In a decisive move aimed at improving the quality of higher education in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed that all private educational institutions in the state, particularly those in the technical and vocational education sector, be brought under the purview of the State Institutional Ranking Framework (SIRF).
The objective is to establish consistent quality benchmarks across both government and privately-run institutions.
The Chief Minister was addressing a review meeting focused on the functioning of the Technical Education and Vocational Education departments.
He emphasized that it is imperative for technical institutions, regardless of ownership, to actively engage with national quality assessment frameworks.
These include the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), and the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
However, the CM advised that institutions must undertake comprehensive preparations before applying to these bodies, ensuring they uphold the standards of excellence expected at a national level.
Academic and Placement Highlights
The meeting, also attended by Technical Education Minister Ashish Patel and Vocational Education Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal, included a detailed briefing on recent developments and milestones.
It was revealed that Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow has opened 1.64 lakh seats for the 2024–25 academic session.
The university has revised its academic structure to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, adopting modern features such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a choice-based credit system, and flexible multiple entry and exit options. Integrated programs have also been introduced to give students wider academic and career pathways.
In terms of job placements, 12,739 students from the university found employment during the 2023–24 session. The top annual package offered reached a notable Rs 59.91 lakh, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness and appeal of graduates from Uttar Pradesh’s technical education system.
Polytechnic and Diploma-Level Technical Education
The Chief Minister reviewed the status of diploma-level technical education and was informed that 2,139 polytechnic institutes are currently operational in the state. These include:
- 147 government-run polytechnics
- 19 aided institutions
- 1,948 private institutions
- 18 public-private partnership (PPP) institutes
Together, these institutions have a total intake capacity exceeding 2.68 lakh students, though current enrolment stands at around 1.15 lakh students.
The CM urged officials to fill all vacant academic and non-academic posts across institutions promptly, underlining the importance of adequate staffing in maintaining educational standards.
Vocational and Industrial Training
The meeting also shed light on developments in vocational education and skill development. Officials reported that 324 government and 2,982 private Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are operational across the state.
As part of an upgradation initiative, 212 government ITIs have been modernized in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited. These institutions now feature state-of-the-art laboratories and trained faculty, and they offer both long-term vocational courses and short-term skill enhancement programs.
For the 2024–25 academic session, around 1.25 lakh trainees have already secured apprenticeship placements and employment opportunities through various state and central schemes.
Additionally, over 30,000 students have submitted applications under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme.
A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the discussion on the establishment of modern skill laboratories in at least 37 districts.
These labs were developed through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from reputed industrial houses, helping bridge the gap between education and practical industry needs.
Officials also highlighted the success of monthly placement drives, which have significantly boosted employment prospects in the state.
Over the past five years, more than 2.67 lakh apprentices have been placed through initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the Chief Minister Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (CMAPS).
Focus on Industry-Academia Alignment
Reiterating his government’s commitment to job-oriented education, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that technical and vocational education must be closely aligned with the evolving demands of industry.
He made it clear that every student pursuing such education should undergo mandatory industrial internships in tandem with their academic coursework.
This, he asserted, would ensure graduates are better prepared for the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
The CM’s vision is to establish Uttar Pradesh as a model state in technical and vocational education by promoting standardized quality assessment, industry collaboration, and innovative curriculum reforms, thereby preparing students to meet both national and global employment standards.
