Holistic Education Signs Agreement with Dr. YS Parmar University
State-of-the-Art Incubation Center to Be Established for Vocational Students in Agriculture and Allied Fields
Shimla:
In a significant move to elevate vocational education in Himachal Pradesh, Samagra Shiksha Himachal has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. Under this initiative, the university will provide hands-on training to school students pursuing vocational education in agriculture and allied fields. The MoU was signed on Thursday evening between Rajesh Sharma, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, and Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of the university. This partnership will offer students experiential learning opportunities, enabling them to directly engage with modern technologies being implemented in agriculture and related sectors.
Key Initiative to Develop Practical Skills Among Students: Rajesh Sharma
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Sharma highlighted the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform vocational education in Himachal Pradesh. “We are committed to empowering students and presenting agriculture as a viable career option,” he said.
He added that the project is part of the World Bank-funded STARS initiative and aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy emphasizes fostering coordination between academic institutions and industries, improving educational quality, and promoting vocational skills. The initiative will help students develop practical skills and gain exposure to modern techniques, ultimately steering their careers in agriculture and allied fields. Sharma remarked, “Vocational education is the key to unlocking our students’ potential and connecting them with the demands of the modern workforce. This initiative will not only enhance their skills but also instill confidence and pride in pursuing a career in agriculture.”
A Matter of Pride for the University: Prof. Chandel
Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. YS Parmar University, expressed pride in this collaboration, describing it as a crucial step toward promoting agriculture as a respected and capable career option. “In our society, agriculture is often seen as inferior compared to professions like engineering or medicine. This perception has caused young people from agricultural backgrounds to shy away from it, leaving engineering and other students to fill the gap,” he explained.
He emphasized that agriculture holds immense potential, often overlooked in favor of white-collar jobs, which can be less rewarding and located far from one’s home region. Prof. Chandel stressed the need to educate students about the entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture, adding that this initiative will help shift this mindset.
Establishment of a State-of-the-Art Incubation Center
Under this project, Samagra Shiksha will provide approximately ₹2.8 crore to Dr. YS Parmar University for the establishment of a state-of-the-art incubation center spanning 1,800–2,400 square feet. The center will feature advanced agricultural and horticultural equipment, laboratories, and smart classrooms. Students will receive training as part of an internship program.
The university, in collaboration with local agribusinesses, non-governmental organizations, and farmer-producer organizations, will offer students experiential education in agriculture.
Vocational Training for Agriculture Students
The incubation center will provide training to 5,000 students from classes 9 to 12 across Himachal Pradesh who are pursuing vocational education in agriculture. Additionally, students will have access to virtual training sessions and field visits to Krishi Vigyan Kendras located in various districts.
This partnership is expected to bring about a revolutionary change in the field of vocational education in Himachal Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational landscape.
