Govt Pushes for Stronger Industry-Academia Ties to Boost Skill Development and Employability

Bengaluru Express

Bengaluru, July 11: The Karnataka government on Friday advocated for a robust government-academia-industry partnership as the key to achieving its skill development and employment goals.

Speaking at the first anniversary celebration of the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) centre at PES University, skill development and medical education minister Dr. Sharanaprakash R. Patil emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to bridge the skill gap and empower youth.

“This collaboration between Bajaj Auto and PES University reflects public-private partnership at its best — where the strength of academia meets the precision of industry,” Dr. Patil said. “Empowering youth, especially from underserved regions of Karnataka, is not just heartening, but a strategic investment in our future.”

The BEST centre at PES University, a CSR initiative by Bajaj Auto Ltd, provides engineering students with advanced training in contemporary technologies such as mechatronics, motion control, robotics, Industry 4.0, and smart manufacturing. In its first year, the programme trained 320 engineering students, all of whom secured employment with competitive salaries. Plans are underway to double student intake in the coming years.

Dr. Patil noted the success of the initiative, particularly its impact on students from Kalyana and Kittur Karnataka, highlighting it as a model for uplifting youth from aspirational districts.

“Sometimes, governments must learn from successful industry models. The training imparted here is a shining example of how we can align education with employability,” he added.

Prof. D. Jawahar, Chancellor of PES University, Dr. J. Surya Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, and Sudhakar Gudipati, Vice-President CSR, Bajaj Auto Ltd, were present on the occasion.