{
  "id": 1376921,
  "title": "Mere degree doesn’t prepare for market, that’s the fix we need: FM Nirmala Sitharaman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/mere-degree-doesnt-prepare-for-market-thats-the-fix-we-need-fm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T23:50:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mere-degree-doesnt-prepare-for-market-thats-the-fix-we-need-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-10836255/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an interview with The Indian Express, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed concerns raised by India's youth following the Jantar Mantar protest. The protest's issues were not limited to the NEET paper leak, but also included concerns about employment and the education-to-employment gap. Sitharaman acknowledged the diverse range of issues faced by young people, noting that they were idealistic and would take on any perceived wrongdoings.\n\nA significant challenge was the inadequate preparation of graduates for the job market and entrepreneurship. Courses did not equip students with the necessary skills or knowledge to succeed in either employment or running their own businesses. Developed countries offered a more comprehensive approach, providing young individuals with the option to pursue higher education or technical studies, as well as guidance on managing their skills and business operations.\n\nThe current system produced degree-holding graduates, but they were not ready for the marketplace. This gap in preparation extended to government schools, which the FM suggested needed a structural overhaul. Quality teaching, adequate infrastructure, and the availability of teachers who could adapt to local languages were essential. However, these changes required a shift in mindset and substantial investment in government schools.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed youth concerns post-Jantar Mantar protest.",
    "Education-to-employment gap identified as major issue for young Indians.",
    "Graduates lack market-ready skills and entrepreneurship knowledge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The finance minister's call for education reform signals a shift towards making graduates job-ready, which could alter the current education system's focus and require significant investment in government schools.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - India",
        "title": "Mere degree doesn’t prepare for market, that’s the fix we need: FM Nirmala Sitharaman",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/mere-degree-doesnt-prepare-for-market-thats-the-fix-we-need-fm-1378451",
        "published": "2026-08-16T23:50:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}