On July 24, 2020 Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Union Minister of Human Resource Development announced that the ministry has set up a committee headed by UGC Chairman, D.P. Singh to form guidelines and suggest measures to ensure that more students study in India and there is a smooth transition for students returning from abroad due to COVID-19 situation. In addition to these, the committee will recommend mechanisms to increase the intake in well-performing universities.
- The announcement was made on the occasion of the brainstorming session regarding “Stay in India and Study in India” in New Delhi.
Other mechanisms to be explored
Mechanisms will be explored for the following: Starting Multi-disciplinary and innovative programs, Twinning and joint degree programs, Cross Country designing of centers, facilitating online lectures by eminent faculty abroad, Linkage between academia and industry, facilitating Joint degree ventures and lateral entry to Indian Higher Education Institutions.
Submission of the report– The Committee will submit a report in 15 days.
Key Info about the committee
i.The Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE), Anil Sahasrabudhe will handle the issues related to Technical institutions.
ii.Separate sub Committees will be formed to assist Chairman UGC and Chairman AICTE. The subcommittees consist of Directors of Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), National Institutes of Technology(NIT), International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) , CoA and Vice Chancellors of Central Universities
iii.The Chairman NTA and Chairman Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE), Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi may also be asked for inputs looking at their experience in the education sector.
iv.The Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) will coordinate from the MHRD side.
Key people
In addition to Union Minister for HRD, Secretary, Higher Education, Shri Amit Khare, Chairman of UGC, Joint Secretary (ICC), Smt. Neeta Prasad and Secretary General, AIU, Smt. Pankaj Mittal among others participated.
Statements made by the Minister
i.During 2019 around 7.5 lakhs students travelled abroad to pursue their studies.
ii.Government has to increase seat capacity by 50% in all premier institutions by year 2024 and also Institutes of Eminence should be increased to 50 by 2024.
Recent Related News:
i.The Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA) has constituted a 7 member committee to enhance audit independence and accountability.
ii.Ministry of petroleum and natural gas sets up 6 member panel to review Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) due to the fall in crude oil prices and the COVID-19 lockdown.
