Ganderbal, August 7:(KNS) Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mehraj ud Din Mir along with Deans of Schools and other faculty members Friday attended the online Conclave on “Transformational Reforms in Higher Education” under National Education Policy-2020 here.
Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Controller of Examinations, Prof. Parveen Pandit, Finance Officer, Prof. Fayaz A Nika also attended the conclave which was organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi said the National Education Policy was approved after extensive deliberations over 3-4 years and brainstorming over lakhs of suggestions. He said that healthy debate and discussions are taking place on National Education policy across the country. National Education Policy aims at making the youth Future Ready while focusing on the National Values and National Goals.
The Prime Minister said that for years our education system remained unchanged leading to lopsided priorities where people were focusing on either becoming a doctor, an engineer or a lawyer. He said there was no mapping of the Interest, Ability and Demand.
The Prime Minister questioned how could critical thinking and innovative thinking develop in the youth, unless there is Passion in our education, Philosophy of Education, Purpose of Education.
He said the Policy was formulated keeping in mind two biggest questions: Whether our education system motivates our youth for Creative, Curiosity and Commitment Driven Life? And whether our education system empowers our youth, helps in building an Empowered Society in the country? On this he expressed satisfaction that National Education Policy takes care of these pertinent issues.
The Prime Minister said that India’s education system needs to change according to the changing times. The new structure of a 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 curriculum is a step in this direction, he added. He said that we have to ensure that our students become Global Citizens and also remain connected to their roots.
He urged people to work together with determination to implement the National Education Policy. He said that a new round of dialogue and coordination with Universities, Colleges, School education boards, different states, different stakeholders is about to start from here. He urged to continue the webinar on National Education Policy and keep discussing it. He expressed confidence that in this Conclave, better suggestions, effective solutions will come out regarding Effective Implementation of National Education Policy.
Speaking on the occasion, HRD Minister, Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will prove to be a landmark plan for the educational aspirations of Indian students to compete with the best in the world. "Universities and higher education institutions have a unique role to play not only in terms of helping us overcome this crisis through the work of scientists and researchers around the world, but also to build the economy, polity and the society, while building resilience among the young people studying in our own institutions."
UGC Chairman, Prof. D P Singh, Vice Chancellors of other universities and heads of institutions also spoke during the conclave.(KNS)