Union Education Minister asks State Universities to Move Beyond Degree Distribution to Skill Building

Pradhan also stressed the need to transform universities from mere “degree-awarding institutions” into “competence-enhancing institutions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan delivered a compelling address at the closing session of a two-day National Workshop on Multi-disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, held on May 1, 2025. The event, attended by prominent academicians from state universities across India, focused on implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and strategizing the future of higher education to meet the nation’s evolving needs.

The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed to foster dialogue on the role of state universities in achieving the goals of NEP 2020 through the PM-USHA framework. Launched in 2013, PM-USHA is a centrally sponsored program designed to provide strategic funding to over 300 state universities and their affiliated colleges, focusing on equity, access, and excellence in higher education. The event provided a platform for educators to deliberate on the practical implementation of multi-disciplinary education and research, ensuring alignment with national priorities. It featured interactive sessions, group discussions, and a roadmap for transforming state universities into global centers of excellence.

In his address, Minister Pradhan expressed gratitude to the attendees for their active participation, stating, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the esteemed members of the education fraternity for their contributions to this workshop. I am confident that this two-day brainstorming session will pave the way for a future-ready strategy for our state universities, fulfilling the nation’s expectations under the PM-USHA initiative.”

Pradhan underscored the historical significance of universities in India, invoking the vision of former President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who once said during an address at Delhi University that students learn more on university campuses than in classrooms. “Dr. Prasad believed universities are not just centers of study but also hubs for character building. It is our collective responsibility to create campuses that meet the demands of the modern era,” he remarked. He drew parallels with the establishment of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya before independence, which aimed to strengthen nationalism, urging today’s universities to redefine their roles in the 21st century.

The minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of shifting from traditional "Research & Development" to "Research for Development," emphasizing the need for universities to prepare a 25-year roadmap to support India’s growth trajectory. “India is progressing rapidly despite challenges. In the coming years, our economy will reach $30 trillion, making us one of the top three global economies. Our universities must prepare now to support this growth,” Pradhan asserted. He called for the adoption of new pedagogies and innovative teaching methods to ensure students are equipped with skills relevant to a changing world, a core objective of the PM-USHA scheme.

He advocated for universities to use regional languages as a medium of instruction to bring about a “paradigm shift” in society. “By aligning with national priorities and societal needs, universities must develop a strategic roadmap for the future,” he said, encouraging institutions to create exemplary models for NEP implementation that could serve as national benchmarks under PM-USHA’s guidance.

Pradhan also stressed the need to transform universities from mere “degree-awarding institutions” into “competence-enhancing institutions.” He emphasized improving the quality of education, increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial capacity of youth—goals that align with PM-USHA’s focus on producing competitive graduates, post-graduates, and PhDs. “Our goal is not just material growth but also character growth, and universities must lead in fulfilling this social aspiration,” he added.

The workshop concluded with a group photograph of attendees, symbolizing a collective commitment to advancing higher education in India. Images from the event showed Minister Pradhan engaging with participants, exchanging mementos, and addressing the gathering at a podium adorned with the Ministry of Education’s emblem. The event also featured a backdrop highlighting the theme of the workshop, “National Workshop on Multi-disciplinary Education & Research Universities,” reflecting its focus on holistic educational reform under PM-USHA.

The National Workshop on MERU is seen as a significant step toward realizing the objectives of NEP 2020, with PM-USHA playing a pivotal role in funding and supporting state universities to become centers of excellence. With the government’s emphasis on multi-disciplinary education, research, and innovation, state universities are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s higher education landscape. As Minister Pradhan concluded, “Let us work together to build universities that not only produce graduates but also nurture leaders who will drive India’s growth in the 21st century, with the support of transformative initiatives like PM-USHA.”

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