Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted his government’s commitment to reshaping higher education to boost employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. Speaking at the “Campus to Career (C2C) Summit,” he stressed the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and the government. Siddaramaiah credited Karnataka’s economic growth to long-term investments in education and human capital.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with other ministers and officials, attended the event. Siddaramaiah underscored the transformative power of education, drawing parallels to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on education as a catalyst for social change. He emphasized the role of education in fostering a progressive and empowered society through knowledge, skill development, and inclusive growth.
The Chief Minister highlighted Karnataka’s economic prowess, citing a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 30.7 lakh crore and Bengaluru’s status as a major technology hub. With 66 colleges per lakh population, Karnataka leads in higher education availability. However, Siddaramaiah stressed the need for educational outcomes beyond mere access.
Siddaramaiah outlined the government’s efforts to bridge the education-employment gap, including initiatives like the Yuva Nidhi scheme providing financial aid and skill training to graduates. He also mentioned the state’s industrial policy aiming to create 20 lakh jobs and the KWIN City project for a future-ready economy. The Chief Minister called for universities to align curricula with industry needs and prepare students for real-world challenges.
The Campus to Career Summit, according to Siddaramaiah, serves as a crucial platform to connect academic learning with industry requirements. He commended the Higher Education Department for introducing innovative programs in line with evolving industry demands. The department’s collaborations with organizations like Wipro and Infosys provide students with internship opportunities and skill development support.
Siddaramaiah expressed optimism that the summit would enhance higher education quality and empower youth, fostering inclusive opportunities for students across rural and urban areas. He emphasized the collective goal of ensuring every graduate in Karnataka is job-ready and every institution is future-oriented.
