“Degrees Are Static, Jobs Are Not — Skills Change Every Few Months”
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In an interview, M. Lata Gautam, Director (Employment) at the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, speaks about the growing gap between education and employable skills, the pressures on students, and why learning cannot stop at a degree.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you have faced since joining?
The biggest challenge today is the gap between the skills required and the jobs available. Most courses taught in universities were designed years ago. In the real world, skills change much faster. Employers are looking for abilities that students often never learn in school or college.
Q: How can students deal with this gap?
Students need to take charge of their own learning. They have to decide which field they want to enter and then work on building the right skills. Certifications and short courses help, but only if they are chosen carefully. Digital tools can guide students, but effort has to come from the learner.
Q: Has the National Education Policy helped improve this situation?
The NEP has brought change, but change takes time. New systems do not show results overnight. The bigger concern is for those who studied under the old system. They have to upskill themselves to stay relevant.
Q: What about older professionals who struggle with technology and AI?
Age is not the problem. I come from a time when there were no computers. Still, I learned how to use them. I learned social media and AI tools the same way—by trying and practising. It may take time, but it is possible.
Q: Many people say AI tools make users lazy. What is your view?
Any tool can be misused. I have visited ITIs where students received tablets from the government. Many use them only for entertainment. The same device can be used to learn new skills or look for jobs. It depends on how seriously the student takes it.
Q: How important is discipline while using technology?
It makes all the difference. Students who are focused use technology to grow. Those who are not treat it as timepass. Technology does not decide outcomes. People do.
Q: What role do parents and schools play in mentoring today?
Parents are the first teachers, but schools also have responsibility. Today, parents and children are both under pressure. Too much is being pushed onto families. Small children are overloaded with classes and training without thinking about their limits.
Q: Is the pressure on children increasing?
Yes, clearly. Children are trained all day—school, coaching, activities—with no time to relax. Learning should not feel like a burden. Children should learn while playing. Fear of books starts when pressure becomes too much.
Q: What about the digital divide in rural areas?
Devices are being provided, even in villages. The bigger issue is how they are used. Many students use them mainly for entertainment. These tools should be used for learning and skill development. Access alone is not enough. Mindset matters.
