Chennai: Heads of departments (HoDs) in universities and colleges across Tamil Nadu will now be primarily responsible for imparting skills to students and facilitating job opportunities, according to a circular issued by higher education secretary Dheeraj Kumar to state universities and colleges.The circular said the system needed a revamp, as placement coordinators had been responsible for preparing students until now. Under the revised system, HoDs will coordinate training, identify industry requirements, and lead placement efforts.Coordinators will continue to handle placement activities and train students in preparing CVs, attending interviews, and taking aptitude tests. They will also conduct mock interviews and tests.The circular noted that institutions had focused largely on theoretical learning, while students also needed industry-relevant skills. HoDs have been directed to establish tie-ups with at least three to five relevant industries. The associations should be formalised through MoUs for regular interaction, curriculum feedback, industry-related assignments, and mini projects.The objective is to establish long-term industry interactions. HoDs have been asked to approach the responsibility with seriousness and commitment rather than treat it as a routine formality.After students acquire foundational skills, institutions should sponsor them for internships that last at least three months. Students should not be sent without basic training, as industries may be reluctant to accept unskilled candidates.The initiative will cover all departments, including science and commerce. In the language and social science departments, generic skills such as digital marketing may be introduced.Each HoD must identify two to three skill-training verticals, with six skills under each. Institutions have also been asked to nominate five members for placement training by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE) and communicate the details by Nov 16.TANSCHE will review the initiative along with the “one degree, six skills” programme and monitor efforts to increase higher-order thinking skills in semester examinations.However, teacher associations have opposed the directive. “Skilling alone should not be the objective of education. Govt arts and science colleges have more than 7,000 vacancies, making it difficult to carry out routine tasks. The state govt should prioritise appointing permanent assistant professors,” said S Suresh, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers’ Association (TNGCTA).
