My struggle for establishment of DM Community College and DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra– Part 1
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Dr Raheijuddin Sheikh (Shamu)
Contd from previous issue
The once-skeptical expert softened, even suggesting I propose a full-fledged Skill University rather than just a KAUSHAL Kendra. The proposal was approved with Rs 4.15 crore in funding for 2015–2017, absorbing all prior Community College diploma programs into this expanded initiative. DM College of Science became one of only 49 institutions selected in the first phase of DDU-KAUSHAL Ken-dras.
India's demographic advantage (50% population under 30) risks becoming a liability without proper skilling. With 25% of the global workforce projected to come from India by 2025, the UGC launched critical reforms to bridge the education-employment gap
1) Community College Scheme (2013-14): MHRD pilot adopted by UGC offering skill-based diplomas with flexible pathways
2) B Voc Degree Programs (2014-15): Enabled vertical mobility from diplomas to degrees
3) DDU-KAUSHAL Kendras (XII Plan): Established 49 of 100 planned centers (vs. original target) delivering NSQF-aligned programs.
During this period, I served concurrently as the Principal of Manipur College and Nodal Officer of the DM Community College at DM College of Science. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had invited proposals under three key skill-development initiatives. Given the ethical constraints of a single principal representing two institutions in the same proposal cycle, I undertook a dual approach: 1) Applied for the B Voc Scheme for Manipur College and 2) Pursued the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra Scheme for DM College of Science where I was the Nodal Officer of the Community College established at the college, leveraging its existing Community College infrastructure as a strategic advantage. Ultimately, Manipur College was approved to conduct BVoc Scheme in Food Processing and Media and Entertainment, while DM College of Science secured approval for the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra, offering two programs: BVoc. and MVoc in Radio Imaging Technology and Digital Multimedia Technology (as per UGC’s letter dated 14th August 2015). Out of over 500 proposals submitted by univer- sities and colleges Nationwide, only 49 institutions were selected—DM College of Science being one of them.
The interface meeting was highly competitive. During my presentation, I strategically included a photograph of myself anchoring news bulletins on a local TV network to highlight the enthusiasm and skill of Manipur’s youth—drawing from my own experience in media before entering academia. I also emphasized that most top-performing Class XII students in Manipur aspire to enter medical (MBBS/BDS) or engineering fields, leaving little room for other professions. However, I pointed out that even those who don’t clear medical entrance exams often pursue allied healthcare sectors like Medical Lab Technology and Radio Imaging.
Additionally, I demonstrated how young people in Manipur are exceptionally adept at computer handling, digital editing, and storytelling. Despite the limited market, they passionately create digital films, prioritizing creativity over profit. My PowerPoint presentation, confined to just 15 minutes, was followed by a rigorous Q&A session with the expert committee.
Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the UGC granted formal approval for the establishment of the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra at DM College of Science. The institution was permitted to commence two vocational courses : Digital Multimedia Technology with an intake capacity of 50 seats, and Radio Imaging Technology, also with 50 seats.
With the phasing out of the Community College Scheme after 31st March 2015 and its integration into the DDU Kaushal Kendra initiative, the original BoM/BoS structure became obsolete. The UGC-mandated restructuring led to the dissolution of these bodies and their replacement by a newly constituted Advisory Committee, formed through direct nomination of members as per UGC guidelines for DDU Kaushal Kendra. This administrative transition was formally ratified through Resolution No. 9 during the second Advisory Committee meeting held on 26th November 2016, marking the completion of the governance framework's evolution from the Community College model to the current DDU Kaushal Kendra structure.
The transition reflects the natural progression of vocational education governance in India, where initial industry-academia partnership models gradually aligned with national standards under UGC guidance, while maintaining the core philosophy of combining academic rigor with practical skill development.
My Appointment as Director for DDU- KAUSHAL Kendra
The UGC Guidelines for KAUSHAL Kendras clearly mandated that a Professor appointed for the scheme should serve as the Director of the Kendra. However, when examining the approval letter for DM College of Science, it became evident that while two Associate Professors and four Assistant Professors were sanctioned, no provision was made for a professor position. This limitation stemmed from the UGC policy of restricting financial support for Professor posts exclusively to KAUSHAL Kendras established in universities, not colleges. This discrepancy led to extensive deliberations regarding the appropriate leadership structure for the centre.
