Bengaluru, May 15: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that his government is committed to transforming higher education into a pathway for employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the education sector, industry, and government.
During the inauguration of the ‘Campus to Career (C2C) Summit: Future-Ready Universities and Colleges,’ Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka’s emergence as one of India’s most dynamic economies is a result of decades of investment in education and human capital.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, Industry Minister M.B. Patil, Information and Communication Technology Minister Priyank Kharge, Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharanprakash Patil, Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy, senior officials, industry representatives, educators, and students.
Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of education, referencing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that education is a powerful tool for social change and empowerment. He stated that the Karnataka government also recognizes that education plays a crucial role in building an equitable, progressive, and empowered society by creating opportunities for knowledge, skill development, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) currently stands at ₹30.7 lakh crore, with Bengaluru hosting 875 global capability centers, making it one of the leading technology hubs in the world.
He pointed out that Karnataka has 66 colleges per one lakh population, which is the highest in the country, reflecting the strength and reach of its higher education system. However, he stressed that mere access to education is not enough.
Siddaramaiah stated that the focus is now on converting enrollment into meaningful outcomes, ensuring that every student entering higher education is prepared for employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
He mentioned that the government is actively working to bridge the gap between education and employment through various initiatives. Referring to the Youth Fund Scheme, he explained that this program provides financial assistance and modern skill training to help graduates transition from education to employment.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s industrial policy aimed at creating 2 million jobs and noted that the proposed ₹40,000 crore Queen City project near Bengaluru will lay the foundation for a future-ready economy focused on knowledge, health, innovation, and employment opportunities.
Calling for close collaboration between universities and industries, Siddaramaiah emphasized that curricula should reflect market realities and institutions must prepare students for practical challenges.
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