Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has assured that the government is committed to resolving existing issues at the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and strengthening its mission to make Delhi “India’s skill capital”. Speaking at the university’s sixth Foundation Day celebration held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka, Sood acknowledged that the institution faces several challenges but emphasised that the government’s focus will be on fixing them, not adding new ones.

I wanted to write about this because DSEU is one of the most ambitious initiatives in India aimed at linking education with employability. The Minister’s assurance comes at a crucial time when many students and educators have been voicing concerns about placements, infrastructure, and course alignment with industry demands. His announcement of an annual Skill and Entrepreneurship Festival shows a positive step toward promoting innovation, collaboration, and recognition for student talent — all essential ingredients for building a strong skill-based education ecosystem in the national capital.

Minister Vows to Fix Problems, Not Add New Ones

While addressing students, faculty, and officials at the event, Ashish Sood said, “The government is aware that DSEU is facing many issues, but we will not create new problems — we will fix the old ones.” His statement drew attention to ongoing administrative and academic challenges that have affected the university’s functioning since its inception.

Sood assured the audience that the government’s priority will be to strengthen the academic and administrative framework of DSEU, enhance industry linkages, and provide students with a seamless learning and placement experience. He noted that the goal is to make Delhi a national leader in skill development and entrepreneurship by improving institutional efficiency and ensuring accountability.

Annual Skill & Entrepreneurship Festival Announced

In a major announcement, the Minister declared that the Delhi government will soon launch an annual “Skill and Entrepreneurship Festival” for DSEU students. The event aims to showcase student projects, promote startups, and connect young entrepreneurs with industry mentors and investors.

This festival will provide a platform for students to present their innovative ideas, engage in hands-on learning, and explore opportunities for real-world collaboration. The Education Department plans to make it an annual event, similar to major innovation and startup festivals across India.

Sood said the festival would “celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Delhi’s youth,” adding that the government intends to involve both industry partners and educational experts to make the event impactful and future-ready.

Strengthening DSEU’s Role in Delhi’s Growth

Established in 2020, the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) was envisioned as a modern institution integrating academic education with vocational and entrepreneurial training. With more than 12 campuses across the city, it offers degree and diploma programmes designed to prepare students for the workforce.

However, the university has recently faced several issues, including:

• Faculty shortages and administrative delays
• Student concerns over placements and course quality
• Infrastructure gaps at certain campuses
• Limited industry partnerships for hands-on training

Minister Sood acknowledged these challenges, stating that the government is reviewing DSEU’s operational model to identify areas that require immediate improvement. “We are focused on rebuilding confidence among students and making DSEU a model for skill-based education,” he said.

Delhi Aiming to Become “India’s Skill Capital”

The Minister reiterated the Delhi government’s long-term vision of transforming the city into India’s “Skill Capital” by expanding vocational education and industry-oriented training. He said DSEU will play a key role in bridging the gap between traditional education and modern employability.

According to him, the government plans to:

• Collaborate with industries to redesign course curricula as per market needs
• Launch new skill programmes focused on technology, green energy, and innovation
• Enhance placement opportunities through partnerships with start-ups and corporate firms
• Upgrade infrastructure at existing DSEU campuses

“Skill is the foundation of progress. We want Delhi to lead by example — a city where every youth is trained, employable, and confident,” Sood said during his address.

Voices from the University

Students and faculty welcomed the Minister’s commitment to addressing DSEU’s concerns. Some students expressed optimism about the upcoming Skill and Entrepreneurship Festival, calling it a “much-needed opportunity” for practical exposure and recognition.

Faculty members highlighted that while DSEU has great potential, consistent administrative and policy support will be key to achieving its mission. “We need long-term stability in leadership, funding, and curriculum design. Only then can the university truly flourish,” one professor remarked.

Focus on Innovation and Employability

The proposed annual festival is expected to serve as a launchpad for student entrepreneurs and innovators, encouraging them to work on real-world challenges. It will also help connect young innovators with Delhi’s thriving start-up ecosystem and national skill networks.

The government’s vision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses skill integration, experiential learning, and employability-driven education models.

By integrating such initiatives, DSEU could become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-based research in India.