Align with NEP to stay relevant: Lt Governor to universities

Srinagar, Oct 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the inaugural session of the Round Table Conference with newly appointed Vice Chancellors from various universities of the country at the University of Kashmir.
In his address, the Lt Governor appreciated the endeavour of the Association of Indian Universities to bring together the Vice Chancellors on a common platform to deliberate on University Governance, Collaboration and promoting innovation in academic world.
“Higher education institutions across the world are undergoing radical transformations. The Universities and colleges will have to formulate strategic plan, organizational readiness for adjustments aligned with NEP 2020 to stay relevant in a constantly evolving world.
Educate in India should be our aim and we need to increase our share in multi-trillion dollar global education sector. Institutions with aspirational and shared vision should focus to improve ranking. It should be our top priority and we must take bold action to achieve this goal,” the Lt Governor said.
We are witnessing a massive growth in demand for higher education. In 10-15 years, India has contributed 74% of all new higher education institutions started in the world. We need to ensure quality of studies to provide new tools to students to face the changes and challenges, he said.
He said, more than 13 lakh Indian students are studying in 79 countries. As per an estimate of 2020, students studying abroad are spending approximately $30 billion annually. Despite having the largest number of higher educational institutions in the world and best facilities, not a single institution of ours is included in the top 10 educational hubs of the world, because of lack of promotion, he added.
Many countries of Global South are now focused on enrolling International students. But we are lagging behind. On the contrary, we top the list of Countries for sending highest number of students abroad. This trend needs to be reversed with transformational approach, the Lt Governor said.
At the Conference, the Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to overhaul the education system in Jammu Kashmir.
“Since September 2020, J&K is witnessing encouraging reforms in higher education sector. Universities and Colleges have been enabled to focus on demand for education outputs, industry requirements, innovation, new-age skills and to be flexible and resilient to meet the needs of tomorrow,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also underlined the need for the Universities to adjust to the change and meet future challenges.
Today, the pace of change in every sector is faster than before. The biggest transformational revolution is required in the University Campus, the Lt Governor said.
“To remain relevant in the future, Universities will have to function like a Professional Corporation in which each department, unit, teacher play their crucial role as a separate part and forms a complete organic mechanism,” he said.
Innovation and entrepreneurship cannot be taught through books. Arrangements should be made that students are involved in field learning every week, the Lt Governor said.
Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council, in his address, shared the ongoing transformation in higher education sector in Jammu Kashmir.
Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian University highlighted the endeavours of AIU for enhancing the engagement of universities and teachers in reforming the education system in the country.
Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir; Vice Chancellors of various universities; HoDs; senior officers and faculty members were present.