Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday signed an MoU with Tata Technologies Ltd to upgrade 44 government-run polytechnic colleges into Centres of Excellence.

The MoU was signed at the Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin between the Directorate of Technical Education and Tata Technologies Ltd to modernise the colleges in line with Industry 4.0 standards.

According to a press release, the initiative aims to modernise infrastructure, develop industry-relevant syllabi, enhance faculty teaching skills, and increase employment opportunities for students.

The programme is expected to create a skilled workforce to meet current and future industry needs, transforming students into highly skilled professionals.

Stalin also unveiled several initiatives under the Higher Education Department, including new buildings constructed at Rs 59.93 crore.

Through video conference, he inaugurated new buildings at Government Arts and Science Colleges in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tirupathur, Ariyalur and Mayiladuthurai districts as part of efforts to upgrade higher education infrastructure.

Later, he distributed 213 appointment orders to selected candidates for positions including assistant professors, assistant librarians and assistant directors (physical education), the release said.