- Review of NAAC grading, PhD quality, curricula, and social responsibilities during a meeting with Vice-Chancellors of private universities
Governor Shri Ramen Deka stated that student welfare should be the highest priority for universities. Universities are sacred temples of learning; therefore, alongside providing quality education, they must pay special attention to the holistic development of students and the fulfillment of social responsibilities.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka held a meeting today with the Vice-Chancellors of private universities to review various important matters, including the quality of education and research. The Governor instructed the universities to make the necessary preparations to achieve better NAAC grading. He emphasized the need for a balanced student-teacher ratio and urged efforts to increase student enrollment, directing that steps be taken to ensure a minimum of 1,000 students in each university.
- Universities should encourage research scholars
Shri Deka stated that the process of awarding PhD degrees must be completely transparent and of high quality. Random checks of PhD registrations will be conducted by experts to ensure the quality of research work. He remarked that universities should not limit themselves merely to awarding degrees but should encourage research that makes a tangible contribution to the development of society and the nation.
- Prioritize subjects offering employment and future prospects
The Governor advised that before launching any new course, universities should conduct a survey in the relevant field to assess demand and student interest. Consideration should be given to discontinuing courses that lack student enrollment. Instead of unnecessarily increasing the number of courses, priority should be given to subjects that offer employment opportunities and promising future prospects.
- Emphasis on promoting integrated courses in line with the National Education Policy
Shri Deka also suggested exploring the possibility of introducing new courses in emerging fields such as Environmental Science and Cyber Security. He also emphasized the need to promote integrated courses in alignment with the National Education Policy.
- Active role in health awareness programs in adopted villages
Shri Deka instructed all private universities to adopt nearby villages and conduct regular programs there in the fields of education and health. He stated that universities must effectively fulfill their social responsibilities. Universities should play an active role not only in health awareness programs but also in significant initiatives like breast cancer surveys within these adopted villages.
- Yoga and meditation are vital for health
Highlighting the importance of yoga and meditation for the physical and mental well-being of students, the Governor stated that universities should strive to make yoga accessible to every student. Students should be motivated to practice yoga in such a way that it becomes an integral part of their daily lifestyle and habits.
- Promote research and academic activities related to the Chhattisgarhi language
Deka emphasized encouraging universities to work towards the preservation, promotion, and development of the Chhattisgarhi language. He noted that universities could make a significant contribution to the language’s development by fostering research and academic activities centered on subjects related to Chhattisgarhi.
- Ensure regular monitoring of pharmacy course quality
The Governor remarked that pharmacy is a crucial subject directly linked to human health. Therefore, universities offering pharmacy courses should establish tie-ups with reputed companies to provide students with superior practical training. He directed that regular monitoring be ensured to maintain the quality of pharmacy curricula.
- Raise awareness among youth about the ill effects of substance abuse
Shri Deka called upon universities to increase student participation in anti-drug campaigns. He stated that universities could play a pivotal role in raising awareness among the youth about the adverse consequences of substance abuse and in keeping them away from drugs.
- Ensure better coordination among education quality, research, employability-focused education, and social engagement
The Governor urged private universities to work towards a bright future for students by establishing better coordination among the quality of education, research, employability-focused education, and social engagement.
At the meeting, the Governor’s Secretary, Dr. C.R. … Vice-Chancellors of various private universities were present, including Mr. Prasanna, Higher Education Secretary Mr. Avinash Champawat, and the Chairman of the Private Universities Regulatory Commission, Mr. V. K. Goyal.