Bengaluru: With the aim of opening job avenues in Japan, the Government of Karnataka is contemplating to introduce Japanese language in the state, especially for engineering students.

Higher education minister T.B.Jayachandra, speaking to the media after meeting a Japanese committee regarding cultural exchange and other matters on Saturday at Vidhana Soudha said that Japan is keen to employ Indian engineering graduates for their firms as there is a huge demand for them. As per the information provided by the authorities concerned, there is a requirement for at least 40,000 young engineers in Japanese companies and most of the firms are looking at India, especially from Bengaluru.

Communicative skills in Japanese language are essential and it would be appropriate to introduce that language as an optional subject in higher education especially in engineering colleges, Jayachandra added.

The 30 member business leaders’ team is expected to visit Bengaluru next month to discuss the issue, Minister added.