Education Leaders Advocate Competency-Based, Industry-Aligned Skills

At Development Dialogue 2026 in Hubballi on February 7, education leaders including Deshpande Foundation co-founder Gururaj Deshpande and KDSA Chairperson E.V. Ramana Reddy urged a shift from degree- and exam-centric schooling toward competency-based, adaptive models that teach practical skills and AI fluency. Panelists called for expanded apprenticeships, stronger university–industry links, personalised learning tools, and teacher practices that foster curiosity to improve employability, especially in rural areas.