Transformative reforms in the higher education system can be created under NEP-2020: Advisor Bhatnagar

JAMMU: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today remarked that transformative reforms in the higher education system can be created under the National Education Policy (NEP)- 2020 besides an environment of promoting research and innovation in higher education institutions can also be established through it.

The Advisor made these comments while chairing a meeting to review the progress on implementation of NEP-2020, AICTE-Pragati scholarship scheme besides other schemes and projects of Higher Education Department (HED) at Civil Secretariat here today.

The meeting was attended by Secretary HED, Sushma Chauhan; Mission Director, Rashtriya Uchathar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar; Additional Secretary HED, Director Finance HED and other concerned officials of the department both in person and through video conferencing.

While reviewing the progress on implementation of NEP-2020, Advisor Bhatnagar emphasized upon the officers that NEP-2020 will upgrade Higher Education in all aspects like innovation, research advancements and other related fields and timely interventions are required so that the objectives of this policy can be met and reflected on ground.

The Advisor highlighted that Higher Education is pivotal for the development of the country and through this policy several reforms in the higher education system can be brought which will revolutionize college and university education here.

Analyzing the progress on several ongoing PMDP projects in HED, the Advisor was informed that Girls Hostel, GDC Paloura has been inaugurated recently while the buildings of Girls Hostel GDC Rajouri and Girls Hostel, GDC Bhaderwah have been completed. The Advisor asked the officers that the completed buildings should be handed over immediately while the works on other projects should be expedited so that they can be completed within the required timelines.

Similarly, reviewing the progress of RUSA, the Advisor was informed that this is a Comprehensive scheme for Higher education to achieve Access, Equity and Excellence in colleges and universities. He was also informed that this scheme helps to meet critical infrastructure gaps besides helps in upgradation of infrastructure and improvisation of teaching-learning environment.

The Advisor directed the officers that this unique scheme has various components for upgrading the higher educational system in our country and due efforts should be made to achieve those objectives on ground. He added that RUSA has a separate component for bringing equity in higher education for socially and educationally backward classes and therefore concrete efforts should be made to ensure that adequate opportunities are provided to these classes.

While assessing the progress of works under CAPEX, the Advisor was informed that industrial skill centers providing skills of different trades like hospitality and catering technology, Human Development and early child care, Travel and tourism and several other innovative trades have been established in several degree colleges to make the college going students more skill oriented.

He was also informed that research and innovation centres, innovation and incubation centres have been established in degree colleges to foster among the students the growing needs of research and innovation.

Appreciating these initiatives, Advisor Bhatnagar directed the officers of HED to provide quality and relevant courses to the youth to ensure employability and also foster an environment of academic excellence and research among them.

The Advisor asked the officials to devise a suitable plan of action for the newly established degree colleges so that the courses can be started as per the demands of the students which are market driven with maximum chances of employability in the present industrial world. He also directed the concerned officials to optimally utilize the advanced technological innovations in the field of teaching and learning to shape the future of students

On the occasion, Secretary HED gave a detailed presentation regarding the progress achieved under different sectors in HED and also apprised the Advisor about reforms being made in the department on a regular basis.