that budget provision of Rs. 8.52 crore has been made for the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala with Rs. 5 crore already released.
He said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chair established under Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) during the financial year 2023-24, this initiative has a budget provision of Rs. 1 crore. The Higher Education Minister said that these initiatives demonstrate the Punjab government's commitment to enhancing higher education in the state.
By providing students with access to career-oriented courses and employment opportunities, the government aims to empower the youth and drive economic growth.