PU VC Prof Renu Vig launches Skill2Market Hub, stresses academia-industry linkage

Chandigarh, May 04, 2026: Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig on Monday inaugurated the “PU Skill2Market Hub” and emphasised the need to strengthen linkages between academia and industry, while promoting skill-based education and student entrepreneurship.
The initiative was organised by the Office of the Dean, College Development Council (DCDC) at the PU Student Centre.
As many as 29 stalls were set up by students from affiliated colleges across Punjab, showcasing a diverse range of student-developed products. The event witnessed active participation from large number of students, faculty and Principals of affiliated colleges.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said such initiatives align with the vision of NEP 2020 and can help students move towards self-reliance. She suggested that student-developed products could be promoted as mementos during university events to enhance their visibility. She also suggested that handmade products, including embroidery and phulkari, could be made available on leading e-commerce platforms to expand their national and global reach and visibility.
Earlier, Dean, College Development Council, Prof Ravi Inder Singh welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He said the PU Skill2Market Hub is aimed at connecting student-created products with markets and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship. He added that the initiative aligns with national programmes such as Startup India, Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.
He informed that the scheme will operate through a three-tier structure comprising College Level Skill2Market Forum, District Level Skill2Market Forum and State Level Skill2Market Forum.
Registrar Prof Y P Verma encouraged students to focus on quality and market-relevant products, highlighting the practical orientation of the initiative.
A seminar on “Challenges in Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Future Planning” was subsequently held at the DCDC Seminar Hall, Rajiv Gandhi College Bhawan.
More than 180 Principals and Coordinators from affiliated colleges attended the seminar.
The seminar featured lectures by Prof Tejinder Pal Singh on “SWAYAM”, focusing on digital learning and accessibility; Prof Anil Monga on regulation of internship and community work; and Prof Veenu Mangat on practical aspects of internship and community engagement in technical education.
A question and answer session was also held, enabling interaction and discussion on challenges, clarifications and future planning related to NEP 2020 implementation.