A conference on the implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP) for autonomous colleges in the southern region was held at IIT Chennai yesterday. Speaking at the event, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar, highlighted the importance of skill-based training for the youth to transform India into a developed nation.He noted that through school and higher education, it is essential to equip the youth with skills for the country’s growth. The UGC is introducing several reforms and initiatives, such as the National Credit Framework, to achieve this goal.
Kumar emphasized that regardless of the terminology used, any education policy should offer a comprehensive, integrated approach to learning that benefits students and enhances the higher education sector. He stressed that higher education should empower students to become problem-solvers, a key feature included in the current NEP.
Addressing concerns about exam integrity, he mentioned that steps are being taken to prevent question paper leaks in national-level exams like NET. Kumar also pointed out the importance of having vice-chancellors in universities across India, including Tamil Nadu, to ensure effective functioning. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to address this matter promptly.
IIT Director V. Kamakoti shared insights on the policy’s impact, stating, “The new NEP includes various reforms to optimize students’ time and cognitive skills. It offers flexibility by allowing four-year undergraduate programs to be completed in three or two-and-a-half years, while students who require a slower pace can extend the program up to five years.”
The conference shed light on the NEP’s potential to enhance the quality of education and create a more adaptable and skill-oriented learning environment for students.