Mere degree doesn’t prepare for market, that’s the fix we need: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about India's youth concerns and the education-to-employment gap during an interview with The Indian Express. The protest at Jantar Mantar was primarily about employment issues, not just the NEET paper leak, she said. The protesters were diverse, with varying concerns like unemployment and government school quality.

Sitharaman believes the current education system does not adequately prepare students for the job market. While government jobs are scarce (only 1-2% of total employment), the number of graduates far outpaces the available quality private sector jobs with formal contracts. She argues that universities should provide skills and management training to help graduates become either employees or entrepreneurs.

Additionally, government schools are not an ideal choice for many families due to a lack of quality education, inadequate infrastructure, and the need for teachers to live in the villages. Sitharaman suggests substantial reforms in the education system and government schools to make them a genuine alternative to private institutions.