Title of the Practice

Kaushal Bharat Kushal Bharat – Alagappa University’s Pursuit of Skill Excellence

Objectives of the Practice
 Addressing Skill Gaps: To study diverse skill gaps in industries and design need-
based vocational curricula aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS) to
enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills.
 Inclusive Skill Development: To offer exclusive skill development programs for
marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.
 Curriculum Integration: To integrate skill development modules into the
academic curriculum, ensuring students acquire both theoretical knowledge and
practical skills.
 Enhancing Experiential Skills: To enhance learners' experiential skills through
industry-relevant training programs.
 Industry Partnerships: To establish strong partnerships with industries for
designing and delivering skill development programs that meet industry needs.
 Recognized Certifications: To provide recognized certifications for acquired skills,
enhancing the value of training programs.
 Fostering Creativity and Entrepreneurship: To develop and nurture creativity
and entrepreneurial skills, encouraging innovative thinking and entrepreneurial
pursuits through co-curricular activities.
Context
 Global Transformations: Globalization and economic downturns have altered the
nature of work, leading to youth unemployment and underemployment. The COVID-
19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, highlighting the need for a resilient
and adaptable workforce. Governments worldwide now recognize vocational and
skill education as crucial to development strategies.
 India's Demographic Challenge: By 2030, India is projected to have the world's
largest working-age population. Ensuring meaningful employment for students
outside specialized streams remains a challenge, necessitating curriculum reforms.
 Policy Support: Organizations like the University Grants Commission and NITI
Aayog emphasize equipping the workforce with technical capabilities and diverse
skills to meet industry needs. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates
for integrating vocational education into mainstream education to enhance
employability.
  Local Industrial Growth: Despite a skilled youth population, districts under
Alagappa University's jurisdiction, such as Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram, have
seen limited industrial growth. The University aims to bridge this gap by enhancing
industry-specific skills, fostering innovation, and instilling an entrepreneurial
mind-set among the youth.
The Practice
 Alagappa Institute of Skill Development (AISD):
 ALU Established Skill Development Centre in April 2013, which
aimed to train rural youth for industrial sectors and self-employment. It was
upgraded as the AISD in May 2015.
 AISD offers vocational undergraduate and postgraduate programs
(B.Voc. and M.Voc.) and houses the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and
Career Hub (EIC Hub), Garment Training Unit, Alagappa University-
Learnet Institute of Skills, and Small Industries Services Unit (SISU).
 Public-Private Partnerships:
In October 2013, Alagappa University partnered with IL&FS Skills,
New Delhi, to establish the Alagappa University-IL&FS Institute of Skills
(AU-IIS), renamed ALU-Learnet Institute of Skills in 2019, offering
placement-linked short-term skill training programs.
 Specific Initiatives:
 Garment Training Unit: Established in 2007 to offer skill training to
rural women in apparel/textile sectors.
 EIC Hub: Launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in 2019 it
focuses on futuristic skills and nurturing innovation and start up
interest among students.
 Institution's Innovation Council (IIC): Established in 2019 under the
Ministry of Education Innovation Cell to enhance innovation skills and
ventures among youth.
 EDII- IEDP: The Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation
Institute, Tamil Nadu (EDII-TN), established in 2001, is a non-profit,
apex organization dedicated to entrepreneurship education and self-
employment promotion in Tamil Nadu. Utilizing a Hub and Spoke
model, EDII-TN's Academic Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Development Program (IEDP) has connected over 800 colleges
 through a network of resourceful Universities or colleges serving as
hub institutions. Alagappa University, recognized as a hub for the
Sivagangai and Ramnad districts, oversees 41 higher education
spoke institutions in these areas.
 Alagappa University-Innovation and Start-up Policy (AISP):
Formulated in 2021 to promote student and faculty-driven innovations
and start-ups.
 Curriculum Integration:
 Skill-oriented modules are integrated into 75% of the 1804 courses offered
in 2023. Industrial internships and visits are integral parts of the curriculum.
 Value-Added Courses: Introduced to impart life skills and explore new skill
domains.
 Industry Collaboration:
The University Business Collaboration Centre has signed 25 MOUs with
industries and conducted various skill training programs.
 Capacity Development:
The University organized 430 capacity development and skill enhancement
initiatives during 2018-2023, covering life skills, language and
communication skills, and technological skills.
Evidence of Success
Graduates and Employment:
 AISD produced 220 B.Voc (Fashion Technology) graduates out of
which 81% have secured gainful employment and 287 B.Voc
(Software Development) graduates with a placement rate of 78%.
 Alagappa University-Learnet offered 13 short-term skill training
programs with 53% trainees employed in relevant fields.
Skill Development Camps:
 The EIC Hub organized training camps in ten affiliated colleges,
offering certificate programs benefiting 993 individuals.
 The Garment Training Unit trained 1079 individuals.
Innovation and Start-ups:
31 scholars of the University are co-inventors of patents, and 30 projects are
sanctioned under the Entrepreneurship-In-Residence scheme. Seven students have
received approval to set up start-ups, obtaining UDYAM Registration Certificates
 issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises reflecting the recognition
of their innovative and creative skills.

Developments of Innovative COVID-19 Preventive Measures

Students and trainers at the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Career Hub

(EIC Hub) have designed and developed several innovative devices aimed at enhancing
safety and hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. These devices include:

 Mechanical Cylinder and Piston-Based Toilet Liquid Sanitizer Dispenser:

This device ensures efficient and automatic dispensing of liquid sanitizer for toilets,
promoting better hygiene practices.

 Sensor-Based Touch-Free Sanitizer Dispenser: To minimize contact and

prevent the spread of germs, this dispenser uses sensors to automatically dispense
sanitizer without requiring physical touch.

 Cost-Effective UV-Based Air Disinfectant for Air Conditioner Systems:

This UV-based disinfectant is designed to purify the air in air conditioning systems,
providing a cleaner and safer environment.

These innovations reflect the EIC Hub's commitment to addressing public health challenges
through practical and cost-effective solutions.

National Recognition:

Alagappa University was recognized as a PERFORMER in the Atal

Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement (ARIIA) 2021.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
 Resource Constraints: Availability of qualified trainers and technology
for effective skill training.
 Awareness and Participation: Generating awareness and encouraging
participation among marginalized and underprivileged sections,
requiring targeted outreach efforts.