Kerala will take steps to align higher education with emerging job opportunities and technological advancements, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said on Friday. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a newly constructed 23,000-square-foot academic block at GEMS Arts and Science Autonomous College at Ramapuram.
Speaking at the event, Satheesan stated that the government would prioritize transforming higher education in tune with the changing global workplace. As part of this initiative, a 'Global Job Watch Tower' system will be established, involving experts focused on 12 to 15 key sectors to continuously monitor rapidly changing employment trends worldwide.
Based on reports from the Global Job Watch Tower, university curricula will be periodically restructured, with greater emphasis placed on job-oriented courses. The state government aims to focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, and genetic engineering to create new employment opportunities.
Additionally, the government plans to bring campuses of reputed foreign legacy universities and innovative courses to Kerala following the implementation of the University Bill by October.
During his address, Satheesan also acknowledged the 'Njangalum Collegeilekku' (We Too, To College) initiative implemented by GEMS College. The program is designed to help women who discontinued their studies for various reasons resume their higher education. According to the chief minister, this scheme will be extended to all 140 Assembly constituencies, with expectations to help at least 25,000 women complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Satheesan further advised students not to limit their education strictly to examinations and marks, encouraging them instead to develop an interest in knowledge and a spirit of continuous inquiry.
GEMS College, established in the cooperative sector in 2008, was noted by the chief minister as the first college in the country to receive an 'A' grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council alongside autonomous status.
"Aligning higher education with evolving global job trends is a critical step for preparing the workforce of tomorrow. By focusing on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, along with continuous monitoring through a dedicated job watch tower, the state is taking a structured approach to bridging the skills gap. Furthermore, initiatives that enable women to resume their education across multiple constituencies will expand the talent pool and drive inclusive economic participation." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes
