digital LEARNING Magazine August Issue 2017

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DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN

PAVING WAY FOR A

NEW ERA IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Smt Vasundhara Raje

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan

Smt Kiran Maheshwari

Hon’ble Minister, Higher and Technical Education, Sanskrit Education, Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan

Towards your Bright FUTURE@ SunRise University

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cover story

CONTENTS

24 Rajasthan Higher Education Embracing Change For New Era of Opportunities

Messages

Interviews

edu leaders

08

16

56

PRESIDENT OF INDIA Ram Nath Kovind

Kiran Maheshwari

Sandeep Sancheti

09 PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA NARENDRA MODI 10 Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar 11

Higher Education Minister, Government of Rajasthan

18 Ashok Jain

Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan

20 Anil Swarup

School Education Secretary, MHRD

President, Manipal University

60 V K Agarwal

President, Jagan Nath University, Jaipur

68 Prof (Dr) S S Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor, Janardan University

70

governor of rajasthan kalyan singh

42

Prof Suresh Advani

12

prof anil d sahasrabudhe Chairman, AICTE

76

chief minister of rajasthan vasundhra raje

44 Sandeep N Mahatme DM & Collector, Khowai, Tripura

MoS HRD Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey

48

MoS HRD Upendra Kushwaha

Dr V K Agarwal

Chairman, SunRise University

13

15

President, Mody University

major harsh kumar, Seceretary, NCERT

80 Kalthoom Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Education, Knowledge and Human Development Authority

82 Souvik Bhattacharya VC ,BITS Pilani

50

104

Bishwajit Kumar

Prof (Dr) Balvir S Tomar

Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti

Chairman, NIMS University

EDITORIAL Rajasthan Higher Education Expanding Horizon in Modern Era With the Indian education system witnessing a major transformation in the wake of global demand for skilled people and our country’s youths showing interest in exploring foreign shores, Rajasthan, one of most vibrant and progressive States of the country, is focusing on its education sector in a big way.

In this light, the Digital Learning magazine’s latest Cover Story -- Rajasthan Higher Education Embracing Change for New Era of Opportunities -- highlights the growing charm for higher education among youngsters as an important prerequisite to grab highly rewarding jobs. And, it explores how the Government of Rajasthan seems keen to introduce innovations and modern initiatives in the State’s educational landscape.

Being taken out by Digital Learning magazine in association with Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Rajasthan, this Souvenir carries a number of prominent and distinguished who’s who of Rajasthan whose presence has brought remarkable changes in the Rajasthan education system.

An important feature of this latest issue of the magazine is congratulatory messages from the recently elected President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

They have highly appreciated the Rajasthan’s Department of Higher and Technical Education and the Digital Learning magazine for their joint effort in launching this souvenir and offered their good wishes for our effort towards showcasing innovations and initiatives being undertaken in higher education landscape of Rajasthan.

Some of the other top leaders and officials covered this time include the State’s Minister Higher Education Kiran Maheshwari; Chief Secretary Ashok Jain; Additional Chief Secretary Rajhans Upadhyay, and Commissioner of College Education and Special Secretary for Higher education Ashutosh A.T. Pednekar.

Some of the prominent officials featuring in this special edition through interviews include, Anil Swarup, School Education Secretary, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE and Major Harsh Kumar, Secretary, NCERT. As this issue has tried to explore how some of the bright and emerging leaders who are bringing a change in Rajasthan with inspirational initiatives, we’ve also explored the initiatives being undertaken by various University Vice Chancellors like Prof Pradip Chandra Deka, Prof Souvik Bhattacharyya, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani and others.

Also, in a bid to showcase innovations and initiatives in the higher education landscape of the State, the Government of Rajasthan has organised the Festival of Education in Jaipur from 5 to 6 August, 2017. The grand event will be an occasion of knowledge exchange for top-notch edu-experts and key policy makers.

We also take pride in sharing that Rajasthan will be the Principal State Partner of 10th World Education Summit where this souvenir published jointly by the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Rajasthan and Digital Learning Magazine will also be available.

Hoping the latest bouquet of stories and interviews will arouse deep interest in Rajasthan’s education system, we look forward to our esteemed readers’ invaluable feedback.

Ravi Gupta Editior-in-Chief, Digital Learning Magazine and CEO, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd

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Estd. under the Act No. 6 / 2012 of the Government of Rajasthan, Notification No. F.2(5) Vidhi/2/2012 dated 21/3/2012 “For your successful career and grooming we offer”

• D. Pharma

University Campus: Dhand, Tehsil-Amer, Jaipur-Delhi National Highway No. 11C, Jaipur (Rajasthan)-302028 Regd. Office:M-80, Mahesh Colony, J.P. Underpass, Jaipur-302015 Ph. 0141-2590103, 2590104

SPECIAL interview

16

Implementing Best Learning Practices in Rajasthan’s World of

Higher Education

Rajasthan is a fast evolving state in India in terms of higher education. An endeavour is being made to ensure our youth are not just educated but also skillful and employable, says Kiran Maheshwari, Minister, Higher and Technical Education, Sanskrit Education, Science and Technology, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

How is the Government of Rajasthan planning to promote higher education in the State?

Rajasthan is developing at a great pace. The State government has formulated policy architecture for achieving the task of better literacy rate in the form of skillful students. The government policies help students in achieving their goals easily and make them capable to compete globally. The rules and regulations framed by the Government ideally fulfill all the educational needs of students. The Government is endeavouring to develop this State as an educational hub in the country.

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

Government of Rajasthan is promoting entrepreneurship amongst students, what policies and new initiatives have been undertaken in this regard?

Efforts have been made to initiate Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programmes for students to optimise their placement and career oriented opportunities.

Establishing Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Cells in the colleges was proposed as preliminary initiative that is approved from the competent authorities.

17

What Information Communication Technology (ICT) based initiatives are being taken by the government to boost teaching-learning process in the State?

The dynamic e-Classroom initiative has facilitated students across the State to get curriculum-based online academic support and contents to prepare for competitive exams. The first phase of the programme is in final stage, as the installation of equipments in the colleges is under process by the DOIT. A total of 34 colleges have been identified in the first phase, selecting the prominent/leading colleges from each district headquarters in the State. The proposal is to expand this facility to other colleges as well.

BSNL is providing dedicated lease line for internet connectivity to all Government colleges in Rajasthan. To enhance the teaching–learning capabilities of students as well as faculty of different subjects, various smart initiatives have been taken by the State Government. Under the proposal, a lab is supposed to be established having minimum 5 sets of desktops and IT peripherals where quality contents will be made available to students free of cost. This will help to enhance academic quality in colleges. The proposal is for 33 colleges in the first phase, which may be replicated in rest of the colleges after successful implementation.

Bhamashah Sahyog Yojna is a link on Higher Education (HE) portal to have support from philanthropists and corporate sector to fulfill the infrastructure or any other requirements of the institution.

“

Efforts have been made to initiate Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programmes for students to optimise their placement and career oriented opportunities.

”

Considering the teaching –learning based difficulties belonging to faculty of science, especially the Zoology subject, Virtual Lab facility is proposed for 33 colleges. Under the proposal, virtual labs in two subjects were established in each college, of the two subjects one is Zoology.

The other subjects are Chemistry, Physics and Botany.

Considering the difficulties in teaching– learning processes across the State, especially in remote areas, a unique effort – E-Repository is designed to make quality content easily accessible to the students. Under the proposal a lab is supposed to be established having minimum 5 sets of desktops and IT peripherals where quality contents will be made available to students free of cost. This will help to enhance academic quality in colleges. The proposal is for 33 colleges in the first phase, which may be replicated in rest of the colleges after successful implementation.

Are there some projects in the pipeline to bring the higher education sector of Rajasthan at par with the global standards?

With the aid from central government, infrastructure development grant has been received from five universities and 100 colleges and also to establish one new engineering college at Baran. State higher education plan has been submitted to MHRD o receive more grants from Research, Innovation and Quality improvement and vocationalisation of higher education in the State.

The State government has several plans to boost the higher education sector. The government has proposed to establish “Kalpana Swarnim Udaan Kendra” in girls’ colleges to train them in self-defence, skill development and to act as help centres in their career. This scheme is proposed for 10 government girls’ colleges in the State.

Similarly, establishing “Janjatiya Yuva Unnayan Kendra” in ST dominating colleges is also proposed to train students for skill development and entrepreneurship. Such centres are also supposed to act as help desk in their career making. It is proposed for 32 government colleges in the statee.

SPECIAL interview

With an intense focus on developing next-gen leaders, entrepreneurship and skill development programmes for students are underway in colleges across the State. Universities have been directed to upgrade curricula to include skill development courses. Alongside, a proposal has been made for establishing ‘Kalpana Swarnim Udaan Kendra’ in Girls Colleges to train students for self-defense, skill development and also to act as help centres in their career making.

Policymaker’s Perspective

18

Preparing Rajasthani Graduates for Professional World The Government of Rajasthan with its focus on imparting education to tribal and rural population of the State has also signed MoUs to impart skill and job-oriented training to the youth of State, says Ashok Jain, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, in an interview with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

What are the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of Rajasthan to enhance competiveness of manpower as per global standards?

The Government of Rajasthan in a joint venture with Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), Pune; University of Rajasthan, Jaipur; Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur; Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University, Kota; Rajcomp Info Services Ltd, and Centre for e-governance, has set up Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited (RKCL). It is a public limited company with an objective to develop a new educational framework that can plan, implement, supervise and regulate the developing needs for IT skills in the 21st century in the State.

Rajasthan has created vast infrastructure ​​ under education sector for schools, colleges and technical institutions. The government has also come up with initiatives for enhancing employability quotient. Rajasthan Skill &

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

19

The State Government has its emphasis on educating rural population and people of economically weaker sections of the society, what are the new initiatives taken in this direction?

To make the education easily accessible to every section of the State, the Government of Rajasthan is trying to remove impediments of SC, ST, women, rural students and poor students in this regard. The government is laying special emphasis on access to higher education and also to increase the enrollment of SC, ST, women, poor and rural students by providing them scholarships and books. Further, proactive steps have been taken to achieve the above goal such as subsidised higher education for lowincome families, subsidised education to girls in rural areas, free education to SC/ST girls and encourage donor participation in girls’ SC and ST education.

Other than this, merging of schools, staffing pattern and teachers’ accountability measures are also introduced in the last two years that have improved the education scenario among the rural population of the state.

With Rajasthan’s literacy rate being around 60 per cent, lower than that of the national average (around 74 per cent), how is the State government planning to achieve the national average?

The Rajasthan Government in its efforts to match the national average of literacy rate has taken the following steps: Updated Curriculum: It is necessary for the educational institutes to update their syllabus time to time which is dynamic and related to the current scenario of the market. The updated syllabus helps the students to understand the industry trends.

Innovation: Higher education institutes need

“

The government is laying special emphasis on access to higher education and also to increase the enrollment of SC, ST, women, poor and rural students by providing them scholarships and books.

”

to take some innovative steps in their institutes such as satellite and video classes, seminars on various topics. Educational institutions should adopt the latest methodologies to educate their students. Faculties should be flexible with technology for teaching.

Industry Interaction: Interaction with the industries should be increased in higher education. Lack of information about latest industry trends among students results into declined placements in an institution.

Libraries are the window of a zone’s culture, how is the government supporting them to provide good quality study material to students?

The facility of library must be available in every institute of the State. Institutions must improve their library with world-class reference books and journals for students and faculties. The government in its effort to provide students access to good quality study material may soon launch digital libraries. These libraries will help the students to access quality material anytime.

What are some of projects on which the State government is working to bring the education sector of Rajasthan at par with the global standards?

To obtain the larger objectives of quality higher education, the following goals have been stated to be achieved: • Expansion in a planned manner so as to improve availability as per population and spatial norms of institutional density • To increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from the present level with specific attention to gender, SC, minorities, OBCs, differently challenged • Reduce disparity in GER across geographic, economic, and social groups • To increase the Gender Parity Index (GPI) from the present level • To enhance quality of teaching and research so as to match to global standards through revision of curriculum, syllabus, teachinglearning material text books, pedagogical process ICT in education • Enhance infrastructural facilities and enhance the existing ones

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) is the main agency for skill development across state.

The Government of Rajasthan is taking various initiatives for better connectivity with students, to hone computer skills of students and coordinate amongst all educational institutions, universities, students and the Government.

Policymaker’s Perspective

20

Unifying Policies to Rehash School Education Digitisation is important from school education perspective.

Along with it, skilling the youth and training the teachers appropriately are required to refine the school education practices in India, says Anil Swarup, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, in an interview with Gautam Debroy of Elets News Network (ENN).

The Government of India is emphasising on Digital India, how are you implementing the concept of Digital India in your department?

First of all, we have dispatched all the files and papers in the ministry. Everything has been digitised. So, we don’t have files and papers and every proposal moves on an electronic file. As everything has been digitised, so everything has been electronically handled within the department. Secondly, we are trying to use a lot of technology in the field to see how education can be delivered through it. A number of steps are being taken, an electronic platform is being created to provide teachers’ education. Similarly, NCERT has digitised all its material that is available online for students. For delivering education in schools, initiative is being taken to use tablets, computers and smart screens. These are the ways how we are trying to digitise the school education segment.

Is digitising school education being followed across the country or in a particular State?

It cannot be done in one go in all the schools.

There are more than 15 lakh schools in the country, so it can’t be implemented immediately.

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

21

With Central Government’s emphasis on bringing rural and urban areas at par, what initiatives have been taken to promote school education, especially in the rural areas?

Similar facilities are being provided in the schools located in urban areas and rural areas. We do not discriminate between schools in urban and rural areas in terms of providing infrastructure related facilities.

From June onwards you are going to initiate Central Curriculum Assessment, what is the motivation behind this decision?

We are doing an assessment. The Right to Education Act provides that there should be learning outcomes on the basis of which we should determine, how much a child has been able to learn so far. We have been providing lots of inputs but how much a child has learnt was not determined through the specific learning outcomes. Now, these learning outcomes have been announced. Post announcement, we are going to conduct a national assessment survey through which we are going to assess the students of class 3, 5 and 8 as to how well has the child progressed? So, that is what we are going to do under Central National Assessment Survey (CNAS). By 31st December, we expect to get all the results. It will be rolled out in schools on a random sampling basis. This will help us to figure out the bottlenecks for every class and in adopting corrective measures.

What is the significance of skill education in schools?

Skill education is extremely important because only through skilling we can nurture a student’s capability of getting a job. Ultimately, whatever he or she learns, it is for a purpose and that purpose can only be served if the student is skilled enough to get a job. Hence, we all believe that vocational training and skilling are very important components of school education.

For skilling students, it is very important that the teachers train

“

NCERT has digitised all its material that is available online for students.

For delivering education in schools, initiative is being taken to use tablets, computers and smart screens.

These are the ways how we are trying to digitise the school education segment.

”

In the context of teachers, a number of steps are being undertaken by the department.

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is working very hard in bringing out a regime, wherein the teachers are appropriately trained before joining the service. What we are attempting to do is that for B.Ed colleges, we are trying to bring an accreditation system. Only the colleges that are accredited by the NCTE will only be allowed to run B.Ed courses.

Parents usually prefer private colleges over government colleges in many States of the country, is there any strategy followed by your department to change the practice?

We are improving the quality of education in government schools and the moment it is done, the children will start returning to government schools. In the States like Bihar and in some parts of Maharashtra, the children are coming back to the government schools as they have managed to improve the quality of education.

Since there is no compulsion on where a child should study; only with the help of good quality education, we can attract the students towards government schools.

What are the most prominent challenges in school education segment and how are you trying to overcome it?

One of the major challenges is to have good teachers in schools. Teachers are the fulcrum and we have to improve that aspect. We are trying to provide pre-service training and improve the training process as well. We are trying to improve the process through which a teacher gets selected and to figure out a system through which a teacher gets trained.

The other challenge is using technology for teachers to attend the school. As per the presently available data, one-fourth of the teachers don’t go to school. As a pilot project started in Chhattisgarh, tablets are provided to every school and biometric attendance systems are installed to confirm that a teacher does go to the school.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

them as per their abilities, has your department undertaken initiatives in this regard?

But selectively, it is being done in a few schools and gradually it will be taken to other schools as well.

Policymaker’s Perspective

22

transforming rajasthan into Higher Education hub The higher education segment of Rajasthan has witnessed speedy progress in the last few years. With a focus on research and development, efforts are on to build Rajasthan as an education hub, says Raj Huns Upadhyay, Additional Chief Secretary Higher, Technical and Sanskrit Education Department, Coordination - School and Sanskrit Education, Government of Rajasthan, in an interview with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

23

There is a significant growth in the number of higher education institution and universities in the State. The Government of Rajasthan has established new colleges with a focus on recruiting well qualified faculty for these colleges. Apart from this we are also working in phased manner to develop a infrastructure of global standards in colleges and universities. We are encouraging higher education institutions to raise their own funds so they are are not totally dependent on the government funding.

Research and Development in higher education appears not to be getting the required attention, what are the challenges and steps being taken in this regard?

Research and development initiatives are mainly taken in universities however, some leading colleges have shown equal participation, it is important to build synergies between teaching and research to promote excellence in both. We are adopting best practices followed across the globe and encourage and support higher education institutions and their faculty members to engage more deeply with institutions and faculty around the world to improve quality of research. We have asked State universities to explore possibility of collaborations with best universities of World in order to facilitating alliances for research. Such collaborations will also help in linking university departments with research institutions and industry to accelerate the process of knowledge development.

There should be dedicated funds for research and development to strengthen higher education ecosystem. As far as Rajasthan is concerned, we are trying to move towards a university system integrating UG, PG and doctoral studies, with faculty concurrently teaching both at UG and PG level which will help improve synergies between teaching and research. Universities will be multidisciplinary in nature and not single disciplinespecific. In short, favourable conditions need to be created in the State as well as in the country to promote high quality research.

Digital divide between rural and urban areas is a big issue in the State and country, what role does technical

education play in bridging this gap?

“

Research and development initiatives are being taken in universities to upgrade the skills of existing faculty members, it is important to build synergies between teaching and research to promote excellence in both.

”

Internet is an empowering tool. SWAYAM, an online Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) platform is being developed with the support from Ministry of Human Resources Development. It will help the students from different areas of the country to be at the same-level as far as access to good quality education content is concerned.

Best faculties from every domain are requested to develop MOOCs content which will be available free of cost to all students.

“Digital India” and “Skill India” are the two most ambitious projects of the Government of India, what is the role of the department in skilling and providing jobs to the youths under these two initiatives?

All our transactions, be it related to approval, finance, education content, courseware, admission processes, or disbursement of degrees are all becoming digital. Higher Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, is working according to the true spirit of Digital India.

There are some State Universities which are offereing short term and long term skill imparting courses. Three of our State Universities have received financial assistance from MInistry of MIcro, Small and Medium Entreprises under its ‘Assistance to Institutions’ scheme. Other universities are also working to develop Skill and Entrepreneurship centers.

What are the most significant challenges you see in the technical education domain?

Higher and Technical education in the State faces many challenges. Traditional pedagogy, setting up quality research, motivating students, classrooms attendance and widespread geographic, income, gender, and ethnic imbalances. Government policies play a vital role in information and resource sharing and with the enhanced participation of education stakeholders, these challenges can easily be resolved. Government is trying to reach the remote areas of the State. There is a need to upgrade higher education system so that the State gets good colleges and universities and higher educational institutes get more skilled faculties and supporting staff. Better education will ensure good future of students and if students will get better education facilities in their own State, they will not be forced to migrate to other States.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

What steps are required to bring higher education in Rajasthan at par with the best across the world?

cover story

24

RAJASTHAN HIGHER EDUCATION EMBRACING CHANGE FOR NEW ERA OF OPPORTUNITIES DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN

Realising the growing importance of higher education for youngsters as one of the important prerequisites for grabbing good jobs and achieve a decent living standard, the Government of Rajasthan is focused on introducing innovations into the State’s educational landscape, writes Akash Tomer of Elets News Network (ENN).

25

R

ajasthan has a vast higher education system in terms of numbers, types of institutions, defined by source of funding, and the nature of management. Rajasthan is among the top six States of India in terms of number of colleges. The other States are Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The education system of the State draws its strength from the aspirations of its young population for greater economic and social mobility associated with higher education. The higher education landscape of Rajasthan reflects that along with quantitative expansion the thrust is on qualitative aspects.

The departments associated with the education in the State are committed to promote holistic learning amongst youths of Rajasthan so as to enable them to lead meaningful lives in the society. Every department is keen to develop the requisite capacity and capability of youngsters that will lead to development of the nation.

The department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Rajasthan, focuses on nurturing employable, positive and aspirational generation of lifelong learners. Such traits help the youths of the State to sustain in this competitive and quality conscious era of globalisation.

In order to be in line with the government’s vision, the department facilitates higher education institutions that provide a lifelong education to the masses, address the needs of productive employment, and also higher quality institutions that are primarily focused on research and innovation. This will entail creation of multi disciplinary institutions/ universities that

• Offer a wide range of basic under graduate and post graduate courses • Impart skill based training to bring out employable degree holders at grass root level • Focus on achieving social objectives of poverty alleviation, and civic consciousness regarding health, sanitation, and other collective responsibilities • Give priority to student learning outcomes • Provide industry aligned courses to develop functional, critical and soft skills • Can be centres of research excellence compatible to the best in the country • Encourage out of the box thinking and creation of knowledge • Would attract the best minds both to the pool of students and faculty and in the process can become valuable assets in India’s knowledge driven economy.

MISSION

The Rajasthan Government’s mission is to develop a higher education system in the State that strives for excellence in quality, easily accessible to every section of the society, and produces skillful human resource that can stand up to the challenges of the changing times.

Easy access to higher education opportunities will enable students to develop knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the productivity of their organisations and provide leadership and service to their communities.

The Government, with such a higher education system, wants to ensure that it is open to all and does not discriminate an individual on the basis of religion, caste, gender, physical or financial conditions. An education system that churns out social thinkers, scientists, inventors, innovators, artistes, players, motivators of highest quality is the need of the hour.

The system has its focus on enhancement of quality of teaching and research at par with the global standards through revision of curriculum, syllabus, teaching-learning material, text books, pedagogical processes and ICT in education.

To improve the quality of all Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), benchmarking will be done through The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and through National Board of Accreditation (NBA).

Rajasthan endeavours to put in place such an education system that could support and sustain India’s undeniable status of an emerging economic power.

26

KEY FOCUS AREAS IN HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Student Management • • • •

Student information Academic details Forums and groups Profile management

Examination Management • • • •

Online enrolment Test paper management Center, duty management Degree, marksheet management

Curriculum Management • • •

E-learning Course and subject management Centralised content repository

Faculty Management • • • •

Faculty information Research management Profile management Attendance mgmt

College/University Management • • • •

Affiliation management Election management Placement management Grant management

Admission Management • • •

Online admission forms Online fees payments Central seat allocation

27 S.No.

Key Parameter (No.)

2013-14

2017-18

1

Govt. Colleges

179

219

2

No. of Universities

Universities : Govt. - 15 Pvt. - 40 Deemed - 05

Universities : Govt. - 12 Pvt. - 44 Deemed - 05

3

Govt. Girls Colleges

42

47

4

Private Colleges

1331

1581 (up to June 2017)

5

No. of Institutions

Govt. Colleges - 179 (164 + 15 Law) Govt. Law College - 15 Pvt. Colleges - 1331 (1287 + 44 Law) SFS Colleges - 2 PPP Colleges - 4 Universities : Govt. - 15 Pvt. - 40 Deemed - 05

Govt. Colleges - 219 (204 + 15 Law) Govt. Law College - 15 Pvt. Colleges - 1581 SFS Colleges - 7 PPP Colleges - 6 Universities : Govt. - 12 Pvt. - 44 Deemed - 05

6

Enrollment

Govt. Colleges - 329130 (2013-14)

Govt. Colleges - 380397 (2016-17)

7

Enrollment of Girls

Govt. Colleges - 136465 (2013-14)

Govt. Colleges - 175221 (2016-17) ovt. Colleges - 175221

(2016-17)

8

Category wise Enrollment

General - 68001 SC - 65519 ST - 49849 OBC - 137942 Minority - 7819 (2013-14)

General - 77978 SC - 75772 ST - 57320 OBC - 160969 Minority - 8358 (2016-17)

9

Unserved SDO HQ

46

22

10

GER

19.7

20.23

11

Financial Outlay of Higher Education

1038.53 Cr

1350.14 Cr

Institutional Enhancement

Due to the initiatives of the State Government and other institutions that are involved for the purpose, the higher education scenario in Rajasthan has undergone a transformation. In a bid to promote higher education, end gender inequalities, improve enrollment of students in colleges and universities, and provide other educational services, many new policies are being framed and implemented time to time. Today, Rajasthan is a fast evolving State in India as a centre for education. The Government of Rajasthan is endeavouring to make this State a hub of best educational centres of the country.

Making education available to tribal population of the State was a major challenge for the Government, but it was an important requirement for communities such as these. In order to fetch fair prices for the artefacts they sell, it is extremely important for them to be aware and literate. The Government lays emphasis on education to girls and many efforts are directed to make such programmes popular among the masses.

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Initiatives for Educational Quality Enhancement The Government of Rajasthan and higher education departments under their aim to provide quality education to youths of the State.

The Government’s endeavours are recognised nationally since there are four universities amongst the top 100 universities in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2017.

The institutions are two deemed universities Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS – 13th position) and Banasthali Vidyapeeth (53rd position). Besides these, there are two state universities Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RUVAS – 68th position) and University of Rajasthan (UOR – 79th position).

Various Initiatives to improve the quality of higher education in the state are:

Bilateral Collaboration Within and Outside the Nation • Exploring possibilities of collaboration with national and international institutions as per UGC scheme “Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between India and Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations”.

• A study of institutes of Higher Education in Kerala State to identify the areas of collaboration and to identify institutions within and outside the country.

• Collaboration with IGNOU for 5 Skill and Entrepreneurship capacity building courses (Certificate/ Diploma) in 22 Government colleges in the current session 2017-18.

• Collaboration with empanelled partner of NSDC, GOI for

Rating and Ranking of Institutions of Higher Education at State Level: • Format for Rating and Ranking has been prepared • A test run conducted • Results were analysed and necessary modifications were incorporated • Revised matrix was submitted for development of related software to DoIT. • Meanwhile a Google sheet is prepared for Rating and Ranking and a sample test was again piloted and the results obtained are being analyzed.

• Rating and Ranking Matrix will be mandatory, after validation of Google sheet format, for all State Government and private colleges and universities.

enhancement of English Language Labs

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NAAC RUSA Accreditation Efforts and Achievements A total of 70 colleges have been accredited by NAAC of which seven colleges are accredited with A Grade. A State Level Quality Assurance Cell (SLQAC) has also been formed for:

• Preliminary scrutiny of Self Study Report (SSR) by NAAC assessors before submitting for accreditation and input communicated to Institutions for improvement • In-house Evaluation teams to inspect institutions before NAAC peer team visit • Three one-day workshops organised to assist, train and enable the nodal officers to prepare SSR and to expedite the process of accreditation of their colleges

The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). Launched in 2013, it aims to provide strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions.

The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm based and outcome dependent.

Rajathhan State Higher Education Council (RSHEC) formed for planning, monitoring and evaluating quality assurance in higher education.

Major Achievements:

Faculty Improvement

• State Higher Education Plan (2015-2022) prepared and proposals worth Rs 20,88,343 submitted to MHRD • Infrastructure grant to five state universities and 100 government colleges • RUSA grant released for opening one new engineering college at Baran • Creation of 17 basic essential facilities in all RUSA beneficiary institutions.

• Internal audit of the Physical and Financial progress of all RUSA beneficiaries.

• Monitoring of physical progress by Geo tagging. 172 points which records highest in the country from any beneficiary state.

• Monitoring of all the Financial transactions by beneficiaries, with the help of Fund Tracker .

• PFMS Compliance of all transactions • Workshops conducted for E-Learning initiatives, educational leadership and PFMS compliance transactions

• Leadership training workshop for academic administrators (Principals, Vice-Principals and senior faculty members) in two batches was conducted to hone their leadership and management skills by IIM Lucknow.

New Schemes under RUSA: Dishari: The scheme has been launched for students for capacity building and employment enhancement in their colleges.

• Orientation programmes and Refresher Courses are mandatory at institutions • Induction training for new recruited faculty to be initiated.

• Various leadership, management information, gender sensitisation, RTI, work on excel, PPT presentation, disaster management and improvement programmes throughout the session are organised at HCM RIPA.

Yuva Swavlamban Yojna: The scheme has been launched for setting up Career Counseling, Placement and Skill Training Cell for the students.

Gender ATLAS: Preparation of Gender Atlas of the State through Application of Remote Sensing and GIS is under process.

Bhamashah Sahyog Yojna: A new scheme to muster support from individual donors and companies under CSR to overcome the pit falls in the field of higher education launched.

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IT innovations: Plans and Implementations The introduction of Information and Communication (ICT) in higher education has profound implications for the whole education process especially in dealing with key issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality. For achieving the vision goals of 2022, the Department of Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan, has prepared a Mission document for ICT strategy which has the following attributes:

• To implement e-Governance in Higher Education through

The Government of Rajasthan through its various initiatives has implemented various ICT initiatives to transform the higher education segment of the state. Few of them are: 1.

Based on ICT, Crowd Sourced Social Platform For Education, it is a new initiative by Higher Education Department of Rajasthan to connect students, teachers and group of subject experts to share knowledge among them and making it available to all students across Rajasthan.

2.

In seven selected government colleges at divisional headquarters smart science labs are established, that will serve as centre of educational excellence, models for further replication and nodal centre for linked colleges for sharing and disseminating the knowledge.

3.

Online admission Process (OAP) is successfully implemented in all government colleges for UG and PG courses in last four years. Students now are not required to submit hard copy of their application form.

4.

Integration of OAP will be integrated with upcoming higher education portal and college management modules.

Admission data will also be integrated with Examination module which will eliminate the resubmission of examination forms by the admitted students and later can be used to award degrees.

Higher Education Portal • Availability of Smart Classroom in Colleges • To Provide Wi-Fi facilities to students and Faculty • To encourage Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

• Big Data Challenge and Hackathon on regular basis • Library computerization in HEIs • Spoken tutorials for FOSS courses • Digital class rooms in Girls colleges under CSR • Establishment of Smart Science Labs • Establishment of Crowd Sourced Social Platform for Education • Linking colleges with INFLIBNET facility of UGC • Implementation of GIS mapping in HEIs • Promotion of Industry Academia linkages.

• Online test for students to access skill and aptitude on regular basis.

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NEW INITIATIVES 1.

District Higher Education Advisory Council to be formed for Institutional support and academic enhancement, Industry Academia interface Innovative market driven relevant courses Skill-training, entrepreneurship and employability of youth in the state.

2.

Small business and entrepreneurship centres are to be established in all universities of the State. Curriculum has been updated to make it market driven and relevant as per contemporary industry demands.

3.

Universities are directed to design vocational courses (B Voc) for affiliated colleges and to take advantage of provisions made in UGC for Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses (MOOC) through SWAYAM portal, make National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant courses and obtain appropriate level for certification.

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN

Government of Rajasthan is keen to develop the higher education segment as one of the best in India. Through its innovative initiatives, the state is making its youth educated and employable at the same time. Along with the government, higher education institutes of Rajasthan are also helping rural and tribal population of the state to overcome the challenges in this sector. The best practices will help the government to achieve their vision and generate more and more opportunities for the youngsters.

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interview

Crafting TechnologyEnhanced Innovation in Higher Education The Government of Rajasthan has adopted innovative learning methodologies to improve the higher education landscape in Rajasthan. The government is focussing on ICT based skilful learning to make the youth employable, says Ashutosh A T Pednekar, Commissioner College Education and Special Secretary Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan in an interview with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN)

What are the plans of the Government of Rajasthan to provide quality higher education to the youngsters of the state?

Rajasthan has a vast higher education system both in terms of numbers, their age and antiquity, as well as the types of institutions defined by source of funding and the nature of management.

Rajasthan occupies place in top 6 States in terms of highest number of colleges in India including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.The system draws its strength from the young population as well as the aspirations for greater economic and social mobility associated with higher education.

What initiatives are incorporated by Department of College Education to enhance higher education space of Rajasthan?

In order to deal with issues of access, equity, management, efficiency, pedagogy and quality,

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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Please explain about the policy architecture of the state government for making the students skillful to get their goals and to compete globally?

Nowadays the government is focusing more on equipping students with the vocational and entrepreneurial. These skills will make the students suitable for jobs in corporates of their respective streams.

In order to make the skill based learning more effective the government has ordered to strengthen the vocational education at college level. In their efforts, the respective departments of government are trying to attract more students to skill based courses at Polytechnics through aggressive marketing and appropriate counselling.

Curriculum revision has been done for universities to make their regular courses more flexible. Skills oriented add on courses in colleges to be taken by students while pursuing degree education in Arts, Commerce and Science.

Through industry university interaction, the universities have to identify subjects in high demand and diversify their courses.

What steps have been taken by the government to overcome the

challenges while connecting the tribal population of the state with the mainstream education?

“

In order to make the skill based learning more effective the government is keen to strengthen the vocational education at higher education level.

”

It is necessary to made good quality education easily accessible to the tribal population to bring them in the mainstream of development. The government has proactively taken the following steps to achieve the desired outcome.

• Public spending to focus more on remote and un-accessible areas- Equal infrastructure, attractive salaries, hostels and few institutions of excellence.

• Subsidised higher education for Non income tax payees, SC and ST and free education to SC/ST girls.

• Subsidised education to girls in rural areas.

• Encourage donor participation in Girls education, SC and ST education.

• Special Coaching Classes in Colleges of far flung areas be encouraged to facilitate updation of knowledge.

• Proficiency of enhancement in English language classes will be introduced.

• Online Video conferencing, Internet and Intranet connectivity of colleges, libraries, universities and the commissionerate.

What are the expansion plans of the state government in terms of education to envisaged new job and also the opportunities for selfemployment? ​​ Rajasthan, Agriculture & allied activities In still provide over 60% of all jobs, with industry (mainly construction and manufacturing) and services (mainly trade, hospitality, Government and Community Services) accounting for the rest of employment. The State Government has been creating a number of job opportunities under various sectors, but the increase in the job has been more than offset by the rapid growth of population.

The state government is also focussing on self-employment. The facilities for vocational guidance and assistance for self- employment to the educated persons are, therefore, being given emphasis. Expansion in education, medical and health, and housing facilities is envisaged creating new opportunities for self-employment. Technical training facilities will also be improved and it will be imparted in emerging areas to cater to the changing needs and pattern of industrialization and advancement of technology.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

interview

the Department of Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan, has taken the following initiatives: • Implement e-Governance in Higher Education through Higher Education Portal • Availability of Smart Classroom in Colleges • Provide Wi-Fi facilities to students and faculty • To encourage Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

• Big Data Challenge and Hackathon on regular basis • Library computerisation in higher education institutes (HEIs) • Spoken tutorials for FOSS courses • Digital class rooms in Girls colleges under CSR • Establishment of smart science labs • Establishment of Crowd Sourced Social Platform for education • Linking colleges with INFLIBNET facility of UGC • Implementation of GIS mapping in HEIs • Promotion of industry-academia linkages.

• Online test for students to access skill and aptitude on regular basis.

Policymaker’s Perspective

34

Transforming Learning Experience in Rajasthan ‘Project Utkarsh’ and ‘e-Gyankendra’ are the two projects which have earned Rajasthan government’s accolades. If the former project is about bringing qualitative change in mass school education via technology and quiz-based learning system, the latter, developed by Dr Jitendra Kumar Soni, District Collector and Magistrate, Jhalawar, Government of Rajasthan, is meant to facilitate and empower the community through e-learning and e-governance, examines Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

Project Utkarsh Many government schools have access to technology infrastructure through various schemes, but its utilisation by teachers and students is usually quite below par. Moreover, there is no effective way for the government to track Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure usage or measure the impact on student learning outcome.

Result Indicators Benefits: • Build a strong learning culture by making students more curious, confident and participative • Made curriculum-based learning more engaging and playful • Collaboration with implementation agencies (e.g. government and Department of Education) for consistent project implementation. As part of the Project Utkarsh, we are establishing district and school level implementation model for further replication.

Key Considerations: • 127 ICT schools selected from Jhalawar district • 80+ schools have completed smart class teachers training

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

“

Open Media Server based e-Gyankendra aims to bridge that gap by providing a versatile technology solution and sowing seeds of a grassroots community around it.

”

• 500+ systems used for regular practice and learning • 1,000+ teachers were trained for long term capacity building • 82.5% participation of rural area schools • Content developed in local language • Revolutionary step for Digital India through digital empowerment

Enabler Indicators Stakeholders’ inclusiveness and participation: Formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Statement of Work (SoW) signed up among key stakeholders including roles and responsibility of each stakeholder, programme methodology and execution approach has been crucial in this regard.

Technology adaptations/innovative deployment: Quiz Academy platform having exclusiveness and interactiveness of content in common parlance, smooth user interface, remote monitoring dashboard for real time status, offline solution for non-internet availability in schools have been important factors.

35 e-Gyankendra

Proposed Solution Open Media Server based e-Gyankendra aims to bridge that gap by providing a versatile technology solution and sowing seeds of a grassroots community around it. Let’s take a sample.

• Media • Connectivity • Administration • Sample Content • Wikipedia (multilingual) • TED Talks • Worldwide maps (OpenStreetMap) • Project Gutenberg (45000+ books) • Khan Academy (KA Lite) • NCERT resources (multilingual - through the NROER project) • Toys From Trash video • Any other open-licensed content

Web Apps • • • • • • •

LMS - Moodle Local Social Network - Elgg Wiki - Dokuwiki Book Server - Pathagar Collaboration - Jabber Any other open-licensed web-app Personal use

Creates a home Wi-Fi network • School use (Personal use features) • Manages the LAN

If there is limited internet connectivity available:

• Optimises bandwidth usage • Remote debugging and deployment through VPN

Village network use

“

The solution of open media server based e-Gyankendra is an effort to create an ecosystem for community empowerment and smartcitizen though digital learning leveraging open source technology and providing free access to best of the open source digital content for local community without internetdependency.

”

(School use features) • Wide area Wi-Fi network meshes • Deployment • Built on next generation technology • Web-console for push-button deployment and management of content and services

Analytics • Content access analytics - AwStats • Server diagnostics - Munin • Admin console - Cockpit

Hardware options • Low end - Raspberry Pi • Mid to High end - Intel NUC, and most other generic computers and servers

Need for the Initiative In the present era of the digitisation, relevance and importance of internet cannot be under-rated but affordability, availability, security and consistency are also key aspects. The solution of open media server based e-Gyankendra is an effort to create an ecosystem for community empowerment and smart-citizen though digital learning leveraging open source technology and providing free access to best of the open source digital content for local community without internet-dependency.

Key Features of e-Gyankendra Best of the knowledge content: e-Gyankendra can host and support open media content in the form of video, docs, PDF, animation, images etc. It has been tried to compile, curate and host best of the knowledge content especially of Indian context.

There is around one Tera Byte data which includes: • Wikipedia (multilingual) • Quiz Academy (www.quizacademy.org • TED Talks • Worldwide maps (OpenStreetMap) • Project Gutenberg (45,000+ books) • Khan Academy (KA Lite) • NCERT resources (multilingual - through the NROER project) • Toys From Trash video • Any other open-licensed content

• Provides content filtering

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

Teachers and students across the globe can now access educational resources in their own language for free. But there is a big problem of internet access. Around two-third of the world population doesn’t have any reliable internet access and within India, the situation is not good as well. This can be addressed through (semi) offline educational-media servers which are present at the site of the educational deployment.

Considered together, the immense growth in high quality Open Educational Resources (OER), recent advances in low-power, low-cost computing, and the fall in cost of storage devices makes bridging the gap an economically feasible and scalable solution.

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Special Story

As Ajmer Turns New Page, No Dream Looks Far-Fetched In its effort to make learning process more inclusive, District Administration and Ajmer Municipal Corporation under the leadership of Collector and District Magistrate of Ajmer, Gaurav Goyal, has undertaken two major innovative initiatives - a novel book bank to bank upon for building a promising future of thousands of children and a mobile library to inculcate a culture of reading in the historical city, writes Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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O

Special Story

n 14th August, 2016, Ajmer Municipal Corporation turned a new page in its efforts to nurture an inclusive learning environment in this heritage city that serves as a confluence centre of different cultures. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, inaugurated a book bank and mobile library started under the stewardship of the Mayor, Dharmendra Gehlot, and Collector and District Magistrate of Ajmer, Gaurav Goyal.

After inaugurating these novel initiatives, the Chief Minister took a round of the mobile library and appreciated the efforts of the corporation in bridging the existing knowledge gap hinging firmly on affordability. The Chief Minister handed over several books to the students of Adarsh Girls School and also felicitated major donors for these initiatives on the occasion.

The Book Bank The noble cause driving this initiative is collection of academic and non-academic books from students or people in general who do not need them, and then their distribution among the needy students or people. Under this initiative, camps are being organised in private schools of the city and many famous donors of the city are being contacted to donate their books. The collected books are kept in the book bank to be delivered to the needy, especially students of government schools, as there is limited availability of books in government-run schools. Besides, there are many schools which do not have proper libraries.

Jyoti Kakwani, Deputy Commissioner of Ajmer Municipal Corporation, was appointed as the coordinator for this initiative and she tried her best to collect books from various sources and delivered it to the needy students. More than 3,000 thousand books of different types have been collected so far and delivered to students school-wise. Even some students participated in this novel cause and donated books which were later distributed in government primary schools.

There was also an innovative programme launched, wherein the books were not distributed among students directly but stalls were set up so that children themselves can select the books of their choice. Many institutions and schools appreciated the efforts.

Collector and District Magistrate of Ajmer, Gaurav Goyal distributing books to students

Mobile Library

“

To keep the mobile library affordable for all, the annual fee is kept as low as Rs 20, allowing students to get the books issued for two weeks.

”

Ajmer Municipal Corporation is also running a mobile library along with the book bank. Through the mobile library, every fortnight, the books are being sent to different areas to distribute books to the needy students. Wednesday has been announced to be the weekly off for mobile library.

Along with regular course and competitive exam books, books on art and literature are also part of the mobile library.

To keep the mobile library affordable for all, the annual fee has been kept as low as Rs 20, allowing students to get the books issued for two weeks. Proper arrangements for students have also been put in place so that they can read the books in a comfortable ambience.

Kindle, a mobile device to read books online, is already made available at the library for facilitating e-reading. Computer operators at the library also arrange soft copies for the students if need be. Besides, a list of available books is maintained and updated for easy identification.

Many educational institutions are highly appreciative of the mobile library and some of them are also organising seminars on their impact on the book reading culture in educational institutes. At the Collector-SP Conference, which was organised on 24th to 26th November last year, the Chief Minister instructed the officials present to take a leaf out of Ajmer Municipal Corporation’s book to operate similar book banks and mobile libraries across the state.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

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Different Strokes

40

God’s Discovery Helping An IAS to Redefine Governance Style From being an atheist to a person of deep faith in God, the journey of Haulianlal Guite, an IAS Officer from Manipur, has been an odyssey of a man’s exploration of the almighty, which has helped him better understand and serve the most deserving of government schemes with compassion. Having penned a non-fictional novel “Confessions Of A Dying Mind”, Guite, currently posted as the Secretary at Jaipur Development Authority, shares with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN) the philosophy behind this novel and its influence enabling him to better serve the society. Excerpts:

What is the “Confessions of a Dying Mind” all about? ‘‘Confessions of A Dying Mind’ is the title of my novel. It is arguably the first philosophical novel to be written on the subject of God. I am hoping that more and more people will be exposed to it, even those who don’t have the philosophical background. The book deals with the most pressing modern-day questions, centered on this: whether modern science has done away with God.

What is the theme of the novel?

There are various themes. The major plotline being followed is that whether one decides to believe in God or not, the evidence is not in favor of either. It all boils down to faith. I am trying to show, therefore, that just as religion is based on faith, so is atheism too. And that atheism has nothing to do with evidence or science.

Confessions of A Dying Mind

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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what inspired you to write this novel?

What stories does ‘Confessions’ tell?

What is closer to your heartPhilosophy or Bureaucracy?

Entering the IAS was never my dream, but that I became one due to my father’s pressuring. It was always my dream to be a philosopher, due to an inborn talent at philosophic speculation that was richly cultivated during my college years in St. Stephen’s. But I never looked back, and never regret becoming an IAS officer.

I often recall how my knowledge of the Indian Administrative Service was most limited and misleading; but that when I actually work as an IAS officer, in learning that the amount of good an officer can do can be quite critical, I realize how great the service is.

Nevertheless I continue pursuing philosophy as a favourite hobby. And the consequence is this book, “Confessions of a Dying Mind”

You have served as the executive magistrate of Mount Abu, the municipal commissioner of Ajmer City, the OSD to the State Finance Commission, Rajasthan, and currently the Secretary of Jaipur Development Authority, So how do you find the time to write all these?

“

Philosophy has a lot of abstract applications. It helps you to look at things in a more holistic way, which is essential even for the IAS. You start to look at things from different angles.

”

Like everyone else, every IAS officer develops hobbies, to alleviate the tensions of work and pressures of life. Some choose to play golf or badminton, others learn music or swimming, and still others entertain themselves in various other ways. My hobby is to read and write.

I may state further that philosophy comes naturally to me. I am involved with it right from class XI. I took the subject in my college as a result. After coming to service, it is easy to philosophise about anything including infrastructure, government, religion or anything.

So in a sense, it has become my second nature.

Writing it down, therefore, is only natural.

Have you inculcated any special practices to improve your writing?

I read a lot about philosophy. The format of the novel is inspired by Jostein Gaarder book called Sophie’s World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy (1991). This book is about philosophy, but written as a novel. My other inspiration is German philosopher Immanuel Kant, from whom I derive much of the book’s thesis; and other is Karl Popper, who is a great philosopher of science again.

I must mention at this point that I was an atheist for a couple of years during my college years, but after reading Immanuel Kant, I returned to have belief in God.

How do you use this inspiration in your administrative work?

Philosophy has a lot of abstract applications. It helps you to look at things in a more holistic way which is essential even for the IAS. You start to look at things from different angles. For example, I was working as OSD in the Finance Commission.

There we have to look at things financially of course, but other elements also, including the issue of allocating funds. It requires critical, often qualitative, thinking. Philosophy can train us to make more judicious choices as it is all about reasoning. UPSC understands that and hence, a lot of reasoning questions come in the civil services. Ethics, which is another branch of philosophy, has become another optional paper in the UPSC now. So for civil services, the philosophical bent of mind is very essential.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Different Strokes

Confessions presents arguments against atheism that are found nowhere else, and it does this by using the theories and findings of atheists themselves. Case in point, the philosophy of the acclaimed philosopher WV Quine. All these are dealt in the near-death experience of the protagonist, Albert Dyers. As for the experience itself, are Dyers’ experiences with the angel, real? Or are they delusions caused by his accident? Can reality as it is, be really known to us? Is modern science against religion and faith?

Is atheism based on evidence?

I have explored these all-important questions by telling various stories woven into the plotline of the novel itself. In doing so, the exploration delves into the nature of science, religion, evidence, even love - including visits to other worlds, to past events, to surreal places, and so on. And it accomplishes all these without using complex or unnecessary jargon, so that the educated lay reader without philosophy background will be able to understand them.

Policymaker’s Perspective

42

AICTE Mentoring to Improve Higher Education The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has taken various steps to improve technical and higher education in the country. The council’s initiatives are in line with the Central Government’s initiative like Digital India and Skill India, says Prof Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE, in an interview with Gopi Arora of Elets News Network (ENN). Excerpts: What new initiatives have been taken by the AICTE to promote technical education in the country?

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) started four new schemes last year—Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Trainee Teacher Scheme, Adjunct Faculty Scheme, and Margdarshan or Mentorship scheme.

There are several initiatives embarked upon by AICTE this year such as, mandatory internship for students (4-8 weeks during summer vacations), training of teachers (both induction and annual in service training), single entrance examination for admission in undergraduate engineering programmes, induction training for first year students (PCM, English, communication skills, ethics, values etc), regular revision of curriculum (annual feature), industry interaction cell in each institute, promoting innovation in study and startups, exam reforms with more emphasis on practical subject understanding and skills than mere subject knowledge and preparing perspective plan for the country with inputs from all the States.

At present, barring the IITs, not many Indian engineering colleges are known globally for imparting quality education, how can this scenario be improved to bring engineering colleges in India at par with the finest colleges across the world?

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What are the three most significant challenges you see in the technical education domain?

Currently, we have an acute shortage of good faculty. Attracting bright and good students to teaching profession is one of the biggest challenges. Along with this, 40% of seats remain vacant in engineering colleges of India and the second challenge revolves around it. It is important to improve the quality of technical education along with attracting students from across the country and also from abroad to make use of the capacity built across engineering colleges.

The third major challenge is the employability of students after graduation which needs to be improved by bridging the industry and education gap.

What are the key areas where AICTE needs to change for good?

The AICTE is acting as a mentor and facilitator to improve quality of technical education in India. As a regulator, the council is inspecting the performance of every institute in the country and suggesting measures for improvement in the institutes. Sometimes, AICTE also has to take strict actions against poor performing institutions such as closing a course or an institute.

Digital divide between rural and urban areas is a big issue in the country, what challenges are you facing to bridge this gap? What role does technical education play in empowering the rural masses?

Internet is an empowering tool. SWAYAM, an online Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) platform is being developed by AICTE with the support from MHRD. It will help the students from different

areas of the country to be at the same level as far as access to good quality education content is concerned. Best faculties from every domain are requested to develop MOOCs content which will be available free of cost to all students.

“

We have an acute shortage of good faculty. Attracting bright and good students to teaching profession is one of the biggest challenges.

Along with this, 40% of seats remain vacant in engineering colleges of India.

”

“Digital India” and “Skill India” are the two most ambitious projects of the Government of India, what is the role of AICTE in skilling and providing jobs to the youths under these two initiatives?

All our transactions be it related to approval, finance, education content, courseware, admission processes, degrees are all becoming digital. Thus, AICTE is working according to the true spirit of Digital India.

For skilling country’s youth, AICTE has asked all the colleges to provide skill education to school dropouts using their existing infrastructure. The initiative is also supported through “Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana”. AICTE has also permitted to use the premises of polytechnics for starting ITIs.

Research and Development in higher education doesn’t appear to be getting due attention, what are the challenges in this regard? How are you trying to overcome these challenges?

It is not true that research and development is not getting due attention. We may require enhancing our efforts. AICTE has a number of schemes to support research initiatives in technical colleges such as “Quality Improvement Programme” to upgrade qualifications of faculty by pursuing PhD in reputed institutes, “Modernisation and Removal of Obsolescence” for equipping colleges with latest equipment, “Research Promotion Scheme” for supporting research projects, support for E-cell and Research park, support for innovation labs, support for attending and organising research conferences.

How has been your experience working with the government?

The experience is very good. The Central Government is supporting the council at every level to improve the quality of higher education and research. Recently held “Smart India Hackathon” and AICTE’s start up policy are two examples where the Government has provided its full support for the betterment of higher education sector.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

All the aforementioned schemes are meant for creating academic excellence in the institutes and inculcating problem-solving ability and innovative spirit amongst students. We recently concluded “Smart India Hackathon”, a non-stop coding competition of 36 hours conducted at 26 different centres across India. Over 10,000 students participated in the hackathon and solved 598 problem statements prepared by 29 different government departments and Ministries. The hackathon has empowered the young students, helping them in building confidence.

44

Focus: Tripura

Smart Education via Smart Classes: Reaching Out to Bordering Districts To equip youths of the border areas with jobs, the government is trying to set up coaching centres for competitive exams and run capacity building programmes to enable them to contest in national-level competitive exams, says Dr Sandeep N Mahatme, District Magistrate and Collector, Khowai, Tripura, in an interview with Souvik Goswami of Elets News Network (ENN).

What government initiatives have been undertaken to improve employment status of youths in Tripura?

The State of Tripura, having one of the highest literacy rates in the country, has a significant number of educated unemployed youths. Lack of coaching/training institutes offering facilities to prepare for various Central and State government Departments’ recruitment exams result into less people making it to the Central/State Government jobs.

Border Area Development Programme (BADP) is a centrally sponsored scheme for ensuring balanced development of border areas through development of infrastructure and promotion of well-being and a sense of security among the border population. At the district-level it is implemented by the district administration through various line departments.

One of the important components of BADP is capacity building and skill development. Under this component, the Digital Classroom Coaching programme for Railways and Banking exams for Digital Classroom

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

45 SC/ST and other students is being implemented.

What opportunities do Tripura youths have in the government sector?

As per the Indian Institute of Bank Management (IIBM), Guwahati, there is heavy demand for trained professionals to man the branches and to replace those who are retiring in near future. The problem is more acute in the North Eastern region where officers and banks’s staffs is reluctant to be posted. So, there is perennial shortage of skilled manpower in North east.

Institute of the Banking Personal Selection (IBPS) quoted that there is acute need of banking professionals. Around 7.5 lakh people were to be recruited in next five years. Every year the trend is almost same.

BFSI (Banking Financial Services and Insurance) sector skill council of India (Under NSDC)- has projected manpower recruitment of the sector by 2022 to be 8.5 million, an increase

“

One of the important components of BADP is capacity building and skill development.

Under this component, the Digital Classroom Coaching programme for Railways and Banking exams for SC/ ST and other students is being implemented.

”

Which kind of beneficiaries/people/ departments are affected positively?

How? The programme is targetted for educated unemployed youths of border villages of North Tripura district which lacks competitive edge due to absence of opportunities to prepare for recruitment exams conducted by banks and Railways. Particularly, the focus is on SC and ST students.

This type of coaching would augment, to a great extent, the skills of individuals from remote border villages who are looking for better opportunities but does not have the means to avail quality coaching to prepare themselves for the competitive exams.

What role do nominated departments play in employment and skilling of the youths?

The office of the District Magistrate and Collector North Tripura, invited Expression of Interest (EOI) which was published widely including the official websites of the State Government and District Administration. A good response was received during the second call for EOI. A technical committee evaluated the bid documents and called the shortlisted eligible applicants for a presentation before the committee. The final selection was made based on QCBS method. The District Administration is also monitoring the day to day progress of the programme as well as every other aspects of implementation.

What is anticipated initiative?

out

of

the

The implementation of the programme is still ongoing. By May 2017, around 50 students were trained for Railways and around 50 students were trained for banking recruitment exams.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Focus: Tripura

Facilities at the Coaching Centres: • A coaching institute, namely, Janakalyan Parishad, Dharmanagar, that tied up with Institute of Career Advancement, Agartala, is engaged through open bid following Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method.

• 100 students are selected through screening tests by the coaching institute of which 50 students are enrolled to undergo coaching for banking exams and the remaining 50 for Railways exams.

• The coaching institute will train 100 students, selected through a test, to make them capable of facing recruitments exams of Railways (Group C and D) and Banks (IBPS Probationary Officers, IBPS Clerk Recruitment etc.)

• The coaching institute has set up digital classrooms at Dharmanagar and at Kanchanpur.

• The coaching Institute has supplied books and study materials to students. In addition, it will also supply tablets with access to videos and other information based upon syllabus.

• The duration of coaching is for a four-month session. The coaching institute is required to conduct at least eight classes a month. The coaching will also conduct at least two tests per month. Attendance of the students is recorded in biometric system.

• Trainee students will be provided with travelling allowance of `50 on attendance.

of 4 to 4.5 million from the present statistics.

As estimated by the NSDC, Tripura requires 3.25 lakh employee workforce by 2022. So, banking sector job opportunity must be grabbed by the youths of North East/Tripura.

North Eastern Frontier Railway Division has its Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) in Guwahati.

Opportunities in Rail recruitment lies with Rail Wheel factory Recruitment, Rail coach factory recruitment, IRCTC amongst many others. Recent RRB recruitment shows vacancies of 2,24,656 during 2016-17.

48

Focus: NCERT

NCERT: Universalising Elementary Education in India Since its inception, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been assisting and advising Central and State Governments on policies and programmes for qualitative improvement in school education, says Major Harsh Kumar, Secretary, NCERT in conversation with Shivani Tyagi of Elets News Network (ENN).

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

49

Give us an overview of IT related initiatives taken by the NCERT?

How important is teachers’ training programme? What initiatives have been taken by NCERT in this regard?

Teacher training is very important. We have five RIs (regional institutes) in Ajmer, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Mysore and Shillong and running various teachers’ training programme through which we will try to recruit skillful teachers. Not only this, for teachers in service, our various departments conduct various training programmes the whole year. These initiatives for teachers are very important as they are the only ones who train students. We’ve such programmes for teachers earlier as well but the present programmes are more improvised as per the changing environment. Earlier, digitisation was not there, everything was done manually, but now things have changed and become easier.

There is a wide gap between facilities available to students in rural and urban India, how NCERT is bridging the gap?

We can reach out rural masses through the State governments. Under Government of India’s initiatives, NCERT helps a State in

“

We have five RIs (regional institutes) in Ajmer, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Mysore and Shillong and running various teachers’ training programme through which we will try to recruit skillful teachers.

”

What are the challenges?

Sometimes State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) alone are able to resolve those obstacles. Sometimes our involvement is necessary. At the end, with the coordination of various departments, every obstacle is dealt with effectively.

What steps have been taken by the NCERT to upscale vocational studies?

We are planning to start various programmes in our vocational institute – Pt Sunderlal Sharma Vocational Institute, Bhopal. Some new initiatives have also been taken and in some institutes we have added up programmes on vocational training. We might have come up with another institute in Andhra Pradesh.

What are NCERT’s future plans?

We plan to reach the masses. There was fabricated scarcity of books and to avoid that in future, we are developing a portal to be launched shortly where all books will be available. The online portal alongwith increased number of vendors so that books are easily available in every corner of India.

In other initiatives, NCERT is coming up with innovative online teachers training courses for teacher and educators and development of e-contents.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Focus: NCERT

NCERT was established in 1961. Since then the council is working on research, training and outreach for the prodigy of school learning. In today’s age of digitisation, our online services are one of the finest examples of it. All NCERT books are available online along with e-Pathshala for every class. To resolve the issue of nonavailability of NCERT books, we are soon going to launch a portal to enable students and others to order any number of books of the required subject.

We have also launched “SWAYAM” to bridge the digital divide among students who have remained untouched by the digital revolution.

After a lot of research, we’ve developed learning outcome paper through which parents, kids and teachers, can check what has been taught and what students have learnt. NCERT is also putting its efforts for children with special needs. We’ve started books in Braille for visually challenged students.

formulation, implementation and execution of any programme, if required. We are developing programmes and parameters for the States.

For example, NTSC examination is conducted in two stages, first at State-level and second at national level. At State-level exam, States are free to frame questions and coordinate for other administrative things. Earlier, these processes run at NCERT headquarters only but now it has been conducted in every state through State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) and the guidelines are issued by head office. Now we are trying to develop a hierarchy in which the process will be conducted at the block-level under the supervision of State councils and NCERT will be the supreme authority. This way it will be an integrated effort where everybody has to participate.

NVS Perspective

50

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti: Reforming Traditional Education System The objective of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti is to provide quality modern education with a strong component of culture inculcation aming the children, says Bishwajit Kumar Singh, Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, in an interview with Shivani Tyagi of Elets News Network (ENN).

What are the initiatives being taken

by Navodaya Vidayalay Samiti to promote education across the country?

Navodaya Vidayalay Samiti (NVS) has its presence across the country. As per the Government’s policy, one Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) is to be established in each district. According to the budget announcements of 2016, we have to establish 62 JNVs in newly formed districts. Out of 62 schools, 30 schools will be operational from temporary sites by this year only. Along with this, various State governments have offered over 40 sites to setup Navodaya Vidyalayas. This is one part of the expansion.

Second part is to improve quality of education and the results of students. Since last few years, there is shortage of good teachers which is a major problem. To resolve it, we will recruit around 2,300 teachers as PGTs, TGTs and around 100 principals, by end of July this year through direct recruitment drive. So, we are expecting a pool of good school teachers by next year that will result into improved quality of education at the schools.

We are also taking different measures to remove the loopholes in the admission process, especially from 6 – 11 standard. We will be having online application process from next year

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

51

Globally many schools are adopting innovative practices to improve teaching-learning practices. How the NVS is planning to bring Indian school education system at par with the world?

As far as adoption of latest innovative practices is concerned, we have to take every step very carefully. Navodaya Vidyalayas are fully residential co-educational schools and in case of smart classes, we have to provide smart phones, tablets and I-pads to every student.

Though, we have regulated the system of giving lectures through smart classes but it is necessary to take preventive measures to avoid any negative situation.

We have made available the smart classrooms to our students for at least eight - nine hours where they can go there and use all kind of technical devices such as interactive boards, laptops under strict surveillance. Technical devices are not allowed to be used in hostels, dormitory and in their regular classes.

In order to implement Information Technology (IT) related initiatives in teaching-learning process, various experts will train the teacher through a workshop of 10-15 days on different subjects.

During the training of a particular subject, whole curriculum will be enriched in a way that students can learn a topic through traditional classes or through presentations or IT based solutions. A topic or a module of any subject will be taught traditionally followed by the digital demonstrations.

The approach followed at Navodaya Vidyalayas is different from the other smart teaching or learning solutions. It is an integrated approach of traditional learning, visuals and digital learning.

There is a huge gap between schools in rural and urban areas, what initiatives have been taken by the NVS to bridge the gap?

“

With the collaboration of Sports Authority of India, we will be establishing five centres of excellence for archery, boxing, table tennis, wrestling and athletics.

”

Students from urban area always have an upper hand over the students from rural area in terms of education. Navodaya Vidyalayas are established in such a manner that rural students get the same education facilities as that of urban students.

Most of our schools are located in districts in isolated areas, having 30 acres campus and residential. Secondly as it is isolated, all features like academics, sports, cultural activities etc are available here. In fact the students, teacher ratio in these discipline is far better than any other schools. So our approach is more focused, we are providing better facilities than any other urban school.

What are the initiatives NVS has taken to enhance vocational training in the schools?

We are putting our efforts to start number of vocational courses in JNVs. We have also got principle approval for the schools where we are planning to start vocational courses in vacations.

We will conduct vocational courses’ classes for three month in class 11th as well as in class 12th.

So, after passing out from schools, the students will have six month training in a particular subject.

We have already approached different industries in this regard and are in talks with them to fianlise these training classes. NVS board has agreed in principle for it but exact conceptualisation is under process and we are expected to start the classes by the end of this year.

What are the areas where NVS need to change for good?

We need to work on two things, firstly to ensure better results in board exams from what we have got so far. In order to produce board toppers, academics need to be more robust, particularly in English that is the area where we are lacking.

In this regard, we are taking the help of British Council and other agencies and also conducting online courses for the students.

Second area where we are focussing is teachers’ welfare program. (Our exam system is non verbal, where what a student has learnt in his/her previous classes is totally irrelevant.) We must have welfare measures for the teachers.

These measures will help the teachers to devote their most of the time in academics instead of devoting their time in other activities.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

NVS Perspective

for admission in Navodaya Vidyalayas. The Central Board of Secondary Education will be the exam conducting authority. The entrance exam will be Aadhaar based to avoid impersonation.

We are also focusing in sports as well. With the collaboration of Sports Authority of India, we will be establishing five centres of excellence for archery, boxing, table tennis, wrestling and athletics.

52

Taking Cyber Security case study

to Students

E-Jagratha is an internet security awareness programme under the initiation of District Administration and District e-governance Society of Ernakulam, Kerala. Introduced in 2016 for government and aided high school students in collaboration with TCS, the project has now entered its third phase. Elets News Network (ENN) explored the progress and unique features of this project in conversation with K. Mohammed Y Safirulla, District Collector, Ernakulam, under whose guidance the project is being driven.

E

-Jagratha programme’s basic objective is to promote Cyber Safety and Internet Awareness among High School Students of both Government and Aided Schools. The targetted students are from High School level (8th, 9th and 10th).

This programme can bring remarkable change in urban as well rural high schools and set as an example for student transformation and teacher empowerment. The structure of e-Jagratha is designed in such a way that it starts from basic orientation of students to school-level awareness and further empowerment of schools as a whole. “Another important innovative way of thinking apart from normal reasons

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

which helped us in brining an IT company is that when the students come to TCS Campus during their training they experience the real features of the cyber world and its ecosystem,” said Safirulla.

It triggers their inquisitiveness to learn wider aspects and verticals of cyber world. Now, nearing its one year of completion of this project, it is in the third phase of a successful implementation.

The Beginning The first phase of e-Jagratha was launched by Kerala’s Revenue Principal Secretary P.H. Kurian at TCS Center Auditorium, Infopark Cochin on

53

Methodology The beginning of the programme starts with orientation level and each school nominates a student and a teacher sent to the TCS campus for training by the TCS professionals. After first-level orientation, these trained people act as a master trainers in their respective schools to propagate the cyber knowledge.

This is the second-level which creates awareness and benefits the schools. Further, each addition and advancement in topics in next phase acts as empowerment level. Education department provides the shortlisted schedule of schools and TCS gives them training. The training level and qualities are monitored by TCS and District Administration.

School students, covered under this project, are encouraged to take up an internal examination after the awareness level training and are awarded a cash price of Rs 1,000.

Phase III After successful completion of its phase – II, now e-Jagrtha has entered in Phase 3 from July 2017. As part of phase 3, TCS has given 100 Desktop Computers for select schools, where IT infrastructure and lab facilities are poor and inadequate.

Similar structure and level of training adopted in phase – III schools with addition of advancement courses such as introduction of Robotics, cloud etc.Training programmes have already

been started from July 2nd week and should be completed within 31st July 2017 in their schools for 8th Standard students as per the plan.

From November 2017 till January 2018, the school-level awareness of advanced courses with the help of master trainers will be carried out in their respective schools.

Learning from innovations Innovative aspect of the e-Jagratha project is that it is enabling the students of government schools, who are less exposed to the cyber world, to get a real time exposure on nuances of Cyber World with live videos and examples along with the practical experience.

Major problem relating to syllabus formation was solved with the brainstorming sessions and sharing of ideas and concepts that needed more concentration with the TCS and District team along with Cyber experts.

For this project, a nodal officer was appointed to have a single point of contact with the District administration, TCS, Education Department other stakeholders. From the Education Department a teacher was appointed to coordinate among all the schools with the help of all concerned Divisional Educational Officers.

With the help of all the concerned school head masters we were able to arrange all vehicles also for transportation from a single point.

The visible improvement that is observed is based on the tremendous exposure on the topic with respect to the eagerness and increase level of motivation.

Students are empowered by learning through this kind of special programmes and don’t consider they are lacking anything from their private school counterparts. After this programme, students are excited and anxious to pursue career opportunities available in IT and cyber security.

Even parents are now informed and have started showing interest in knowing some of the useful topics to help their kids in adapting IT knowledge and other aspects of cyber security.

This project has the scope and potential for replicability in other Districts/States.

As the programme has ensured an environment of conscious and informed usage of cyber technology, IT and internet in their regular life, it seems knowledge enrichment is a never ending process which can be replicated anywhere, actually helping our future generations.s.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

case study

21st October, 2016. It has focused on 101 government high school students of Ernakulam district spread over four regions. “Major objectives of the Phase-I programme are to disseminate basic internet awareness, use the internet safely and responsibly, identify the opportunities and pitfalls in internet, protection against cyber crimes, dos and don’ts of using cyber space. The programme was designed at three levels – Orientation, Awareness, and Empowerment in each phase,” said K. Mohammed Y Safirulla, District Collector, Ernakulam.

The society has collaborated with TCS Infopark Kochi and it has prepared the complete curriculum and presentation materials. We are also financially supported by State Bank of India. First phase of the program was completed within 3 months by Dec 2016.

eduleader’s perspective

56

Manipal University jaipur: Fostering Academic Excellence At Manipal University, Jaipur, qualitative improvement is the watchword of both the management and the faculty. We strive to provide our students with the best learning environment along with impeccable education, says Dr Sandeep Sancheti, President, Manipal University in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

57 Please describe briefly about the professional courses offered at Manipal University?

In the light of latest technologies evolving across the world and the global products are being created from various education institutions itself, do you offer any job-oriented course and make your students job ready?

Yes, most of courses offered are professional and are job oriented. For job orientation, we are fully geared and do our best to prepare students for it by delivering multiple skills and courses beyond conventional schemes. In fact, placement has become the foremost criteria for students and parents to choose an institute before joining it.

Unfortunately they are less worried about the main things like quality of programmes offered and how these things will affect their studies and future.

Basically, we try to inculcate the lifelong learning abilities in a student and not necessarily the ability to get a job only. We do very well in terms of our placements. But in my opinion, an ideal institution’s focus should be to make students versatile and enable them to do what they want to do. To offer them better choices, we have recently started new generation programmes like BA Liberal Arts, BPES, BDes, etc.

Which distinct branches of engineering are offered at your university, share their scope as far as career prospect is concerned?

We are dealing with many branches of engineering.

In all, we have 10 branches and I personally believe that branches of Chemical, Automobile

Manipal University Campus

“

We have 10 branches and I personally believe that the branch of Chemical Engineering, Automobile Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, all of them are distinctly different, unique and advanced at least in the context of Rajasthan.

”

Do you think traditional engineering discipline is being eclipsed by the new engineering ones?

Traditional engineering branches such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical etc. are discipline oriented and are offered by most of the institutions as well as preferred by the students. In my opinion, our institutions should also support branches like mining, metallurgy etc. as they are very important for our growing economy.

Given a choice, I will be the one to advocate for branchless engineering. I would call it as a general engineering or basic engineering or interdisciplinary engineering. It basically means that right from the day one, a student should not freeze his/her options. Reason is that when a student gets enrolled in a college, they would not know about what branch to choose. Therefore they prefer to follow what their friends are choosing or what their parents are advising them. Through branchless engineering we can allow and help them to identify and choose specialisation of their interest at a later stage when they are more matured and their future directions are better known. Though, this agenda seems difficult and is generally not offered in our country but regulatory agencies and good institutions should lead efforts to make it happen.

Most of the undergraduate engineering students in India readily opt for the first job opportunity during the placement drive. What is your take on this?

Most of the students tend to go for it as there is a pride associated with it both for the students

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

eduleader’s perspective

In Manipal, most of the courses are professional ones whether it is in design or management, or journalism or engineering. All these are four year courses but we do have five year courses in architecture and law streams. In most cases, we prefer four year undergraduate courses and honors courses, as they are well-accepted across the industry as well as for higher studies because their depth and rigor. Such courses are generally better as they also have the components of flexibility in terms of exposure to internships and industry projects.

and Mechatronics Engineering, etc, are distinctly different and advanced at least in the context of Rajasthan. We offer best of the class infrastructure, laboratories and learning environment for these branches in the country and we are striving to make it even better in terms of overall excellence.

We also offer highest standards of learning in conventional streams of engineering such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer and Communications, Electronics & Communications, Electrical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering. All of these engineering programmes offer better career prospects, as the students are better equipped with multiple skills of IT, analytical and logical abilities, communication skills, industry exposure, etc, which are generally lacking in other conventional streams.

eduleader’s perspective

58 as well as for the institution. Institutions also generally promote and desire good placements as it helps them to improve their profile and performance in ranking through NIRF, NAAC and NBA, etc. The third stakeholder i.e. the industries also take part in campus drives as they know that it is easiest way to get the best talent with the least cost. Generally it is a win-win situation for all stakeholders and hence it is flourishing. Placement is another reason why the family or student blindly opt for engineering while sacrificing other interests.

Industries are sometimes very keen to outdo each other and therefore start early placements which distract students from their normal teaching-learning processes during important phases in pre-final and final years leading to poor quality of graduates. Students also tend to go for jobs providing higher CTC irrespective of the job being of their choice or not due to their social compulsions. We should collectively make efforts to improve on these counts.

In addition to placement activities we also promote entrepreneurship as an option to outgoing students. A number of initiatives have been taken to promote it by providing proper exposure from experts, incubation facilities, technological support, partnerships and equity, etc. in their enterprises.

As a special effort we also allow students to take entrepreneurship as their final year project to give them a head start and a better exposure of this domain.

What are the latest and upcoming initiatives by the university? Please share the details of some of the prominent ones?

Lots of initiatives are on-going as far as academics, research and betterment of overall performance are concerned. Academically, electronics engineering students will all go through the semi-conductor fabrication exercises where they make devices which generally are not offered at most of the institutions. Computer engineering students would be exposed to Super Computing or High Performance Computing. Majority of students of Mechanical, Mechatronics and Automobile engineering undergo training at BOSCH training centres where they work on different aspects of a vehicle such as designing, drive system, safety, comfort etc. So lots of hands on practices are being offered to improve the learning experience in all specializations. We are also able to place around seventy percent of our final year students for six

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

University Hostel

“

Lots of initiatives are on-going as far as academics, research and betterment of overall performance are concerned.

Academically, electronics engineering students will all go through the semi-conductor fabrication exercises where they make devices which generally are not offered at most of the institutions.

”

months projects at the industry to enhance their industry readiness.

In assessments domain, we do follow open evaluation and open book examination system and provide relative grading. This means that even if you have scored 75 and you are highest in the class, you will get a top grade. Similarly if you are at the last position in a class with 75 marks, you will get a poorer grade. This is the beauty of relative grading and these practices are usually not fully followed in most of the institutions as they follow absolute grading. In general, in Manipal University Jaipur, there are no re-evaluations, reexaminations or re-totaling as all answer scripts for all examinations are shown to the students. This practice also helps us declare all our results in time.

Similarly practices such as Tinkering Labs, Virtual Labs, summer internship for students from other colleges, one compulsory MOOC course and one online experiment every year and practicals in industry supported laboratories, faculty internships in industry etc, have been started.

Further, since we have just about completed six years of our existence and graduated one or two batches of most of the programmes, we are now intending to focus more on quality and set even higher benchmarks. In our formative years itself, we have found a rightful place in NIRF ranking and hope to continuously improve it. We are also actively working towards our IQAC, NAAC accreditation, improving research profile and offering more industrially and socially relevant courses.

Dr Sandeep Sancheti is an eminent educationist and has had varied experience as the head of NITs and of School of Planning and Architecture, New delhi.

Dr Sancheti is an institution builder and currently is President of Manipal University, Jaipur.

eduleader’s perspective

60

Jagan Nath University: Committed to Quality Education The university has endowed its faculty and students with modern technologies, facilities and resources so as to enhance their competency and quality of teaching so they are able to contribute constantly towards learning & research, says Professor (Dr) V K Agarwal, President Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, in an interview with elets News Network (ENN).

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

61

India’s higher education system is the third largest in the world, next to the United States and China. We, at Jagan Nath University, spontaneously strive to become a benchmark at global level rather than trying to meet the global standards. The strategy followed at the university not only aimed at producing educated individuals but also to make them employable.

To pursue the global standards, we look forward to incorporate foreign associations in the form of student and faculty exchange programmes.

To ensure global teaching standards, the faculty is encouraged to participate in international and national conferences, seminars, workshops and faculty development programmes. Further, we ensure a regular updation of curriculum meeting to the latest industry trends.

Industry exposure is mandatory to develop a curriculum as per the industry trends? How various programmes at the university are bridging the industry-academia gap?

Jagan Nath University offers diverse academic programmes in various technical and professional fields, such as, engineering, management, agriculture, law and architecture. With practical aspect of education at the centre, our students are exposed to the indoor and outdoor activities which help them to develop holistically. We organise short-term and long term training and workshops for the students to provide them first-hand industry experience. The curricula are regularly revised on the basis of feedback from the industry and corporate-interface. Rigorous education, industrial visit, internship, training, skill development, etc are the inbuilt part of the syllabi. In line with the industrial exposure, our social initiatives for the communities encourage our students to contribute their technical skills to the welfare of the mankind.

Jagan Nath University, Jaipur

“

To ensure global teaching standards, the faculty is encouraged to participate in international and national conferences, seminars, workshops and faculty development programmes. Further we ensure a regular updation of curriculum meeting to the latest industry trends.

”

Research is an integral part of an institution. Which are the ongoing research projects at the Jagan Nath University? How the corporates are involved in these projects? Please name a few of them.

Research is a vital part of learning at Jagan Nath University. The research projects are mandatory for both under-graduate and postgraduate students. The students take up these projects linking with different corporate entities which provide necessary inputs. The university promotes inter-disciplinary research and also runs the research programmes leading to the award of PhD degree. The University promotes inter-disciplinary research. Faculty members have contributed significantly towards advancement of knowledge by publishing more than 350 research papers in international journals of repute.

Placement nowadays is an important yard stick to rank an institution.

How are the placement opportunities at Jagan Nath University? Are there any training programmes run by the university to boost the placements?

Apart from providing quality education to our students, we consider placements as our prime responsibility towards them. Jagan Nath University is associated with a number of renowned companies including HLS Asia Pvt Ltd, Capegemini, L&T Constructions, Amazon, Metro Tyres, Alibaba.com, S&P Global, Jaro Education, Vivo Mobiles, Oppo Mobiles, etc.

The university has been performing high at its placement standards by offering 100 per cent placements to its students with a success rate of over 50 per cent. Many of our students get indulged into preparation for competitive exams including Indian Engineering Services, Indian Administrative Services as well as for GATE, TOEFL, and IELTS to pursue their higher studies from foreign universities. To boost the employability of our students, we organise various corporate training programmes, personality development programmes, guest lectures, and interaction with the experts at the campus.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

eduleader’s perspective

In order to meet the global standards in higher education, what steps have been taken by the Jagan Nath University?

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Armed with policies and schemes to promote research and innovation in the higher education and technical education sector, the Government of Gujarat is moving towards revamping the entire teaching-learning process to make the most of the existing opportunities, says Anju Sharma, Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, Gujarat, in an interview with Hemangini S Rajput of Elets News Network (ENN). Excerpts:

Please tell us about important initiatives undertaken recently by the Gujarat Department of Higher and Technical Education.

Gujarat has about 60 universities, over 800 colleges and around 1.4 million students pursuing higher education. In January 2017, the Government of Gujarat has launched the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) in order to encourage research and innovation to solve reallife problems of industries, society, community and government at large, and also to encourage students to become job creators.

Recently, an open hackathon was organised at the education pavilion during Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017. The event enlisted ‘Problem Statement’ for various sectors. It is the beginning of a new era which may replace the classical approach of parametric based research with innovative and useful minor/major research projects.

In 2015, Gujarat started ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana’ – a versatile scheme to support meritorious and needy students in the state. Under the scheme, economically weak students pursuing higher education are supported financially as well as by other related facilities on equal opportunity basis,

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The key goals of the startup and innovation policy are to produce 1% job creators out of 1.4 million students; enable 1,000 student-led innovations per year.

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irrespective of any reservation criteria. As per the government resolution, eligible students are entitled to get support for 50% tuition fees, equipment or book purchase, and for hostel expenses at all government, grant-in-aid and self financed institutes. It is expected to extend support to about 24,000 students with Rs 110 crore this year.

We have also started a novel and innovative programme for the first year students of degree and diploma engineering courses by developing a lecture series exactly as per the university syllabus and scheme with the help of eminent faculties from the state education sector.

Curricula of 16 subjects of first and second semesters have been made available through the interactive lecture series, which is being telecast through DTH via BISAG.

Can you please share details of the recently launched startup and innovation policy? How is it beneficial to students?

The key goals of the startup and innovation policy are to produce 1% job creators out of 1.4 million students; enable 1,000 student-led innovations per year; create 500 student-led startups in five years; build innovation and pre-incubation

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

Transforming Higher Education Sector in Gujarat

Policymaker’s Perspective

64 ecosystem support in every university; and at least 200 institutes of higher learning. The policy aims at comprehensive implementation of activities related to innovation, pedagogy and entrepreneurship through Fab Lab, MOOC, coworkspace, pre-incubation, etc.

To implement this policy, a Rs 200-crore Student Innovation Fund has been created.

Under this policy, assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh will be given for prototyping support for about 1,000 innovative ideas and assistance up to Rs 25,000 will be given to each idea to file for patent. Under the policy, we expect around 500 research projects per year. Interventions at the university and institute levels will be mentored by a state-level agency for the next five years.

What are the new changes the government wants to introduce in near future?

We are aiming to revamp the teaching-learning process in the state’s higher education system.

Introduction of an active learning mode with outcome-based programme is an important focus area. Effective robust implementation of Choice Based Credit System with flexibility to choose startup track from the first year itself and inclusion of a wide range of humanity related courses for useful overall carrier building of the students will be followed. Our universities are also in various stages of implementing online examinations for students.

How many MoUs were signed during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit? What is the status of foreign investment in the education sector of Gujarat?

The response to investment opportunities in the state’s education sector in the last three Vibrant Gujarat summits was overwhelming.

During Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013, a total of 54 MoUs were signed which increased to 96 in Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015. During the recently-concluded Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017, 192 MoUs were registered in education sector out of which 143 MoUs were for higher and technical education.

Due to proactive, inspiring and supportive environment in the state, there exist more than 60 universities and 800 institutes of higher and technical education today. Gujarat has become a self sustained state in terms of having adequate number of seats for each aspiring student aiming

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Gujarat has become a self sustained state in terms of having adequate number of seats for each aspiring student aiming to pursue higher education.

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to pursue higher education.

To explore collaboration with foreign higher education sector, MoUs have been signed with Embassy of Denmark, Saxion University of Applied Sciences-Netherlands, British Council, Schulich School of Business-York University, etc, during Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017.

What are the major challenges you face in terms of improving the state of higher and technical education in Gujarat?

Technological advancements have grown exponentially in the last decade and it is very significant to update the curriculum as per the new requirement on regular interval. Quality higher education needs to be made affordable to all.

Vacancies in teaching positions, low student enrollment and low paid faculty in some Student Federation of India (SFI) are some of the problems we are facing currently. Enhancing research standards and motivating students to go for holistic learning are some other important challenges.

Please share your views on what more needs to be done to improve higher and technical education in the state?

We need world class universities that have latest methods of learning with focus on research and innovation. Digital learning needs to be emphasised and education should be inclusive in approach.

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Education is the foundation of our society. Despite having the reputation for evolving less rapidly than almost any other industry, education is constantly looking at ways to better our universities and the learning process for students. This gradual enhancement never happens overnight, but there is always progress being made.

This change can be easily seen in the students who look for the universities which are providing more of practical knowledge with sound understanding of foundation theories. The movement towards vocational courses is increasing and new courses like Hospitality Management, Agriculture , Design and Law are in demand now a days. Students are looking for the institutes which are providing a good platform for internship ranging from 45 days to 6 months which helps in achieving the final goal of being placed.

Prof. Rishi Sharma, Director, Admission, JECRC University opined on this opportunity and spoke that by taking care of this demand JECRC University is offering internships in all its Under Graduate and Post Graduate courses.

Along with the internships JECRC University is coming up with all new courses which are more practical focussed.

Shri Arpit Agrawal, Vice Chairman, JECRC University also specified that JECRC University has its core focus on increasing the research work and research orientation among the students. Research should be the ground to grow and enlighten the world with new concepts. The changing trends in the education industry now demand institutions to pay more attention towards the research and practical work.

Gone are the days where learning and schooling was limited to the four walls of the classroom. 2017 is poised to be a year full of innovative technological learning advancements. And youth is asking for a better understanding and core research.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

University Insights

Students are Focusing More on Practical Exposure Than Theory

University Perspective

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Diversified Learning through Technology Soft skills, communication skills, entrepreneurship skills and interpersonal skills are part of the curriculum to make students employable, says Prof (Dr) S S Sarangdevot, Vice Chancellor, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

In order to make its students technically competent, what strategies or methodologies are adopted by Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University in teaching-learning process?

To improve teaching-learning process, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University (JRNRVU) encourages blended learning by using e-learning resources. The central library facilitates access to best e-resources, e-books, database and e-journals like Inflibnet and Delnet. 12 Smart-Classrooms have been installed at the campus. Facilities such as computer assisted language teaching technology, language speech lab and phonetic lab to make teaching more effective.

Please explain about academic departments and researches conducted at the university.

The university offers various undergraduate, postgraduate certificate and diploma courses along with MPhil and PhD in various disciplines.

Flexible choice based credit system is adopted in the university with credit transfer facilities.

JRNRVU also runs courses on Value Education, Personality Development and Professional Ethics.

To improve employability and global competence, skill-based and foreign language courses are included in the curriculum.

To produce confident and self-reliant professionals, what latest practices have been incorporated in the curriculum by the university?

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The university reinforces excellence among faculty members through national/ international conferences, seminars and workshops.

The university encourages its faculty members to enhance their capabilities by pursuing higher degree courses.

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We ensure that our students actively participate in field-workshops, training programmes and group discussions to become confident and self-reliant.

Our curriculum is designed as per the latest industry trends and requirements as well as keeping in view the needs for professional competence and capacity building of students. The professional competence of students is ensured with a focus on hands-on practice, field work, internship, project development work, in-house seminars and educational tours.

Quality higher education is not easily accessible to students from rural areas in comparison to students from urban areas, what measures have been taken by the university in this regard?

Since its inception in 1937, JRNRVU has set up “Lok Shikshan Pratishthan” with special focus on knowledge and information empowerment of the downtrodden and under privileged classes. It provides information about the education needs of the people living in rural/tribal areas.

How the university supports its faculties for their training and quality enhancement?

The university reinforces excellence among faculty members through national/international conferences, seminars and workshops. We have instituted Best Teacher Award, Research and Development Award and Best Administrative Staff Award for every year. The university encourages its faculty members to enhance their capabilities by pursuing higher degree courses.

JA G A

N A TH

UNIVERSITY

NAAC Accredited Good*

{Established by an Act 19 of 2008 of the Govt. of Rajasthan} Accreditation & Recognitions : University Grant Commission (UGC), Distance Education Bureau (DEB) Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Bar Council of India (BCI), Council of Architecture (CoA), National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE)

Journey to Excellence

25 years of experience in Higher Education

Admission Notice 2017-18 Faculty of Management BBA • MBA • B.Com • M.Com Faculty of Engineering

B.Tech • M.Tech • BCA • MCA • Diploma in Engineering Faculty of Science

B.Sc (Ag.)Hons. • M.Sc. (Ag.) • M.Sc (Math) • B.Sc (PCM) Faculty of Architecture & Planning

B.Arch • B.Plan • M.Plan Faculty of Law

LLM (1 year) • BA.LLB • BBA.LLB New Courses

B.Voc. • B.Ed. • BNYS Ph.D.

(Mgmt./Engg./Agriculture Science/Law) Attractive Scholarships to Meritorious students

Helpline : 08003696092

Chaksu Campus: NH-12, Chaksu Bypass, Tonk Road, Jaipur Ph: 0141-3020500/555 Sitapura Campus : IP-2&3, Phase IV, Sitapura Ind. Area, Opp. Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur Ph: 0141-4071551/552 E-mail: admission@jagannathuniversity.org • Website: www.jagannathuniversity.org

*Grade ‘B’

70

interview

Mody University -Committed to Women Education Mody University is a platform for girls where they transform knowledge into practice and develop technical skills and leadership qualities, says Prof Suresh Advani, President, Mody University in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

Mody University is a renowned name in the higher education segment of Rajasthan, what have been some of university’s milestones?

Mody University of Science and Technology due to its commitment to excellence has emerged as a leader in higher education. The university has empowered women to be professionals well-versed with global workplace practices and modern technology.

Innovation and advancement is the core of the University. The University consistently explores new avenues in education field. It is one of the very few universities in India to offer newage courses like Nuclear Science & Technology, Nanotechnology & Digital Robotics to its students.

Milestone Achievements: Awards And Rankings # Best Private Women University of Asia 2016 ASSOCHAM and the Education Post # Progressive Women’s University ASSOCHAM # Best Education Brand – 2017 The Economic Times # India’s Best B-Schools 2016 - 48th Rank CAREERS 360

Mody University

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

71 Best Women University of the Year 2016 2nd National Education Summit and Awards 2017 Institutional Excellence Award 2016 Society of Indian Law Firms and Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training India’s Best B-School 2016 Outlook Best B-Schools 2016 University of the Year 2016 - Program Efficacy Higher Education Review

What kind of infrastructure, resource, and technology related facilities are available for students of the university to boost their learning capabilities?

Mody University has a world class residential campus, with unique environment-friendly infrastructure. It has state-of-the-art smart classrooms, auditoriums, 48 certified laboratories, six college libraries and students hostels with all modern facilities. Tapovan, a lotus-shaped magnificent prayer-cum-meditation hall, built in the middle of the campus, instills the Indian values of spirituality in students. Ornithologists and lepidopterists from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other nature conservation organisations visit the campus regularly, leading to it becoming a WWF certified campus.

To give global opportunities to its women students, Mody University has collaborated with more than 20 international renowned foreign universities - Universite de Nantes (France); Ecole Des Mines de Nantes, (France); Stony Brook University (USA); University of Missouri (USA); University of North Texas (USA); and Florida International University (USA), to name just a few. Many students have been selected by noted foreign institutes for paid internships and research fellowships. A few meritorious students from are interning on fellowships with CERN (European Center for Nuclear Research), GSI, Germany.

Please explain about academic departments and researches conducted at Mody University?

Are there any corporate sponsored researches and courses available at the university? Please give details about it.

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The University with its vision to empower women offers up to 100% meritbased tuition fee waivers to young women who are enthusiastic to pursue world class education.

Additionally, merit-based scholarships are given to students with consistent year-afteryear academic achievement.

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For students’ welfare what kind of scholarships are provided by Mody University?

The University with its vision to empower women offers up to 100% merit-based tuition fee waivers to young women who are enthusiastic to pursue world class education. Additionally, merit-based scholarships are given to students with consistent year-after-year academic achievement.

Mody University offers good placement opportunities in the State, please explain about the training programmes offered by the institute for improved placement of students.

Under the leadership of Dr Suresh Advani, President, Mody University, there is a seamless conduit between the Industry and the University through the CDC (Career Development Centre) that consistently supervises the Industryreadiness of the students by constant monitoring of their skill development, and conducts training programs leading to premium recruitments.

• Noted professionals from diverse fields visit the campus throughout the year to interact with the students and share their industry experiences.

• International Internships are offered to deserving and interested students.

• Various Industry interface programmes, online education programmes and webinars are embedded into the academic curriculum.

• The University has an excellent year-after-year 100% placement record. Top recruiters visit the University for hiring the students. The highest package to date stands at 18 Lakhs.

The University comprises six colleges offering

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

interview

Mody School -1st in Rajasthan, 4th in India Among Top All Top Girls Boarding Schools

undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering and technology, architecture and design, business management, economics and commerce, law and governance, fashion design and merchandising, and arts, science and humanities.

Mody University’s College of Engineering & Technology (CET) is rightfully positioned as one of the most coveted engineering colleges in not merely Rajasthan, but entire India. CET is ranked as the “Top Engineering College of Excellence” in the GHRDC-CSR survey. It has recently been ranked as the “Best Engineering College” in the IIRF-2017: Engineering Rankings by The Education Post.

University Perspective

72

MVGU -- Nurturing Globally Competitive Citizens Our students are provided with academic tools, practical skills, and real world opportunities necessary to advance as leaders in their professions and their communities, says K L Mina, Founder Chairperson, Maharaj Vinayak Global University (MVGU) in conversation with Elets News Nework (ENN).

What is the vision of Maharaj Vinayak Global University?

Maharaj Vinayak Global University has pioneered private technical, medical and higher education institutions in Rajasthan. We, at MVGU, offer the best platform to absorb knowledge from all sources and enable our students to access endless opportunities available in the global market. We are committed to instil leadership and offer internationalised curricula in all the core medical and technical courses to shape the future of our students.

Your university has been consistent in academic excellence, what has been the secret? Share us about your journey.

Maharaj Vinayak Society was the first institute which got an no-objection certificate from the government to open Jaipur Dental College, the first dental college in the State. We started offering our courses initially under Rajasthan University.

Later, we were affiliated to University of Medical & Health Sciences. We have established the first private Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy colleges in Rajasthan. The Jaipur Dental College has been awarded as the best dental college of North India for four consecutive years.

What kind of infrastructure, resource and technology related facilities are made available to the students to boost learning capabilities?

Our courses are primarily in medical and allied

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

“

For placement of our students from every course we bring in teams from USA, Canada, and Australia to groom our students for the international job market.

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sciences. These courses demand sophisticated and high end equipments and we have ensured the availability of every such equipment in Dental, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy stream. We have outsourced the equipments from Germany and Canada also.

What are the distinct courses offered by your university? As far as career prospect is concerned, do you offer any value additions in the learning process to offer best exposure to your students and increase their domain knowledge?

Jaipur Nursing College is the first nursing college that offers B Sc degree and caters to the growing demand of allied medical services. Jaipur Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy colleges are the first ever in the state to offer these kinds of studies. These colleges not only ensured the quality higher but also offered training as per latest industry to the students of Rajasthan.

How do the courses at Maharaj Vinayak Global University make its students ready for the employment market?

Be it dental, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, law etc, all these subjects offers attractive career prospects in government, public and private sector. These courses are highly promising from self employment point of view. In addition, students are encouraged to organise and participate in seminars and conferences.

eduleader’s Perspective

74

EMPOWERING PRESUPPOSES OF EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE It is essential for educational institutes to align themselves with the latest innovations and trends to make their students future ready and equipped with latest skills and to make them job-ready, says Prof Pradip Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Sir Padampat Singhania University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

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What is the vision of the University?

eduleader’s Perspective

The vision of Sir Padampat Singhania University is to be a leader among educational institutions by building a tradition of innovation, problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration to meet the changing needs of the society.

Can you share any distinct branch of engineering that your institute offers? What is its scope as far as career prospect is concerned?

From the academic session 2016-17, the university is offering a unique undergraduate multidisciplinary engineering degree programme (B Tech) in Rail Transportation Engineering in collaboration with Hitachi Rail System Ltd, Japan.

Unde the programme, Students are exposed to various aspects of Rail Transportation Engineering and also get a paid internship at Hitachi Rail System Ltd, Japan. With the revamp of the railways in India, there will be huge requirement of technically skilled engineers to carry out the modernization work.

From the academic session 2017-18 the university is going to offer undergraduate engineering degree in Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing and Information Security. The scope of these two programmes is very wide and currently, the demand of professionals in these two fields is huge.

How much job-oriented your courses are, especially in the light of latest trends and technologies taking place around the world and the education industry creating global products in terms of fresh pass outs?

To keep pace with the latest technological developments, we update the curriculum every year and incorporate latest teaching-learning methodologies in it. The curriculum is revised as per the latest industry trends and after getting it designed, the same is validated by the respective industry experts.

Faculty members are encouraged to participate in Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), workshops, seminars, conferences to help them remain abreast with the latest technologies. These approaches have helped us to remain focused on making our students ready for the industry.

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Bright students usually know their potentiality and wait for the right opportunity for placement while others may choose to remain satisfied with the first choice.

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Do you think traditional engineering discipline is being eclipsed by the emerging ones?

Demand for traditional engineering disciplines will always be there. However, with the changing scenario, curriculum of these disciplines has to be updated and relevant as per the trends.

Do most of the Indian BTech students readily opt for the first job-opportunity during placements?

What is your view on it?

Any batch of engineering students is composed of bright, average and below average students. This is why placement opportunities vary from batch to batch. Bright students usually know there potentiality and wait for the right opportunity for placement while others may choose to remain satisfied with the first choice.

What are the new courses the university is going to offer? Can you share some of the prominent ones with us?

At present the University offers UG and PG programmes only in Engineering and Management. Being a University, I believe we should offer all the other programmes which are normally available in traditional Universities.

Accordingly, we are taking steps to introduce academic programmes on Science, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy, Hospitality, Liberal Arts etc in phased manner.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

eduleader’s perspective

76

Bringing Qualitative Change to the Nation Through Education We aim to provide quality education to the students that will help them to face challenges and expectations of the real world with confidence, says Dr V K Agarwal, Chairman, SunRise University, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

What is the vision of your university?

The primary objective of the university is to make the rural students and dropouts employable by providing skill-based vocational education. This initiative will support the rural employment and fulfill the demand of industries on the other.

What are the latest technologies being used in the university to improve the teaching-learning process?

Presently, there is a lack of skill-based education in Rajasthan. Traditional approach of theory-based education alone cannot help students to fulfill the requirements of industry. There is an urgent need of dissemination of technical skills and we have taken up the task to prepare job-ready students skilled in particular domains. Looking at this aspect, SunRise University emphasises on better teaching-learning methods. The syllabus and course contents have been developed by the learned academicians and industry experts. The industry experts are the members of the advisory body of the university. SunRise University understands the present demands and future requirements of the education sector. Hence, the University has emphasised on practical training as SunRise University

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What are the distinct courses offered by your university. Share with us the scope of these courses as far as career prospect is concerned.

SunRise University offers courses in the streams of engineering, management, law, science, pharmacy, agriculture and yoga and naturopathy.

In all of the above streams, the courses are job oriented and practical-based. These courses meet the requirement of the industries locally and internationally.

How much job-oriented your courses are, especially in the light of latest trends and technologies taking place around the world and the education industry creating global products in terms of fresh pass outs?

As already mentioned, there is a lack of skill based education in the State, which our university is trying to address. Keeping in mind about the industry’s requirements, our university has emphasised only on practical and industry needbased courses. This also helps the students of the university to hone their skills before entering to the job market. Such education and training will help the students in resolving any problem during their jobs.

Besides this, good infrastructure facilities have been created to cope with the increase in enrollment of students in various on-campus programmes. New hi-tech laboratory facilities in terms of space and quality equipments have been provided to cater to the needs of the learners and researchers. High-tech class rooms and digital library are some of the latest technological facilities available in the university.

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA): The IQA Cell has been created to monitor the quality of academic output. The departments of study conducts national and international seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences so as to expose teachers and students of the university to new trends in teaching and research at the global

International Conference organised

by SunRise University

“

New hi-tech laboratory facilities in terms of space and quality equipment have been provided to cater to the needs of the learners and researchers.

High-tech class rooms and digital library are some of the latest technological facilities available in the university.

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level. A cell for students’ personality development has also been set up to enhance their personality.

The Central Government is emphasising a lot on skilling the youth. How the courses at your university are initiated it to make your students job ready?

The main aim of SunRise University is to provide skill based training to its students. The University is emphasising on practical instead of theory in their course contents. Industry visits is the main focus of the university enabling the students to make them job ready and understand the working of the industries. The advisory committee of the university regularly updates the faculty members about the global need of the hi-tech industries.

It also suggests management board and the academic council of the university to update the course curricula of the University according to the latest practice.

Besides this, the University is also actively associated in Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme. Last year university has successfully worked for Digital India initiative of the Government. University has introduced online verification of students’ degrees/diploma, mark sheet and other documents.

What are your plans for the future?

University has decided to introduce “Digital Learning” as one unit in the syllabus of computer in the first year of all courses. Step by step university is working for online admission and digitization of University work. It will be faster and reliable working mode.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

eduleader’s perspective

the core of the course curricula. Keeping this in mind, the course curricula of the university has been designed by the experts accordingly so that the students can be employable. Besides this, the university provides smart class audio-visual aids, state of the art laboratories etc to enhance the learning process.

interview

78

Measuring Innovation in Education through New Perspectives Innovation in education does not just mean more use of latest technology. The true educational innovation can be found in processes, services, programmes and partnerships, says Chris Cobb, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, University of London, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

What do you see as the biggest opportunity when it comes to igniting excitement in education or boosting motivation?

We live in a rapidly changing world and we need to prepare young people to be agile with core skills of evidence-based decisions and critical thinking so that they can adapt to change and be prepared for jobs and careers that have not yet been thought of. The University of London has been spearheading changes since 1836, and through its international programmes, it is now at the forefront of these developments.

How can social media be used to enhance student learning?

Social media is now invaluable in connecting peers in collaborative learning and problem solving.

Today, peer networks can stretch continents rather than just physical classrooms. The digital footprints that they make can then be reflected on and reused to inform the pedagogic process and support future learners. Social media also supports the notion of the flipped classroom, with intensive interactions outside the traditional place of learning.

Why do you think it’s important for schools to think education first, rather than tech?

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Today, peer networks can stretch continents rather than just physical classrooms. The digital footprints that they make can then be reflected on and reused to inform the pedagogic process and support future learners.

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It is pointless to look for the solutions of the problems that do not exist. Technology is at its best when it is serving a demand e.g. improved speed, flexibility or scalability, or resolving a problem such as cost, business continuity or extensibility.

Education is no different. If technology can improve understanding, learning experience, reduce the cost of delivery and ensure learners can continue to learn wherever or whenever they wish then the technology will be successful. If it is simply a new gadget that costs more, success will be elusive. Since the University of London first began providing distance learning in 1858, our tools for successful student engagement have constantly evolved; so that today we have a sophisticated platform that brings together 52,000 students in over 180 countries.

How World Education Summit can play an important role in transforming the educational landscape at national and global level?

Almost all research and learning is building on the work of others that have gone before. Innovation in education is the same. It is essential for colleagues from across institutions and different regulatory regimes to learn from one another, particularly so, in this evermore connected world in which we live.

POLICYMAKER’s PERSPECTIVE

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TRANSFORMING CHOICE in Dubai’s Private Schools KHDA supports schools, universities, parents, students, educators, investors and government partners to create a high quality education sector focused on happiness and well-being, writes Kalthoom Al Balooshi, Executive Director of Education, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai, for Elets News Network (ENN)

C

hoices. We make them each and every day.

What am I going to have for breakfast, what am I going to wear today, what decisions will I make at work, how will I spend my income, how will I use my time? Choices, choices, and more choices!!! We make major choices and others that are more trivial. What you wear or what you have for breakfast are some of the less important choices we make – although a nutritious breakfast is always an excellent way to start the day. Major choices include the type of career you follow, your choice of partner, and where you live.

One of the major decision points for families coming to Dubai is to choose a school that their children may get admission in. For many parents, ensuring that they have a place for their child in a good quality school is a critical trigger point for if they should decide to move to Dubai or not.

With the increase in capacity provided by the introduction of new schools in Dubai, many more places are now available for parents. Even so, parents are still faced with choosing the type

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81 of curriculum, the fee-level and location of the school, choices that are often not needed in their home countries where parents often simply send their child to the nearest public school.

creating a high quality education sector focused on happiness and well-being.

As the regulator of the private school system in Dubai, where 90% of students attend a private school, we are often asked by parents which school should I enroll my child in.

To assist parents, we have conducted inspections of schools for the past nine years. The detail of these inspections is provided in reports on our website and accessible to all. Parents can look through these reports or use third party websites that collate the inspection results and provide value-added information to parents. Choosing the right school from the diverse variety of schools to suit their child’s interests and match their child’s strengths and capabilities is not easy and many parents deliberate for a long time to ensure that their choice is the best one.

When we ask parents what they want for their children in private schools in Dubai, they generally seek three things. Good academic marks and a safe environment are two oft-cited responses.

But the most common response we obtain is that parents want their child to be happy.

Intuitively, parents know that their aim is to ensure their child is happy at the end of the day.

Being happy is influenced by how we perceive and interact with the world around us at different stages of our lives. Happiness is as much an input and a process as it is an outcome. And, this has major implications for schools.

Schools don’t need to make a choice between academic teaching practices, results and student well-being. Put simply, children who are happy at school (and in the home) perform better academically, and teachers who are happy deliver better, more engaging lessons.

Students with greater happiness display more appropriate classroom behaviour, higher school grades, better peer and teacher relationships, better physical health, and greater participation in classroom and extracurricular activities. Those with lower-level of happiness are significantly more likely to report mental health problems, peer victimisation, poor relationships with parents and teachers, and a whole host of negative behaviours.

At KHDA, we firmly believe that the happiness and well-being of students, teachers and parents be considered a mandate, not just for today, but for the long-term future of education. We support schools, universities, parents, students, educators, investors and government partners in

Partnering with the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) to create the regional capital of positive education in Dubai to spread the awareness of positive education in schools and promote character and wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

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Children who are happy at school (and in the home) perform better academically, and teachers who are happy deliver better, more engaging lessons. Students with greater happiness display more appropriate classroom behaviour, higher school grades, better peer and teacher relationships, better physical health, and greater participation in classroom and extracurricular activities.

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Building a Well-being Campus in Hatta where open-air classrooms will host hundreds of students from across the Emirates, ensuring kids utilise the picturesque mountain landscape and enjoy innovative outdoor activity-based experiences designed to boost character strength and confidence.

Granting Healthy and Happy School Awards which are designed by a cross governmental team to recognise schools in Dubai that are focusing on students’ well-being for the future success of each and every student.

Commencing the Dubai Student Well-being Census in 2017-18 which all students in Grades 6 to 9 will take to provide information back to schools about the wellbeing of their students so that they can target their initiatives Running a series of ‘What Works’ events each year, a platform created by educators for educators, that promotes collaboration between schools and highlights the strengths of Dubai’s education and share positive practices.

Through providing these opportunities for schools, we, at KHDA, are promoting change by “bringing out from within” the education system so that school leaders and teachers can make positive choices that encourage the holistic development of students.

Parents have chosen to come to Dubai and they have placed their faith in each of our private schools to educate their child in a safe and welcoming environment that encourages learning and character development.

The choices we make, in both our big and small choices, have significant implications for parents and students. It is really all about making the right choices. We want parents to choose happy schools. We want children to be happy students.

All this starts with the personal choice that we make each and every day. And for me, I choose to make a positive contribution towards a happier society. I choose happiness.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

POLICYMAKER’s PERSPECTIVE

We have undertaken a number of initiatives to support the promotion of positivity, happiness and wellbeing and these include:

Policymaker’s Perspective

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BITS Pilani: Generating, Disseminating, Preserving Knowledge At the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, academics are supplemented by pervasive industry engagement and every student is exposed to practical applications of classroom knowledge under structured programmes, says Prof Souvik Bhattacharyya, ViceChancellor, BITS Pilani, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

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Our commitment to transparency and stress on strong student support have been the key contributing factors behind emergence of BITS Pilani as an institute of eminence. At BITS, conventional learning is supplemented by immersive industry engagement via a twophase practice school – a seven-and-a-half month structured industry/research internship wherein a student is mentored and assessed by BITS faculty apart from industry mentors while working on a live project. In addition to academics, BITS also focuses on providing students with opportunities for all round development. All our campuses are thriving nodes for student-driven social-cultural, sports, technology and many other activities.

Research being an institution’s integral part what are the ongoing research projects at BITS Pilani?

How the corporates are involved in these projects, can you share a few names?

In 2016-17, we had a 130 per cent growth in new external research grant received by our faculty colleagues from agencies such as DST, DBT, CDAC, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and several international and bilateral research organisations.

Some of the ongoing projects are as follows: • A consultancy grant of Rs 1.8 crore from HCL infotech in the area of financial inclusion • An International grant of Euro 135,000 under INNO INDIGO project with SINTEF Norway • Two major consortia projects worth about Rs 3.9 crore in the area of food from RD Tata Trust and ICAR jointly with CDAC, Jadavpur University and IARI to develop sensors for fruits and vegetable quality • A technology for purification of harvested rainwater has been developed. It is supplemented by a research grant of Rs 2 crore from DST. • Two prestigious grants from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation of $135,000 and $42,000 in partnership with Cranfield University, UK

BITS Pilani

The campus area

and Caltech, USA on water and wastewater treatment.

• A grant of Euro 370,000 by DAAD and FESTO Didactic, Germany

BITS Pilani has designed a Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP), what is it all about?

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BITS Pilani has recorded a decent growth over the last year in terms of placements. Preplacement offers through Practice School has been a growing and contributing factor.

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In WILP, working are exposed to the latest findings of academic research. It provides them an opportunity to integrate these innovations into their work, and thus put them into practice leading to enhanced performance, cost-effectiveness and quality. Again, more specifically the programmes offered in the pharmaceutical or health systems areas provide the opportunity for work that directly impacts the quality of human health and well-being.

What are the policies with integration of technology followed at the institute to provide the best possible teachinglearning experience?

Since over a last decade BITS Pilani has taken several initiatives to use technology in education and the institute is enabling its faculty members and students to use technology enabled platforms, digital content and innovative practices. Physical Infrastructure (in the form of studios for digital content recording, TelePresence classrooms, inclass recording of lectures, remotely operated anytime, anywhere laboratories) as well as digital infrastructure (in the form of learning management systems, MOOC-platforms, software for simulations, programming environments, etc.) are provided to faculty and students. Flipped/ blended classes are encouraged. A teaching and learning centre has been established to innovate and propagate pedagogic practices including digital and online learning practices.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

Policymaker’s Perspective

BITS Pilani is among the top 20 universities ranked from India in QS World Ranking, what measures have been taken by BITS to match global standards of education?

University Profile

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Jaipur National University Providing Quality Education Jaipur National University, a private self-financed university sponsored by Mahima Shiksha Samiti, came into existence on October 22, 2007. The university is one of the many institutions of the Seedling Group of Educational Institutions of the Mahima Shiksha Samiti, a society founded in 1986 by eminent people from all walks of life.

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he Jaipur National University is foremost among the recently established selffinancing universities in Rajasthan, and is offering several technical and professional programmes.

The university was accorded approval under Section 2(f) by University Grants Commission (UGC) and after six years of establishment was accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The accreditation was based on a very comprehensive evaluation of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in streams like Engineering, Pharmacy, Life and Basic Sciences, Business and Management, Education, Law, Mass Media, Hotel Management, Computer and System Sciences, Language, and Social Sciences.

All the technical and professional programmes are approved by various regulatory bodies – All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Bar Council of India (BCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and Medical Council of India (MCI). Jaipur National University has once again been ranked (India Today – Nielsen Survey 2017) among the top 30 best universities of India and 17th amongst private universities.

JNU Hospital and Medical College, a part of the illustrious Jaipur National University, was established for undergraduate and postgraduate quality medical education and research. The medical college received the permission of MCI for the first batch of MBBS in 2016-17 and second batch in 2017-18. The JNU hospital started in 2014-15 boasts of world class environment, friendly infrastructure, cutting edge technology,

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Jaipur National University has once again been ranked (India Today – Nielsen Survey 2017) among the top 30 best universities of India and 17th amongst private universities.

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highly experienced and qualified faculty and skilled paramedical staff who work with motto “care with compassion”.

JNU hospital is a multi-specialty premiere healthcare destination, spread over an area of 21 acres in Jagatpura, Jaipur. JNU hospital aims to provide holistic healthcare that includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health education for patients and their families. Right from the infrastructure to the latest medical technology acquisition, it has always kept its patients first and strived to deliver not only world class but world’s best care to its patients since its inception in July 2015.

The hospital offers a tertiary level care, where it brings together state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, cutting edge technology and a highly integrated and comprehensive information system along with the quest for exploring and developing newer therapies in the field of medicine. JNU hospital is backed up with trained supportive staff, efficient system and modern procedures with an aim to cater to the needs of Rajasthan and people across the globe promoting the international medical tourism.

JNU hospital strives hard to make world class clinical care available to the population of Jaipur and nearby area at affordable prices.

The university has evolved into the most sought after educational institution in its nine years spotless and creditable journey. The university has grown into a multi-faculty and multi-disciplinary university and continues its march for newer heights of excellence. The university believes in holistic development of students with a view to make them effective professionals.

eduleader’s perspective

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IIS Universiity: Promoting Academic Excellence In this age of a fast-changing educational scenario, new universities are challenged to accommodate not only a growing campus, but also rising costs on campus which increase exponentially each year, says Dr Ashok Gupta, Vice Chancellor, IIS University, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN) and shares much more.

Considering the existing competition and changing times, what prominent challenges a private university like yours is faced with?

IIS University constantly strategises to become more flexible to attract best students in a highly competitive market, assessing their position and mapping the segments most important to them.

In short, the real challenge for the university is to continue its efforts for bridging the ever-widening gap between knowledge and skills and to work towards building a national character through purposeful education, not merely an overdose of information.

What steps your university has been following to ensure finest faculty is in place?

The university works to align recruitment with its hiring strategy and priorities. It follows a stringent recruitment procedure to ensure that the faculty members keep up the robust academics thereby ensuring the much-needed rigour in the programmes on offer. In addition, career advancement for faculty members is linked to professional competencies combined with their involvement in and contribution to the corporate life on campus.

IIS University

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Research, along with consultancy, is approached as an extremely significant input to teaching at the IIS University. Research-excellence is an important goal for us as we strive to give a conscious impetus to research-based learning. To this end, research has been built into the fabric of not only the postgraduate and research programmes but also at the undergraduate level. Both students and faculty members are encouraged to take up minor research projects seeded by the university with the view to supplementing pure academics with developing research acumen in them.

In addition to research projects sanctioned by external funding agencies like ICSSR, DST, UGC, DRDE, DBT, ICMR, ICAR, etc, the institution promotes research by sanctioning student research projects and granting research fellowships to selected candidates.

The university’s research publications such as journals further promote quality action-research.

The facilities and infrastructure available at the university are continuously strengthened and enriched for the promotion of research activities, year-after-year. Faculty members, recognised as Research Supervisors, guide quality research in the various disciplines of Science, Commerce, Management, Arts and Social Sciences. The university also promotes the research endeavours of its faculty members by substantiating their work through grants and subventions.

What are some of the innovations being introduced in IIS University vis-à-vis State and Central universities?

We, at the IIS University, understand that the universities that succeed in future are those that will be able to adjust as well as be creative and innovative with respect to the programmes of study on offer and the overall studentexperience. It is precisely for these reasons that we – though still a very young university - are attempting to do our utmost to advance science, invent new technologies and help drive the global economy. Some of our pedagogical innovations include a plethora of career-oriented and skilldevelopment courses, projects and seminars as a mandatory component at all levels of study, cafeteria approach for choosing Electives

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Both students and faculty members are encouraged to take up minor research projects seeded by the university with the view to supplementing pure academics with developing research acumen in them.

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(choice-based credit system), the introduction of a ‘metacampus’ which is a unique web-space dissolving the time and space constraints. It enables the faculty members, students and parents to stay connected besides keeping a track of a student’s attendance, assignments, announcements, e-resources, academic progress, time table, class-updates forthcoming events, deadline for submission of examination forms, etc., among others.

The innovative approach to learning at IISU is aimed at making education relevant to reallife situations, thus acting as a catalyst for social change. This is made possible through extension activities such as field trips, community and industry visits, interaction with experts, art exhibition and shows, fests, flash mobs, etc. and forms an integral part of the curriculum which aims at providing knowledge combined with hands-on training, thus producing conscientious citizens. Mentoring support is an innovative programme wherein each student is assigned a faculty member as a mentor on campus.

With placement of students becoming a yardstick to evaluate a University’s status, what has been your achievement in the context?

The university boasts a full-fledged Training and Placement Cell which looks into the overall planning and execution of career guidance and placement programmes. The cell ensures that representations from various multi-national companies and UGC-recognised educational institutions visit the institution not only to apprise students of the various courses and jobs available to them but also to select and train them for the requisite job-skills. The Cell organises popular talks by experts on career prospects in different fields besides liasoning with various industrial establishments, corporate houses, etc. for organising campus interviews to select students across all disciplines.

The Training and Placement Cell also provides career counseling to students of the University.

It helps them discover their potential and choose the right career path. Vocational guidance from industry experts is also organised by the Cell throughout the session. Seminars related to various career options too are organised to generate awareness and interest among students.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

eduleader’s perspective

How significant is innovation for your university? What steps have you undertaken to promote researchbased learning at the university?

University Insights

88

Inculcating Self Reliance in Young Minds through Education

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he University of Kota was established in the year 2003 by the Government of Rajasthan.

With the enrollment of 81,735 students, 37 affiliated colleges and two PG programmes in 2004-05, the university had 2,33,579 enrolled students, 172 affiliated colleges and 24 postgraduate programmes in 2016-17. The University was granted 2(f) and 12(b) status of the UGC Act 1956 in 2004 and 2012 respectively.

Over 280 scholars have obtained PhD degree in 25 disciplines from the University.

Improving its position in India Ranking 2016 (in 151-200 rank band) conducted by National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF), the University of Kota has been placed at 78th position In the India Ranking 2017 conducted

by NIRF. NAAC–LOI (National Assessment and Accreditation Council–Letter of Intent) of the University has been accepted and Peer Team visit is expected in September 2017. Also, the University has been awarded “RICOH Education Excellence Award 2016” from the Bussiness World for “Best Institution in Use of Technology in Teaching-Learning Practices” and ranked 29th in the India Today survey-2017.

Many national and international projects

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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Improving its position in India Ranking 2016 (in 151-200 rank band) conducted

by National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF), the University of Kota has been placed at 78th position in the India Ranking 2017

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University of Kota

worth around `550 lakhs, funded by different funding agencies, has been on trajectory of growth with 175 lakhs infrastructural grant for multipurpose sports complex. awards, patents, MoUs (with education institutes and industries) are signature of our resilient progress of the university. The university has a central library with Inflibnet, DelNet, OPAC, LAN and Wi-Fi facilities.

The university also houses Central Analytical Instrumentation Facility and English language lab.

University students are also awarded with medals in national and state level games i.e.

Kabbadi, Judo, football, basketball, boxing etc. Recently, University established Swami Vivekanand, Dr. Bheem Rao Ambedkar and Vanshavali Addayan Shodh Peeth. University is also planning to establish Sindhu Addayan and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhaya Shodh Peeth in current session.

The University has conducted four convocations on June 29, 2013; March 13, 2016; April 21, 2006 and on July 20, 2017. The University has also conducted state level entrance examinations – PTET 2016 and BSTC 2017.

The University is developing its adopted village Dungarjya as a Smart Village.

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? ve ti ia it in is th in n o ti ic v Is th e re a co n

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hen I was invited to write an article on Skill Development in India, I must confess that the first question I asked myself is if I am convinced that this initiative is indeed a value addition for our nation and not just another political plank to help create a positive agenda for a particular political party or government. One of the major decision points for families coming to Dubai is to choose a school that their children may get admission in. For many parents, ensuring that they have a place for their child in a good quality school is a critical trigger point for if they should decide to move to Dubai or not.

I started to do my own little checks and research on this more so with the common everyday hard working bread earning citizens of the country…the domestic help, the chauffeurs, the masons, construction workers, our longstanding house help at my mother’s home whose grown up son is now looking for a job and many more. I am more than convinced after some of these practical connects that if we do not take this initiative seriously as a citizen of this country, we are likely to reach a stage where the gap between the haves and have nots will widen and the number of youngsters who would be on the edge of anarchy due to frustration will be on the rise. India cannot afford a scenario such as that.

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

So, lets visit the Basics first – what is Skilling ? what is this initiative ? Why is the word starting to become a buzzword and why is there still a lack of conviction in mass propogating this initiative ? Here is a list of 5 points that will give an insight into this ecosystem :1. Multiple reports and findings by experts indicate that the number of Indians entering the job market in the coming years could far exceed the number of traditional jobs that exist in India. One of the reports released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) pegs the number at only 140 million jobs for more than 3 times increase in the working age population in the coming 5 to 7 years.

2. India continues to be challenged

by High School Drop out rates, lack of formal vocational training, lack of capacity for skill training and lack of industry ready skills.

3. Most of the skills acquired by the youth are due to default option of not finding any other means to earn a livelihood and hence skill related labor starts to become a social stigma in society. The stigma alienates the citizens from one an other and the sheer lack of respect leads to wage labor unions and strikes and distrust.

4. India has only 2% of its population as skilled workforce as against 45% in china and 65 – 80% in countries like UK, Germany and Japan.

91 Korea has 96% of its population trained in key skills.

With Make in India programs, emphasis on wider education delivery, focus on manufacturing and a population that will continue to be demographically inclined towards the youth, Skilling initiatives will be a core requirement to help sustain India’s growth engine amongst the faster developing economies of the world.

So what is the missing Link ?

1. Communication & Awareness – How many of us are aware that there is an Annual World Skill contest that happens every year in one of the countries ? Do you know Saudi Arabia is conducting one in Year 2017 ? Do you know if India is sending a contingent to pit our skilled workforce against the world’s best ? Do you think it will be good for a us to cheer India in this area just as we do for other sports ?

2. Start Early – Let us accept some realities. In government schools where the failure rate is high and drop outs happen quite often, the reality is that not all of the 50 to 60 children of the class will break out to become engineers and doctors and chartered accountants and Bankers. There will be a high percentage of the class that will fall by the way side and when they finally pass out or drop out and realise that the big wide world out there will not absorb them into certain jobs , they tend to take up skilling as a Default Option and NOT by design – it is high time that we provide inputs at an early stage in school to enable skilling expertise in time and get them better prepared than face a rude shock later.

guest column

5. Nearly 24 sectors need 119 million additional skilled workers – To quote Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the minister for skill development, many skilled work force are needed in Chemicals & Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Steel & Mining, Coal, Power & Renewable Energy, Social Justice & Empowerment areas, Heavy Industries, Construction, handloom etc.

3. Industry needs Plug & Play workforce – The industry does not have the resources or the financial strength to train their workforce over 3 months to make them ready for the jobs that they have been taken for. Give them a Ready to Work workforce and they will lap it up. The whole concept of Identifying – Training & Placement therefore becomes a complete circle and a win win for both the employer and the potential employee who undergoes active skill training.

4. Combine Skilling with Soft Skill training – Have you imagined a future world of electricians, beauticians, counter manning employees, welders, plumbers and so on who would be able to speak clear English, show high quality of service levels, will maintain high levels of hygiene and discipline ? This can be achieved if we start combining Skilling training with soft skills management at an early age and make this a course by choice and not by default.

5. Create Skill Ambassadors – How many of you have been reading the tweets of the Honorable minister for Skill Development ? Many of his tweets reflect success stories of many employees who have benefitted from skill development. Citizens of smaller towns, villages who have got gainfully employed with reputed industries. Why cannot we have these folks turn into Skill Ambassadors and pave the way to further increase awareness and communication of this program ?

Vinesh Menon Chief Executive Officer Education, Skilling & Consulting Services , Vibgyor Group

I believe that if each of us citizens who have been far more privileged than many others genuinely try to peel the onion and try to recognize the void that exists in the Indian employment diaspora, we will automatically be convinced about the need for skill development and soon we will start having social conversations about this important topic with the same fervor as we do for topics such as Re Skilling of our much luckier and privileged IT Sector workforce.

Jai Hind !

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

University Perspective

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Bhagwant University – Offering Higher Education A Special Meaning It is must to develop professional competence in students and faculties to use their intrinsic potential for uplift of the society, says Dr Anil Singh, Chairman, Bhagwant Group, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

To make students professionally competent, what strategies are being adopted by Bhagwant University in teaching-learning process?

Bhagwant University, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a co-educational private university, which emphasises on practical training of students. We encourage students to organise and participate in seminars and workshops. Eminent industry leaders, professionals and esteemed professors are invited to deliberate on latest industry trends and technologies. Technical experts from reputed organisations are employed as senior faculty members to teach and guide students about core subjects, practical training and projects.

Tell us about the academic departments and researches being conducted at the university. Are there any corporate sponsored researches and courses available at the university?

Bhagwant University lays strong emphasis on the sponsored research, collaborative research funded by the national and international agencies. The institute has set up modern laboratories. Faculty members of the institute maintain strong industrial links by undertaking consultancy assignments and run short-term company specific training programmes. To achieve enhanced industrial participation in the engineering education, the institute has taken various initiatives to start the

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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We have 10 branches and I personally believe that the branch of Chemical Engineering, Automobile Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, all of them are distinctly different, unique and advanced at least in the context of Rajasthan.

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industry sponsored masters degree programmes.

On what parameters Bhagwant University collaborates with a foreign university to provide better exposure to students?

