Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Naan Mudhalvan Employability Enhancement Schemes in Arts and Science Colleges in Tamil Nadu-An Empirical Study

Abstract

The Naan Mudhalvan (I am the first) scheme is an ambitious program launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2022 to provide internships, training, and mentorship opportunities to college students to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial skills. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and enable students to gain practical experience and exposure. The higher education landscape in Tamil Nadu is dominated by arts and science colleges, which play a crucial role in producing graduates across a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences. These colleges cater to a large student population aspiring to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in fields such as arts, languages, commerce, and pure sciences. However, one of the persistent challenges facing arts and science colleges in the state is the employability of their graduates. Many students completing their degrees from these institutions struggle to find suitable employment opportunities that align with their educational qualifications and career aspirations.