CHENNAI: Former Anna University Vice-Chancellor E Balagurusamy has written a letter to School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, calling for the strengthening of vocational education in the State so that the students form a competent workforce and contribute to the socio-economic development of the State.
“It is essential to educate and enlighten the public about the relevance of vocational education. It is not in any way inferior to general education but is absolutely relevant to enhance the quality, productivity and competitiveness of State Human Resources. The government must develop a road map comprising curriculum and training modules based on present and future needs of industries and labour market needs,” he wrote.
Noting that Tamil Nadu has a large population in their youth, Balagurusamy said that while more than 10 lakh students pass out from secondary schools, only around 8 lakh students go to higher secondary schools. “With a Gross Enrollment Ratio of 50.4 per cent, almost half of the Class 12 pass-outs do not go for higher education. This means a large percentage of youth drop out from their education at different stages,” he said.
He has also recommended that at least half of the students in schools should get exposure to vocational education and that it should be introduced from class 9 it self. Suggesting mechanisms to implement this, Balagurusamy urged the government to invest in infrastructure for quality training, sufficient teachers and trainers, and provision of apprenticeship, guidance and counselling to the vocational students.