Meet on higher education held
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Bishnupur, Jan 18 (DIO)
Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education chaired a review meeting on higher education at the conference hall of Bishnupur Mini Secretariat Complex today and discussed key challenges faced at the collegiate level.
During the meeting, college authorities highlighted issues related to student attendance and infrastructure. It was informed that girl students constitute nearly one-third of total enrolment in most colleges; however, maintaining regular attendance remains a major concern.
Principals pointed out that a large number of students come from economically weaker backgrounds, which affects their ability to attend classes regularly. To address this issue, they suggested the introduction of skill-oriented and employability-driven courses that can enable students to earn while studying and motivate them to attend college consistently.
After listening to the feedback from all stakeholders, Vineet Joshi stated that such honest ground-level inputs are extremely valuable. He observed that the traditional classroom-based education system needs to be aligned with the evolving requirements of the present times.
He highlighted that under the National Credit Framework notified by the UGC, credits can now be earned through sports, skill development, and other experiential learning activities. He further mentioned that the Government, through the UGC, has adopted a flexible approach to ensure that skill acquisition is integrated into higher education and converted into academic credits.
He encouraged institutions to explore the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, which provides students—particularly from economically weaker sections—with two years of internship opportunities supported jointly by the Government and private sector companies. He also urged stakeholders to make optimum use of initiatives such as the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, which can benefit a large number of students.
Highlighting the importance of emerging technologies, the Higher Education Secretary stressed the need to create awareness about Artificial Intelligence and advised Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam to organize awareness programmes on AI to ensure students do not miss out on future opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset.
In her address, DC Pooja Elangbam stated that the objective of the meeting was to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and relevance of higher education in the district.
She further noted that through constructive discussions, data-driven reviews, and collaborative planning, the district aims to enhance academic excellence, improve infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students.
The DC thanked all the distinguished guests for their valuable presence and insights and informed that more such meetings with relevant stakeholders from the district will be convened to further strengthen the higher education ecosystem in the district.
The meeting was also attended by N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), N Geoffrey, Commissioner (Higher and Technical Education), district-level officers, principals of various colleges, faculty members, and students.
Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education chaired a review meeting on higher education at the conference hall of Bishnupur Mini Secretariat Complex today and discussed key challenges faced at the collegiate level.
During the meeting, college authorities highlighted issues related to student attendance and infrastructure. It was informed that girl students constitute nearly one-third of total enrolment in most colleges; however, maintaining regular attendance remains a major concern.
Principals pointed out that a large number of students come from economically weaker backgrounds, which affects their ability to attend classes regularly. To address this issue, they suggested the introduction of skill-oriented and employability-driven courses that can enable students to earn while studying and motivate them to attend college consistently.
After listening to the feedback from all stakeholders, Vineet Joshi stated that such honest ground-level inputs are extremely valuable. He observed that the traditional classroom-based education system needs to be aligned with the evolving requirements of the present times.
He highlighted that under the National Credit Framework notified by the UGC, credits can now be earned through sports, skill development, and other experiential learning activities. He further mentioned that the Government, through the UGC, has adopted a flexible approach to ensure that skill acquisition is integrated into higher education and converted into academic credits.
He encouraged institutions to explore the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, which provides students—particularly from economically weaker sections—with two years of internship opportunities supported jointly by the Government and private sector companies. He also urged stakeholders to make optimum use of initiatives such as the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, which can benefit a large number of students.
Highlighting the importance of emerging technologies, the Higher Education Secretary stressed the need to create awareness about Artificial Intelligence and advised Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam to organize awareness programmes on AI to ensure students do not miss out on future opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset.
In her address, DC Pooja Elangbam stated that the objective of the meeting was to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and relevance of higher education in the district.
She further noted that through constructive discussions, data-driven reviews, and collaborative planning, the district aims to enhance academic excellence, improve infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all students.
The DC thanked all the distinguished guests for their valuable presence and insights and informed that more such meetings with relevant stakeholders from the district will be convened to further strengthen the higher education ecosystem in the district.
The meeting was also attended by N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), N Geoffrey, Commissioner (Higher and Technical Education), district-level officers, principals of various colleges, faculty members, and students.