Initially, there was a proposal for the principal of the host institution to serve as Director in-charge. However, given that DM College of Science already housed a State Government-established Community College, and considering the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra would essentially function as an upgraded version of this existing setup, the decision was made to appoint the current Nodal Officer—already serving the Community College—as Director of the newly approved KAUSHAL Kendra. This approach ensured continuity and leveraged existing institutional knowledge.
Pursuant to this decision, the Higher & Technical Education Department issued Order on 21st March 2016, appointing me as Director of the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra at D M Community College, Imphal. This appointment came as an additional responsibility alongside my existing roles as Associate Professor in Physics at DM College of Science and Nodal Officer of Dhana-manjuri Community College, all without any extra remuneration. The order followed the UGC's 2015 approval for establishing the Kendra, which aimed to promote skill-based education in the region.
While this appointment formally established the Kendra's leadership, it presented immediate practical challenges. Juggling teaching responsibilities, nodal duties, and directorship created a significant workload, but I was determined not to let this affect the Kendra's implementation. The temporary nature of the appoint- ment and lack of dedicated compensation raised legitimate concerns about the initiative's long-term viability, yet I viewed these obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than reasons for hesitation.
Constitution of DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra Advisory Committee
In accordance with the University Grants Commission guidelines, the Office of the Director at DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra, Dhanamanjuri Community College, DM College of Science, Imphal formally initiated the process of establishing its Advisory Committee through official letterdated 28th July 2016 addressed to the Joint Secretary of UGC, New Delhi. The submission included two critical documents: the formally constituted framework of the Advisory Committee detailing its composition and operational guidelines as per UGC norms, along with comprehensive minutes and resolutions from the inaugural meeting held on 23rd July 2016 in the Director's office. This procedural step was taken to seek UGC's review and necessary directives for proper implemen- tation of the KAUSHAL Kendra scheme, marking a significant milestone in formalizing the institution's governance structure.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
The once-skeptical expert softened, even suggesting I propose a full-fledged Skill University rather than just a KAUSHAL Kendra. The proposal was approved with Rs 4.15 crore in funding for 2015–2017, absorbing all prior Community College diploma programs into this expanded initiative. DM College of Science became one of only 49 institutions selected in the first phase of DDU-KAUSHAL Ken-dras.
India's demographic advantage (50% population under 30) risks becoming a liability without proper skilling. With 25% of the global workforce projected to come from India by 2025, the UGC launched critical reforms to bridge the education-employment gap
1) Community College Scheme (2013-14): MHRD pilot adopted by UGC offering skill-based diplomas with flexible pathways
2) B Voc Degree Programs (2014-15): Enabled vertical mobility from diplomas to degrees
3) DDU-KAUSHAL Kendras (XII Plan): Established 49 of 100 planned centers (vs. original target) delivering NSQF-aligned programs.
During this period, I served concurrently as the Principal of Manipur College and Nodal Officer of the DM Community College at DM College of Science. The University Grants Commission (UGC) had invited proposals under three key skill-development initiatives. Given the ethical constraints of a single principal representing two institutions in the same proposal cycle, I undertook a dual approach: 1) Applied for the B Voc Scheme for Manipur College and 2) Pursued the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra Scheme for DM College of Science where I was the Nodal Officer of the Community College established at the college, leveraging its existing Community College infrastructure as a strategic advantage. Ultimately, Manipur College was approved to conduct BVoc Scheme in Food Processing and Media and Entertainment, while DM College of Science secured approval for the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra, offering two programs: BVoc. and MVoc in Radio Imaging Technology and Digital Multimedia Technology (as per UGC’s letter dated 14th August 2015). Out of over 500 proposals submitted by univer- sities and colleges Nationwide, only 49 institutions were selected—DM College of Science being one of them.
