B-schools can help address skill gap issues

Need to set up more business institutes

Ludhiana, which is often referred to as the industrial capital of Punjab, is home to a range of industries, from textiles and machinery to agriculture and auto parts. As the city continues to thrive as a hub of economic activity, the need for skilled professionals who can drive innovation and sustainability becomes increasingly important. In this context, business institutes play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce. Currently, Ludhiana has several educational institutions offering management programmes, including MBA, catering to the demand for skilled professionals in the business and industrial sectors. However, due to the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, there is an increasing demand for additional MBA colleges with a focus on industry-relevant skills that can significantly contribute to the city’s legacy. This would facilitate in cultivating a cadre of proficient managers and innovators adept at sustaining the nation’s industrial pre-eminence, while is also adapting to impending challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Novin Christopher

Make business education affordable

Ludhiana needs strong business education to sustain and carried forward its legacy. While some institutes offer business courses, their number and quality must match the demand of the city industry. Many small and medium businesses lack professional management, which can be improved with proper training. More MBA institutes focusing on entrepreneurship, supply chain and industrial management should be established. These institutes must collaborate with the industry to provide practical exposure through internships and live projects. Special courses on family business management can help the next generation modernise traditional businesses. Affordable business education should be available to ensure local entrepreneurs benefit from structured training. If Ludhiana aims to stay ahead in industry and trade, investing in business education is a must. A well-trained generation of business leaders will not only strengthen existing industries but also attract new investment to the city.

Prabhjot Singh

Start short-term courses

The role that Ludhiana plays as the industrial hub of Punjab warrants the need for new high-quality business institutes to assist the region’s numerous economic sectors. While the city has a solid foundation of small, medium and large-scale companies, the present number of MBA colleges is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for trained workers. To preserve Ludhiana’s industrial tradition, specialist MBA programmes in textiles, manufacturing and SME management should be established. Collaborations between industries and educational institutions are vital. Internships, live projects and guest lectures by industry leaders would give students real-world experience. Furthermore, entrepreneurial development initiatives should be prioritised to promote innovation and self-employment. The government and private sector must invest in authorised universities with cutting-edge facilities and knowledgeable faculty. Short-term certification courses in specialised fields such as supply chain management and export-import procedures may also improve employability. By improving business education, Ludhiana can ensure a consistent pool of skilled leaders to fuel future growth and sustain its industrial superiority.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

IIM-like institute needed for city

Ludhiana is famous industrial and commercial hub in Punjab, also known as “Manchester of India”. To develop the managers of tomorrow, business and engineering institutes can equip them with the skills to take over difficult situations in turbulent times for establishment of a strong industry. Around 20 local institutes offer MBA programmes, but the quality below par. An institute like IIM-Ahmedabad should be established in the city, which should be known for its academic excellence. The District Industries Centre (DIC) has been set up in the city to financially support the new entrepreneurs by preparing feasibility reports, besides identification of government schemes. Similarly, Science & Technology Entrepreneur’s Park (STEP) is a business incubation centre, promoted by Government of India, set up in Ludhiana to foster entrepreneurship among science and technology students and professionals by providing support for innovation and venture development. The young entrepreneurs should avail of facilities at DIC and STEP for establishment of their ventures. Almost all commercial banks have their branches in Ludhiana catering to the credit requirements of businesses and industries. A branch of the Reserve Bank of India should be established in Ludhiana for the redressal of grievances against the banks at the spot.

RS Sembhi

Institutes can make youth employable

Ludhiana caters to the needs of all kind of small, medium and large industries. The industry depends on other states for trained individuals to manage manpower. It is unfortunate that the town does not have many institutes to provide trained youths required for these industries. There is only one Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in the district. Recently, a Multi Skill Development Centre under the World Skill Campus of Excellence by the Sun Foundation has been inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister. The new institute is yet to prove its worth by providing quality of trained personnel to meet the requirement of the local industry. It is high time that the state authorities realised the need for more such institutes. The town needs more training institutes where the local youth can be trained to meet the manpower requirement for the local industry. The state can establish and financially support more training institutes in the district. This will also ensure more jobs for the local youth.

