It is time for
Sikkim to focus on revamping its higher education landscape to secure a
brighter future for its youth. Instead of promoting a slew of lesser-known
private universities, the Sikkim government must channel its efforts towards
establishing premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, NIFTs, and other Institutes
of National Importance (INIs) in the state.
In recent years,
Sikkim has witnessed a surge in private universities offering degrees across a
wide array of disciplines. However, the majority of these institutions lack the
credibility, infrastructure, and faculty expertise required to provide quality
education. Students graduating from these universities often find themselves
ill-prepared to compete in the national or global job market. Their degrees,
while legitimate on paper, hold little value in comparison to those from INIs
or well-established public institutions. This proliferation of substandard
private universities is not only diluting the educational ecosystem but also
placing a financial burden on families. Parents invest substantial amounts of
money, only to see their children struggle in a competitive world that
increasingly values skill and brand recognition.
Institutes of
National Importance are synonymous with academic excellence, state-of-the-art
research facilities, and robust industry connections. Their presence in Sikkim
would enhance educational standards, providing students access to world-class
education and fostering innovation and critical thinking. A lack of quality
higher education forces many students to migrate to other states, leading to a
brain drain. Establishing INIs would enable Sikkim to retain its brightest
minds. Moreover, graduates from INIs are highly sought after by top recruiters,
ensuring better career prospects for Sikkimese youth. Courses offered by INIs
are tailored to meet the evolving needs of industries, ensuring that students
are job-ready. The presence of such institutions would also attract
investments, foster local entrepreneurship, and create ancillary industries,
catalyzing economic growth.
To achieve this
transformation, the government must engage with the central government and
advocate for the establishment of INIs in the state, leveraging its unique
geographical and cultural advantages. Providing land, infrastructure, and
financial incentives to attract premier institutions is essential.
Strengthening existing public universities and colleges to meet national
standards is equally crucial. Collaborating with industries to ensure
curriculum relevance and offer hands-on training opportunities will bridge the
gap between education and employment. At the same time, focusing on skill-based
education through vocational training programmes will cater to students who may
not pursue traditional academic paths.
By prioritizing
the establishment of Institutes of National Importance and rethinking its
higher education policies, the state can pave the way for a more secure and
prosperous future for its youth. It is time to move beyond the allure of quick
fixes offered by private universities and invest in institutions that truly
empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
