Ranchi: The first ever Central University of Jharkhand is all set to start its first academic session in the current year from the month of July. Students can get admission forms from the month of June, informed Prof DT Khathing, Vice-chancellor of the newly formed Central University at a seminar held in the State capital on Sunday. Speaking on 'status of higher education in Jharkhand' at Hotel Ranchi Ashok, Prof. Khathing emphasised on the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of students into higher education. He also added that the University is to begin in a temporary campus at Jamshedpur due to unavailability of land.
The seminar was organised by College of Life Sciences, Ranchi and was supported by the Central University. The chief speaker of the seminar was Justice AK Sinha, chairman Law Commission, Jharkhand. Eminent speakers present were Prof AB Prasad, Emeritus, Prof, PK Barhai, V-C, BIT Mesra, Dr. S. Badrinarain, former Pro V-C, RU, Prof AA Khan, V-C RU, Dr NN Aggarwal, Director, RIMS and Prof. Ramesh Sharan, noted economist.
Prof. Khathing presenting the statistical figures said, "The GER of India is only around 11%. The Government must take initiatives to raise funds in the coming five year plans and work for quality education for the students. The teacher student ratio in India is around 1:26, which also should be lowered down."
Prof. PK Barhai, V-C, BIT Mesra emphasized on the addition of short-term, certificate and diploma courses in the technical institutions which would help students avail jobs after completing these job-oriented courses. Adding to his suggestions, Prof. Barhai added: "The Government should help improve the standards of the institutes so that maximum students could get the opportunity to take advantage of it."
Dr. S Badrinarain suggested improvement in the literacy rates and inclusion of humanities as compulsory subjects at the higher level. And new institutes in the untouched areas such as pharmacology, law, genetics and entrepreneurship should come up. Dr NN Aggarwal, Prof HP Narain, Prof Ramesh Sharan and Prof. AA Khan had great remarks in the panel discussion. Justice AK Sinha remarked the seminar as of great vigilance. He assured of the land for the new universities which are to come up in the State.