The interface meeting was highly competitive. During my presentation, I strategically included a photograph of myself anchoring news bulletins on a local TV network to highlight the enthusiasm and skill of Manipur’s youth—drawing from my own experience in media before entering academia. I also emphasized that most top-performing Class XII students in Manipur aspire to enter medical (MBBS/BDS) or engineering fields, leaving little room for other professions. However, I pointed out that even those who don’t clear medical entrance exams often pursue allied healthcare sectors like Medical Lab Technology and Radio Imaging.
Additionally, I demonstrated how young people in Manipur are exceptionally adept at computer handling, digital editing, and storytelling. Despite the limited market, they passionately create digital films, prioritizing creativity over profit. My PowerPoint presentation, confined to just 15 minutes, was followed by a rigorous Q&A session with the expert committee.
Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the UGC granted formal approval for the establishment of the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra at DM College of Science. The institution was permitted to commence two vocational courses : Digital Multimedia Technology with an intake capacity of 50 seats, and Radio Imaging Technology, also with 50 seats.
With the phasing out of the Community College Scheme after 31st March 2015 and its integration into the DDU Kaushal Kendra initiative, the original BoM/BoS structure became obsolete. The UGC-mandated restructuring led to the dissolution of these bodies and their replacement by a newly constituted Advisory Committee, formed through direct nomination of members as per UGC guidelines for DDU Kaushal Kendra. This administrative transition was formally ratified through Resolution No. 9 during the second Advisory Committee meeting held on 26th November 2016, marking the completion of the governance framework's evolution from the Community College model to the current DDU Kaushal Kendra structure.
The transition reflects the natural progression of vocational education governance in India, where initial industry-academia partnership models gradually aligned with national standards under UGC guidance, while maintaining the core philosophy of combining academic rigor with practical skill development.
My Appointment as Director for DDU- KAUSHAL Kendra
The UGC Guidelines for KAUSHAL Kendras clearly mandated that a Professor appointed for the scheme should serve as the Director of the Kendra. However, when examining the approval letter for DM College of Science, it became evident that while two Associate Professors and four Assistant Professors were sanctioned, no provision was made for a professor position. This limitation stemmed from the UGC policy of restricting financial support for Professor posts exclusively to KAUSHAL Kendras established in universities, not colleges. This discrepancy led to extensive deliberations regarding the appropriate leadership structure for the centre.
Initially, there was a proposal for the principal of the host institution to serve as Director in-charge. However, given that DM College of Science already housed a State Government-established Community College, and considering the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra would essentially function as an upgraded version of this existing setup, the decision was made to appoint the current Nodal Officer—already serving the Community College—as Director of the newly approved KAUSHAL Kendra. This approach ensured continuity and leveraged existing institutional knowledge.
Pursuant to this decision, the Higher & Technical Education Department issued Order on 21st March 2016, appointing me as Director of the DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra at D M Community College, Imphal. This appointment came as an additional responsibility alongside my existing roles as Associate Professor in Physics at DM College of Science and Nodal Officer of Dhana-manjuri Community College, all without any extra remuneration. The order followed the UGC's 2015 approval for establishing the Kendra, which aimed to promote skill-based education in the region.
While this appointment formally established the Kendra's leadership, it presented immediate practical challenges. Juggling teaching responsibilities, nodal duties, and directorship created a significant workload, but I was determined not to let this affect the Kendra's implementation. The temporary nature of the appoint- ment and lack of dedicated compensation raised legitimate concerns about the initiative's long-term viability, yet I viewed these obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than reasons for hesitation.
Constitution of DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra Advisory Committee
In accordance with the University Grants Commission guidelines, the Office of the Director at DDU-KAUSHAL Kendra, Dhanamanjuri Community College, DM College of Science, Imphal formally initiated the process of establishing its Advisory Committee through official letterdated 28th July 2016 addressed to the Joint Secretary of UGC, New Delhi. The submission included two critical documents: the formally constituted framework of the Advisory Committee detailing its composition and operational guidelines as per UGC norms, along with comprehensive minutes and resolutions from the inaugural meeting held on 23rd July 2016 in the Director's office. This procedural step was taken to seek UGC's review and necessary directives for proper implemen- tation of the KAUSHAL Kendra scheme, marking a significant milestone in formalizing the institution's governance structure.
(To be contd)