SRCC Centenary: Education Minister Pralhad Joshi Highlights 4.5 Crore Higher Education Students, 2.3 Lakh Startups And India’s Growth | Watch

New Delhi: Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi underscored India's progress in higher education, startups, skill development, manufacturing, and energy during his address at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi on Saturday. The occasion marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation alongside other dignitaries.

Joshi, speaking to students, commended the college for its implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and lauded the institution for contributing to India's vision of a developed nation. Higher Education student enrollment reaches 4.5 Crore Joshi spotlighted the growth in higher education, reporting that the total number of students enrolled in higher education has surged to 4.5 crore, a notable increase of around 1 crore over the past decade.

He attributed this expansion to the broader education ecosystem, as well as the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Modi. India now has over 2.3 Lakh startups The minister also highlighted India's emergence as a prominent startup hub, positioning the nation as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. Joshi noted that before the inception of Startup India in 2016, India boasted fewer than 400 startups.

Currently, this number has surpassed 2,30,000, with ventures not limited to metropolitan cities like Delhi and Bengaluru but also thriving in Tier-2 cities. Joshi emphasized the role of SRCC students in this burgeoning startup landscape. Focus on skills & global opportunities Joshi underscored the importance of skilled human resources to meet rising global demand for dependable manufacturing partners and high-quality services.

He pointed out a significant gap in skilled manpower worldwide and emphasized that India has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its large youthful population. Joshi credited the National Education Policy and various skill development initiatives for bridging this gap and preparing young Indians for emerging opportunities. Joshi stressed the interconnectedness of education, skilling, and economic growth for India's broader development goals.

India needs to become a Global skilling hub The minister urged India to position itself as a global skilling hub to support its manufacturing ambitions, highlighting energy availability as critical to this objective. Concluding his remarks, Joshi encouraged students to seize the opportunities presented by India's growth trajectory and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the SRCC community for their contributions.