The Principal Secretary of the Department of Skill Development and Training, Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, has issued directives to officials to encourage students in polytechnic colleges to expand their horizons beyond their prescribed curricula. This entails engaging in innovative projects, publishing research papers, and exploring online educational opportunities.

Mr. Suresh Kumar delivered these directives during a conference titled "Transforming Polytechnic Academics - Towards a Globally Competitive Workforce" held in Vijayawada on Saturday, October 28. At this event, he emphasized the crucial role of technical skills as the primary drivers of general employment prospects. Principals from both government and private polytechnic colleges across the state were in attendance.

In addition, he urged the college principals to regularly involve parents in discussions about the significance of prioritizing employment opportunities over pursuing higher education following the completion of a diploma course by their children.

Furthermore, Mr. Suresh Kumar advocated for the engagement of skill counselors in technical education and the establishment of a vocational education ecosystem for training students in emerging technologies. He stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and implementing a credit system. Mr. Suresh Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining educational standards and disclosed that the department would conduct an academic audit.

Mr. Suresh Kumar also expressed appreciation for the Department of Technical Education's efforts in providing reasonably priced textbooks and lab manuals for students. He inaugurated the newly developed website of the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) and recognized the authors and editors of the department's textbooks.

Chadalavada Nagarani, the Director of the Department of Technical Education, urged both college principals and department officials to ensure the effective implementation of reforms in alignment with the NEP 2020. She explained that add-on courses were being designed in accordance with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) guidelines, and students would receive intensive training in these courses. Students would also have the option to participate in online training programs available through the SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) portal, with certificates and additional credits being awarded for successful completion.

Regarding the "academic audit" conducted by the department, she announced that state-level rankings would be awarded to polytechnic colleges, both in the government and private sectors.

Other attendees at the event included Deputy Director (Training and Placement) M.A.V. Ramakrishna, Joint Director of Technical Education V. Padma Rao, and various other dignitaries.