Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, today chaired a high level meeting of the Task Force to review the progress on smooth implementation of National Education Policy-2020 in Higher Education Department (HED) at Civil Secretariat here.
Vice Chancellors of University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, Central University of Kashmir, Central University of Jammu, BGSBU, SMVDU, Cluster University Srinagar, Cluster University Jammu, SKUAST Jammu, SKUAST Kashmir, Secretary HED, Director IIM Jammu, Director IIT Jammu, Director NIT, Srinagar, other members of the Task Force besides Principals of various degree colleges of J&K and other concerned officials of the higher education department participated in the meeting in person as well through video conferencing.
The meeting held detailed discussions with regard to Reflections on Consultations and Deliberations held in earlier meeting of the Task Force besides the Action Plan with regard to constitution of Sub-Groups on NEP-2020 was also discussed during the meeting.
The meeting also heldin depth deliberationson all themes of NEP-2020 particularly, Multi Disciplinary Education (to integrate Humanities and Arts with Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Reimagining Vocational Education and Catalysing Quality Academic Research through JK UT Research Foundation.
Speaking during the meeting, Advisor Bhatnagar maintained that the NEP-2020 aims at the development of Higher Education in all aspects like innovation, research advancements and other related fields which need timely interventions. He added that the needs of the country as well as J&K regarding the development of education sector will be met through this Policy.
Appreciating the ground work done so far by the Task Force and the specific NEP implementation Action Plan drawn for roll out in this year, Advisor Bhatnagar stressed upon all the Task Force Members to work closely towards achieving the objectives of NEP in a time bound manner. He laid special focus on the role of Central Institutes like IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu and NIT Srinagar in collaborating with the Government Degree colleges for research and training programmes in times ahead.
The Advisor delved upon all the participants that regular review meetings shall be held to assess the progress in the implementation of NEP which is crucial to remodelling the HEIs in order to achieve good thoughtful and well rounded and creative individuals. He asked the participants to utilise the existing resources and be practical in implementation of the policy on the ground.
Advisor Bhatnagar impressed upon the members to work cohesively and in synergy with each other as well as within the Sub-Groups and suggested them to co-opt members from other diverse fields for requisite expertise and proper implementation.
The Advisor further emphasized on the members to create linkages between Higher Education and School Education Departments with regard to NEP-2020 so that several aspects of the policy can be implemented in cohesion with School Education department.
The Advisor asked the members of the Committee to utilise their academic expertise and other available resources so that the goals of the policy can be met and translated on the ground.
Administrative Secretary, HED Sushma Chauhan gave detailed presentation highlighting the deliberations and comments received from members of NEP Task Force.
During the course of presentation, the Secretary informed about the steps initiated by the Higher Education Department for implementation of NEP in the UT of J&K. She also said that the HED has initiated steps for the formation of Research consortium at Jammu and Srinagar and Higher Institute Management System (HIMS) which Supports Online Learning and Teaching.
The Secretary informed the members that Internal Quality Assurance cell (IQAC) would be established at each institute for assisting the colleges so that majority of the colleges can acquire National Accreditation within a years time. She also informed the meeting aboutthe number of students benefited from various Bachelor of Vocational (B.Voc) courses and employability and skill development courses initiated from the current academic year.
Secretary HED also presented an action plan with timelines for implementation of some of the key components of NEP, such as formation of State Regulatory Advisory Council for Higher Education, moving from single stream institute to multidisciplinary Education institutional setup with multiple entry & exit options in various academic programs, development of online academic credit bank, implementation of skill and Vocational courses and upliftment of special Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
