National Conference on Perspectives and Practices in Vocational Education and Training

The PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal hosted a National Conference on “Perspectives and Practices in Vocational Education and Training” on February 1st and 2nd, 2024. The conference attracted more than 100 participants from all over India, including experts, representatives from various organizations and institutions, researchers, and students from different vocational sectors.

Shri Inder Singh Parmar, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister- Higher Education, Technical Education and AYUSH Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated the conference as Chief Guest. Hon’ble Minister emphasized the need to integrate technology into the traditional skills of village artisans through vocational training in his inaugural speech. In his address, Shri Inder Singh Parmar urged a shift from theoretical knowledge to practical skills that enhance livelihood opportunities. He highlighted the significance of guiding the youth towards progress and success in various fields through vocational education.

In the inaugural session, distinguished personalities including Dr. Sandeep Nair, Registrar, Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Dr. Manas Kumar Mishra, Director, GL Bajaj Institute of Technology and Management, Greater Noida, and Prof. Jaideep Mandal, Principal, Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, PSSCIVE and Programme Coordinator, Prof. Saurabh Prakash were present.

Prof. Jaideep Mandal, emphasized aligning with the objectives of NEP 2020 to eliminate differentiation between ‘profession’ and ‘vocation.’

Dr. Sandeep Nair, stressed the need to bridge the gap between school education, vocational education, technical education, and industry requirements. Dr. Manas Kumar Mishra, proposed the inclusion of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality courses in professional education.

In the inauguration session, Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, PSSCIVE, showcased the work and achievements made by PSSCIVE, Bhopal. Prof. Saurabh Prakash, Conference Coordinator, highlighted that more than 100 research papers are being presented during the two days conference, covering various themes, such as integration of emerging technologies in vocational education, entrepreneurship development, and competency-based assessment. He also expressed gratitude to the experts, researchers, and attendees for their participation.

Throughout the two-day conference, participants were engaged in 14 sessions, exploring into a range of topics surrounding vocational education and training. Research papers were presented, showcasing the latest insights and innovations in the field. The conference provided a platform for fruitful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among stakeholders committed to advancing vocational education.

On the second day of the conference, Keynote Speaker, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director, National Skills Network, said that connecting with people to bring about a big change is also networking. Globally today we are extremely digitally enabled. She said that now we need to promote vocational education and work-integrated education, which helps in employment and is also helpful in the world of work.

Another Keynote Speaker, Dr. Anil Kumar Dubey, Director, SPREI, Anand, while addressing the students, said that special attention should be given to renewable energy in vocational education. The renewable energy sector is growing rapidly in the world and renewable energy is being considered the best alternative to conventional energy in the future.

In the valedictory session, Shri Gautam Tetwal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Employment of the Madhya Pradesh Government, presided the ceremony. He inaugurated the Selfie Point and an IoT-based Irrigation Monitoring and Control System, both initiatives aimed at promoting skill development and vocational education within the institute. Hon’ble Minister emphasized the commitment to making Madhya Pradesh a hub for skilled professionals, fostering self-reliance and addressing unemployment challenges. He underscored the importance of collaboration among government, educational institutions, and professionals to achieve the shared goal of empowering youth with relevant skills for the workforce.

Also read: Most recent initiatives in skills and education from MSDE and NSDC

Ms. Garima Jhamb, (Sr. Head – NEP Implementation & HR), ASDC shared their views on the implementation of vocational education. She emphasized the industry support will always be there towards implementing of vocational courses. Dr. Ajay Kumar Bhushan, Vice Chancellor, Scope Global Skills University mentioned the Importance of skills in Education System in India. Prof. V S Mehrotra emphasized the significance of vocational education in daily life.

In the end, Prof. Saurabh Prakash, Programme Coordinator presented the brief report of the conference. Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, PSSCIVE, Bhopal had given the Vote of Thanks. The participants express their gratitude to PSSCIVE, Bhopal for hosting the outstanding National Conference. The conference concluded with insightful conclusions drawn from the presented research, reaffirming the collective commitment to advancing vocational education and training in India.