Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum and Managing Director (STEP Division) Hindu Group Sai Krishnan, G. during the signing of the MoU in Kalaburagi on Friday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
In a major initiative to enhance employability and communication skills among the youth, the Kalaburagi district administration on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with THG Publishing Private Limited, publishers of The Hindu, Business Line, Frontline and Sportstar, for the implementation of the STEP Blended English Learning Program across the district.
Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum and Hindu Group General Manager (STEP Division) Sai Krishnan G. exchanged a memorandum of understanding in Kalaburagi on Friday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
A memorandum of understanding was formally exchanged on Friday by B. Fouzia Taranum, deputy commissioner of Kalaburagi, and Sai Krishnan G., general manager of STEP division of The Hindu Group at his office.
Among those present were Preeti Chandrashekhar, Joint Director of Welfare; Abdul Azeem, Joint Director, District Industries Center and Member-Secretary, Kalaburagi Next Foundation Trust; Nagubai Suryawanshi, District Skill Development Officer; Nagaraj Y. Phatak, Deputy Manager, The Hindu Group; and other senior officials.
The aim of the collaboration is to improve English language proficiency and professional communication skills among students enrolled in skills academies and technical institutions supported by the district administration. The initiative is designed to equip young students with field-relevant language competencies, improving their professional readiness, self-confidence and long-term employment prospects.
As part of the MoU, students will be enrolled in a self-paced 50-hour online learning module over a period of three months. The program will begin with a diagnostic assessment to determine each student’s proficiency level, followed by structured modules tailored to each student that include listening, speaking, reading and writing (LSRW) skills, along with grammar, vocabulary and employability-oriented communication.
In addition to the online component, the program will include structured classroom intervention sessions for up to 12 weeks, focusing on general communication, English for the workplace, interview preparation, group discussions, presentation skills and professional writing. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to sit for the STEP certification exam and receive a certificate of proficiency highlighting their level of competence in English.
THG Publishing Private Limited, through its STEP division, will design and deliver training modules, provide digital access to enrolled students, conduct standardized proficiency assessments and extend academic and technical support to the programme. Orientation sessions will also be conducted for students and institutional administrators to ensure effective implementation.
Published – 13 Feb 2026 21:19 IST