Empowering Botanical Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Skill Enhancement Courses (Sec) Under the Nep-2020 Framework of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)

The traditional background of botanical studies in India has undergone a game changer with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This report explores the introduction and future impact of Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) specifically designed for First Year B.Sc. (F.Y.B.Sc.) Botany students of Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune. The primary objective of these courses, ranging from Post-harvest Technology and Flower Design to Computer Literacy for Plant Sciences, which is to transition undergraduate education from a purely theoretical model to a competency based, vocational framework. By integrating hands on training with core biological principles, the SEC curriculum addresses the critical "employability gap" prevalent in life sciences. This study utilizes a case study approach to evaluate the preliminary outcomes of the 2024–2026 academic cycle. Findings indicate that the SEC model significantly enhances student engagement through Project-Based Learning (PBL) and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in the sectors of agri-business, floral aesthetics, and food preservation. Ultimately, the integration of SECs within the Botany department at SPPU serves as a blueprint for modernizing biological sciences, effectively converting traditional "classroom learners" into "skilled practitioners" capable of contributing to India’s growing bio-economy and sustainable development goals. By focusing on modules like Post-Harvest Technology and Flower Design, the curriculum addresses the "employability gap" and aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.