Gautam Dev

Collaborate with industry

We all know that Ludhiana is a significant industrial hub not only in Punjab but in the country as well. It presents a compelling case for establishing more MBA institutes. The reasons for which are:

Due to proximity to industries, Ludhiana offers opportunities to MBA institutes to collaborate with local businesses, providing students with practical exposure and industry insights.

The presence of numerous industries in Ludhiana can facilitate internships, projects and job placements for MBA students.

Ludhiana’s economy is growing, driven by its industrial sector, which can support the establishment of MBA institutes.

The city’s entrepreneurial spirit and growing economy can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, which MBA institutes can encourage and support.

Ludhiana has a number of educational institutions, which can provide a foundation for establishing MBA institutes.

The city’s infrastructure, including transportation and communication networks, can support the growth of educational institutions.

Establishing MBA institutes in Ludhiana can have a positive impact on the city’s economy, industry and education sector. By leveraging the city’s industrial strengths and existing educational infrastructure, MBA institutes can provide students with valuable learning experiences and contribute to the region’s growth and development.

Vasundhra Sayal

Start MBA courses in AI, data analytics

Ludhiana needs quality business education to support the industry and ensure a good economic growth. Currently, Ludhiana has several management institutes offering MBA/PGDM programmes. However, there is a potential for more specialised, industry-aligned business schools to cater to the evolving demands of the industrial sector. Ludhiana could benefit from industry-integrated and future-focused MBA institutes as it is a major hub for textiles, auto parts, and manufacturing. More B-schools with specialisations in supply chain, operations and industrial management would bridge the skill gap. Moreover, Punjab has a strong entrepreneurial culture. Starting more MBA programmes with startup incubation, innovation and SME management can boost local businesses. In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a transitional phase in manufacturing industries. In this context Ludhiana needs MBA courses in AI, data analytics and digital marketing tailored for industrial applications. New institutes would encourage better faculty, infrastructure and corporate partnerships, raising the overall standard of business education in Ludhiana.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Partner foreign universities

Punjab, in general, has a very weak industrial base barring few districts. In Ludhiana, there is a dire need to establish more MBA and business training institutes because only quality business colleges can retain local talent and attract students from nearby regions, besides reducing brain drain. There is also a necessity for collaborating with Ludhiana’s industrial associations — CICU, FICO — for projects. The institutes with specialisation in Textile Management, Automotive Business, Agri-Business and FinTech should be established. More incubation centres for MBA students to launch ventures must also be set up. There is also a need for partnerships with foreign universities for exchange programmes. In a nutshell, we know that Ludhiana has a strong industrial base, but needs forward-thinking, specialised MBA institutes to prepare future business leaders. The government, private sector and universities should collaborate to establish next-gen B-schools that align with Ludhiana’s economic strengths.

Farzana Khan

Several benefits of MBA institutes

At present, there are no good institutions in the city which can offer management skills. People have to send their children out of the city for business education. MBA institutes can prove boon for Ludhiana, offering numerous benefits.

MBA institutes can create new job opportunities for faculty, staff, and support personnel.

Students and faculty will spend money on living expenses, entertainment, and other activities, boosting the local economy.

The institutes can attract investment from industries, corporations and government agencies, further stimulating economic growth.

The MBA institutes can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from academia to industry, enhancing the competitiveness among local businesses.

These institutes can develop skilled and knowledgeable managers who can lead local businesses and industries.

MBA institutes can foster entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging students to start their own businesses and create new opportunities.

The presence of MBA institutes can enhance Ludhiana’s reputation as a hub for education and industry.

These institutes can attract talented students and faculty from across the country, contributing to the city’s intellectual and cultural diversity.

By providing quality education, fostering industry-academia collaboration and promoting economic growth, the MBA institutes can play a vital role in Ludhiana’s development.

Meena Maini

Punjab