Howrah : The importance of closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry to address evolving workforce requirements took centre stage at the Assembly of Education 2026, organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) Howrah Chapter at CMA Bhawan on Sunday.
The event brought together nearly 100 educators, academicians, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and students to deliberate on key issues related to education, employability, skill development and workforce preparedness.
Speakers highlighted the need to align academic curricula with industry expectations to better equip students for employment and entrepreneurship. Discussions focused on practical learning, digital competencies and the role of educational institutions in fostering career development.
A key highlight of the programme was the presentation of a “Token of Appreciation and Gratitude” to Ajay Verma, founder of Tech Skill Academy, in recognition of his contribution to skill development and employment-oriented education. The honour was presented by Chunilal Roy.
Accepting the recognition, Verma expressed gratitude to the organisers and noted that such platforms create opportunities for meaningful dialogue on practical learning and workforce development. He also underscored the importance of continuous learning in adapting to rapidly changing industry demands.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Mahato, founder of Gyanarjan Education Pvt. Ltd., emphasised the role of skill-based education in bridging the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements. He said industry-oriented training can significantly enhance employability and prepare young people for emerging career opportunities.
Participants also discussed the challenges educational institutions face in keeping pace with technological advancements and changing job-market trends. Several speakers called for stronger engagement among academia, industry and policymakers to ensure students acquire skills relevant to contemporary workplaces.
Among those present were Somnath Chattopadhyay, Chairman of the ICMAI Howrah Chapter; Binoy Kumar Roy, former chairman; along with Chunilal Roy, Supratim Manna, Soumyajit Karar, Amod Kumar Tiwari, Manish Kr. Arisankala, Manohar Mishra, Vanika Choudhary and Amit Khowal.
The programme concluded with an interactive session on educational innovation, workforce preparedness and strategies to strengthen skill development initiatives across the region.
