Panjab University's CSDE Organises NITI Aayog-Supported Skill-Gap Mapping Workshop in Chandigarh
Panjab University's Centre for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (CSDE) organised a significant stakeholder consultation on Sunday, focusing on skill-gap mapping as part of a project supported by NITI Aayog. This initiative aims to strengthen Chandigarh's skilling ecosystem by identifying critical gaps and aligning training programmes with industry needs.
Project Implementation and Leadership
The project is being implemented by Panjab University, with CSDE designated as the nodal academic and implementation agency by the Union Territory administration. The workshop was chaired by UT Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra, who emphasised the urgent need to align skilling programmes with emerging sectoral trends to enhance workforce readiness.
Key Insights from Workshop Participants
Meenakshi Goyal, Director of the R&D Cell, highlighted the crucial role of evidence-based research and inter-agency coordination in shaping effective skilling policies. Project Principal Investigator Suveera Gill outlined the project roadmap, noting that the findings would be instrumental in informing institutional reforms and ensuring better alignment with labour market demands.
Technology Demonstration and Sectoral Focus
A live demonstration of the skill-gap mapping tool was conducted by the project's technology partner, Dream Ahead Tech Pvt Ltd. Discussions during the workshop centred on several critical areas:
- Ethical data practices in skill assessment
- Strengthening curriculum–industry linkages
- Identifying skill gaps in key sectors including healthcare, banking, hospitality, and services
Recommendations for Future Action
Participants at the consultation flagged the need for continuous monitoring mechanisms and targeted interventions to improve employability outcomes. The workshop served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate on developing actionable strategies that bridge the gap between education and employment in Chandigarh.
This NITI Aayog-supported project represents a significant step toward creating a more responsive and effective skilling ecosystem in the region, with potential implications for policy formulation and implementation across various sectors.