The Bhagwant University has collaborated with reputed universities like the University of Western Australia, Australia; Gannon University, US; Sheffield Hallam University, UK and Kasetsart University, Thailand. Before any tie up, the core competency of the universities, their quality of labs, their Learning methodologies are being researched. The collaboration is done for progression opportunities of students, semester abroad training programme, student/faculty exchange and for joint research collaboration.

How does the university help its existing faculty members to enhance their skills?

The university has a blend of experienced and young faculty members. Young faculty members are being encouraged to participate in training programmes, seminars and workshops. Under exchange programme, the faculty members visit foreign universities for their global exposure. Our faculties have visited Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; Kasetsart University, Thailand; Nanyang Technical University, Singapore; and University Technologies, Malaysia.

Smart City Summit CONFERENCE | AWARDS | EXPO 8-9 September 2017

KOTA

Rajasthan

University Perspective

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Shridhar University – A Rural University Aiming To Be World Class The university has a vision to set up a world class education facility for students pursuing technology, agriculture and livelihood courses, says Brig (Retd) Kartar Singh, Vice Chancellor, Shridhar University, Rajasthan in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN), shares his institutions vision and key achievements along with their unique academic inputs to their students.

What is the vision of your university?

Our vision is to establish a world class education facility for students in technology, agriculture and livelihood courses. Being a rural university, the local students will find a natural environment with robust academic infrastructures to learn and excel. Due to this infrastructure and rural set up, we engage our students in curricular activities in the best possible way.

What kind of infrastructure related, resource related and technology related facilities are made available to the university students to boost their learning capabilities?

Sridhar University has three-fully equipped computer labs with CADD, Virtual lab and system

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

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Our vision is to establish a world class education facility for students in technology, agriculture and livelihood courses. Being a rural university, the local students will find a natural environment with robust academic infrastructures to learn and excel.

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operation software lab. We have 70 acres of green field with 24x7 water, electricity and WIFI connections. The infrastructure also includes 4.75 lakh built up area and excellent hostel accommodation. The project for converting smart classroom is underway. There is sufficient area for games and sports. We are also constructing a separate stadium for students.

What are the distinct courses offered by your university? What career scope do they offer?

With conventional engineering and technology, legal, basic life sciences and management courses we have special 4-year course B.Sc. - Agriculture.

In addition to it, we are now admitting student for Bachelor in Vocational degree.

The university offers good placement opportunities in the State. What kind of training programmes are being offered by the institute to improve students’ prospects of placement?

Our placement record is very high. We offer 100% placement in mining and approx 50% of other courses. Our efforts for placement are increasing. B.Sc (Agriculture) batch has been placed in local areas. Mining and BCA placements are also increasing.

University Perspective

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Inculcating Entrepreneurial Skills Among Students With excellent infrastructure, strong focus on placements and a proper mix of experienced, young and dynamic faculty members, our university is building technocrats and leaders of tomorrow, says Dr Devi Singh, Vice Chancellor, J K Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

What is the vision of your university?

The vision of JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) is to encourage a value-based innovative learning environment that engages intellectual, spiritual and moral stimulation to promote holistic personality development and nurture leadership.

What kind of infrastructure related, resource related and technology related facilities are being made available to the university students for boosting their learning capabilities?

JKLU’s sprawling hi-tech 30-acre campus with picturesque surroundings provides a refreshing environment for stimulating intellectual creativity.

The lush green and Wi-Fi enabled campus has several amphitheaters, air-conditioned classrooms, conference rooms, a computer centre, a fully automated library, a Management Development Centre and modern sports facilities.

The university has established an E-Cell (Entrepreneurship Cell) for inculcating the entrepreneurial skills among students. Various entrepreneurship colloquiums and seminars on different themes are held regularly. To enrich the students with practical training the university has established 57 high-end laboratories to hone the engineering skills and collaborated with various industries and academic bodies.

The university has signed Memorandum of Understanding with The Hanyang University, South Korea, University of Wales, United Kingdom,

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JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), Jaipur has partnered with IBM and offers programme in B Tech Computer Science Engineering degree with specialisation in Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Big Data Analytics and Information Security

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St. Cloud State University, U.S.A., Széchenyi István University, Hungary.

What are the distinct courses offered by your university? What is its scope as far as career prospects are concerned?

JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), Jaipur has partnered with IBM and offers programme in B Tech Computer Science Engineering degree with specialisation in Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Big Data Analytics and Information Security.

The recent MOU signed with SAP provides enterprise solutions and is one of the largest vendors of ERP to manage business operations and customer relations. The courses will include a beginner’s course, compulsory for all students of JKLU and expert-level optional courses in the field of Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Sales and Distribution Management, Materials Management, Advanced Business Application Engineering.

JKLU has signed MoU with Moody’s Analytics & Edu Edgepro , the joint degree programme with Moody’s Analytics in MBA programme, provides a thorough understanding of practical problemsolving in core areas of Finance and Banking.

JKLU has signed MoU with Confederation of Indian Industry-Institute of Logistics (CIIIL). Under the MoU, an integrated management degree programme with specialisation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is offered to students.

University Perspective

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JJT University – Realising Common Man’s Dream for Higher Education Shri JJT University was established as part of giving back to the society by the trustees who hailed from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. In pursuit of an endeavour to generate employment, they invested in the human resources development infrastructure, establishing a university spread over 30-acre area, says Dr Vinod Tibrewala, Chairperson, Shri JJT University in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

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99 What is the vision of JJT University?

How has been the journey so far? Are you satisfied with having established an educational institute on your own soil?

In 2004-05, Shri Rajasthan Seva Sangh, a public charitable trust promoted by Pravasi Rajasthanis in Mumbai, met the then Rajasthan Chief Minister Smt Vasundhara Raje in Mumbai. The Chief Minister appealed to the illustrious businessmen and accomplished Pravasi Rajasthanis to promote and invest heavily in the education system of Rajasthan. She reminded them it’s time to give back to their roots, urging them to contribute in the educational and economic infrastructure of the State. The Rajasthan Seva Sangh immediately accepted the proposal and agreed to participate in developing educational facilities in the State.

The trust, having an exposure of running several schools, junior colleges and degree colleges under Mumbai University, now decided to establish a University for Higher Education to help the overall progress and economic development of new generation. Most of the trustees of Rajasthani Seva Sangh hail from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and have a special affinity with this place of Jhunjujhunu, Churu and Sikar etc.

We are happy that we have established an institute which will help the students, youths and other aspiring generations to study varied topics

and pursue their career in diversified domains.

Since the area hitherto lacked noticeable industrial activities, availability of the employable resources began to attract multiple industrial investments in the region. We are happy that the trust has made significant contribution in this segment.

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This academic project (university) has helped dissemination of knowledge and ensured cutting edge quality education available at the doorsteps in the hinterland.

JJTU has now taken up the cause of making Rajasthan a No. 1 state in education.

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What are the latest academic and research activities undertaken

by JJT University to improve the teaching-learning process?

Different departments of Shri JJT University conduct various research activities in different domain.

In the agriculture department, sensitisation and research projects on organic farming, soil testing, rainwater harvesting, and government schemes for farmers, how to use agriculture waste and exportoriented projects are taught. The Agriculture Research Department has also developed Ajola grass for milking cows and animals.

The trust has established a 300-bedded RLJT Hospital for the health care of locals and other residents as well. Our renewable energy department developed a ‘Solar-Baggi’ as an innovative project for our students. We have taken an initiative of putting rooftop 50kw solar on grid system under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s scheme. Our researchers are working on technology shared by BARC Mumbai as biogas, vegetable solar dryer and soil testing kit. Our university is working with scientists, educationists and engineers for the integration of rural development projects.

What are JJTU’s future plans?

Setting up a reputed university was our dream and we have truly accomplished this. Today, the JJTU University has richly contributed to education and tourism infrastructure of the State, besides enriching and empowering the Chudela region of Rajasthan.

We have proposed to the progressive and dynamic Government of Rajasthan to declare the vast patch of area under Jhunjhunu and Churu as Rajasthan Educational Zone. This will help Rajasthan to become No.1 State in India. Our Trust also encourages its members to open educational institutes in the memory of their loved ones, and this whole idea can be developed as ‘Knowledge City’ in line of Smart City proposed by the Central Government. It will also give opportunity to locals to find employment, ultimately raising their living standards.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

University Perspective

Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala, or Shri JJT University was established in 2006 in Rajasthan, as a vibrant knowledge centre to offer quality education in the Shekhawati region of the State.

Its vision is to transform the institution into a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension education. It has also been envisaged to bring out conservation, creation, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in public domain.

JJT University aspires to mould and groom leaders in the field of technology, science, management, pharmacy and social science by providing quality education and research.

The university was established with a commitment to make an affordable higher education available at the doorstep of all those who are deprived of quality education. JJT University is committed to offer object-oriented modular education with practical exposure considering the current educational scenario, emerging industrial, business opportunities and researches globally in different areas of science and management.

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University Insights

Mentoring students for professional growth

Ram Pal Soni Chairperson Sangam University

Prof Sumer Singh President Sangam University

S

angam University finds its roots in the Institute of Technology and Management - ITM, Bhilwara, which was established in the year 2003 under the aegis of the same trust. Sangam Group also supports at Bhilwara, Sangam School of Excellence, an International School reputed for its academic excellence and 100 bedded Smt. Kesar Bai Soni Hospital with top class healthcare facilities.

The university is committed to provide an educational competitive environment in tune with the needs of the global markets to create ample job and entrepreneurship opportunities to its students.

Industry Oriented Curriculum:

Futuristic

Industry Oriented Education (IOE) is an approach to learning from an industry perspective. It helps the students to become familiar with the latest industry trends and requirements. The problem with the traditional methodology of learning is that there is no close relationship with industry’s ever changing requirements.

In order to make its student globally competitive, Sangam University has developed “Industry Sangam University

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University Insights

102

Oriented Futuristic Curriculum”. The curriculum not only nurtures students as per the requirements of industry but it also helps them to understand the opportunities in future and to stand against all the expected and unexpected situations in life.

Learning by Doing: The university supports the innovative ideas and projects of its students. If a student wants to build a car then he/she must be aware about tightening a screw, electric circuits, paint combinations etc. Basically, it is about the approach and we at Sangam University try to inculcate “Learning

by Doing” approach among the students. We emphasise more on the practical aspects of a concept along with its theoretical part.

Some of the recent projects developed by our diploma students are bowling machine which enables a batsman to practice (usually in the nets) and to hone their skills. Our students have developed a Stair Climbing Robot which may help disaster relief teams in saving at the time of any natural disaster.

To promote the concept, the university encouraged its student to partipate in various universities conducted by IIM Kolkata, National Stock Exchange Institute and Nirma Institute of Management.

Entrepreneurship: To develop students as not just employees but also as employers, the university has taken following initiatives:

AUGUST 2017 | dl.eletsonline.com

Project Exhibition

“

The university is committed to provide an educational competitive environment in tune with the needs of the global markets to create ample job and entrepreneurship opportunities to its students.

”

Five entrepreneurship awareness camps have been organised to motivate students of the university along with the students from other universities and colleges in and around Bhilwara District. The camp was funded by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. It was supported by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad.

The university has launched a six month certificate course in entrepreneurship development programme (EDP) from 2017-18 academic session.

An incubation cell has been set up in the university for engineering and management students to discuss ideas and to conduct market research to establish a startup.

Alumni Connect: In this rapidly changing world of technology, it is essential that the institutions and their alumni remain in constant interaction with each other to derive full benefits through constructive and informative feedback from the professional field. Sangam University connects its alumni through alumni meet, current student and alumni interactions and Entrepreneurship awareness camps.

Awards and recognitions: The university for its efforts to impart quality higher education to its students is awarded with Engineering Watch Campus Preparedness Award and Times Education Achievers Award 2016 for Promoting Education.

Established By Govt. of Rajasthan, Recognized by UGC, ISO Certified, Member of AIU, ACU, AIMA, FICCI, Approved by PCI, BCI, NCTE

(ME, CE, EE, Mine & Mines Surveying, Mining) Civil, ME, EE, CSE), M.Tech., Ph.D.

B.Ed, BA/B.Sc+B.Ed., M.Ed., MA (Edu.), Ph.D.

International Tours at Singapore, Italy, Bangkok & Malaysia

University Perspective

104

Dear Friends, Welcome to the Rajasthan Edu Fest at Jaipur!

Prof(Dr) Balvir S Tomar Chairman, NIMS University

Education is undoubtedly one of the most precious instruments for social transformation that has astounding impacts on growth and development of the country as well as for the future course of the country’s population. It opens up opportunities leading to the enhancement of both individuals and group potentials. Improvement in education should not only be defined to enhance efficiency but also augment the overall quality of life within society.

During the last decade of the twentieth century, significant changes noticed in Indian higher education includes innovations in curricular design, pedagogy and examination reforms. These changes were propelled by several developments. Such noticeable changes provided the momentum to enable higher education to make unprecedented strides in India and across globe. Educational leaders debate whether these changes are primarily additive and limited to small scale programmatic innovations or truly transformative for institutions of higher learning and education. Nonetheless, there is widespread agreement that there is a dire need for aligning competencies desired by the industry and scholastic and co-scholastic acumen of students via academic courses/programmes.

Last two decades witnessed significant positive turmoil in terms of growth of higher education institutions to cater professional/ technical learning needs of a large number of secondary school pass outs through tertiary level institutions. Though more than half of school passed out students are delinked from further learning and a majority of students who have passed out and took up further studies either become unemployed or partly employed; while a few of them become employed. Two questions rightly pop up in this context -- How do we educate our students at school level especially in secondary and senior secondary stage? Do schools succeed in preparing students towards tertiary level learning (i.e., more towards quality learning, teaching and research) so that we submit more nominations towards coveted Nobel Prize at global level? If so, how it is scientific and contemporary?

Except few institutions at national level, majority are not able to shine in one discipline while

105

Nims University awarded as “Best University In India for Innovation & Skill Development-2015” jointly by Govt of India Ministry of Labour & Employment,NSDC.NSNE & ASSOCHAM.

Prof(Dr) Balvir S Tomar-Chairman ,NIMS University being presented with “Lifetime Achievement Award” jointly by Harvad University,USA, John Hopkins University,USA & King’s College of London.

Nims University awarded in “Six Sigma Health care Excellence Awards-2015” as Best Medical Science University of India” by Six Sigma Healthcare Ltd.

dl.eletsonline.com | AUGUST 2017

University Perspective

global universities have succeeded in a basket of disciplines and have become exemplary in transdisciplinary researches.

Innovative curriculum is critical for national development and more so with developing and under developed countries in the current era of globalisation. Research not only helps in extending existing knowledge but also helps in drawing solutions to problems associated with society. Universities are potential institutions for maximizing social transformations through research and development. In order to join global knowledge society and compete in knowledge economies, universities play crucial role in low and middle income countries. Despite of inter and intra institutional differences, universities are greater and stronger platforms for formulating policies relating to science, technology, research, innovation and development activities.

In the era of cutting edge technologies, design and implementation of technology development programmes, societal interventions through Science and technology have become absolute for which universities deemed suitable for our nation. Universities play exemplary role model in international cooperation and collaborations. In the post-globalisation era, excepting a few, almost all nations across globe have been experiencing similar kind of problems that have become critical.

Lack of stability in economy, political instability, social atrocities, lifestyle, pace and quality of human development, low per capita income are some of crucial issues that are assumed to be dealt firmly by research and innovation in varsities across country. To compete in sophisticated knowledge economies, our nation should strive further in research and development for which we need to extend our knowledge and insights in many directions because of which universities, besides teaching, must be enable to create research culture.

The Rajasthan Festival of Education at Jaipur will enhance opportunities in education sector and improve the quality of existing system in Rajasthan. The festival will indeed be a landmark in bringing think tanks and stalwarts into a single platform toward cause of educational development in the State of Rajasthan and adjoining states.

I thank and wish the organising team members to be proactive in making this fest a special event and continue in maintaining it for all times to come.

NIMS UNIVERSITY JAIPUR

E d u c a t i o n ’ s Wo r l d , Wo r l d ’ s E d u c a t i o n

NATIONAL EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD 2017

BEST

PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

Best Private University

of the Year 2017

in India 2017 given by Centre for Education Growth and Research & All India Council of Technical Education

2017

2016

2016

2015

2015

2014

International Excellence Award-2017 “Best Private University”

Ranked as “5th Emerging Best Medical College” in India by India Today 2016 Nielsen Survey

“Best Professional Institute for Skill Development 2016”

by The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India

SIX SIGMA HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AWARDS “Best Medical Science University” of the Year Nims University, Jaipur 2015

Global Environment Award 2015 presented to NIMS University, Jaipur “For outstanding achievements in Reducing Pollution and Environment Management”

CCI Technology Education Excellent Award 2014 to Nims University, Jaipur - India for Innovative Research

2013

“Best Private University” in North India by Time Research 2013

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ims Superspeciality Hospital: State of Art Super Speciality Hospital having Departments of Cardiology Cardio Thoracic surgery Gastroenterology Hepatology Oncology Nephrology Urology IVF Neuro surgery Plastic surgery Critical care Multi organ transplant (Kidney and Liver Transplant) Arthoplasty

CALL TODAY +91 – 7412077155, 9116010433, 7412077150, 7412077182 Website: www.nimsuniversity.org Nims University Campus, Jaipur-Delhi HighwayNH-11C, Jaipur-303121 Email: admissions@nimsuniversity.org

RNI NO. UPENG/2008/25311/UP/GZB/70/2015-17

JJT

SHRI JAGDISHPRASAD JHABARMAL TIBREWALA UNIVERSITY Privilege of Honouring Dignitaries with D.Litt.

HE Dr. Navranglal Tibrewala Ex- Governor & Ex. Chief Justice Rajasthan

HE Shri Ranjit Singh Mooshahary Ex. Governor Meghalaya

HE O.P. Kohli Governor Gujrat

Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshwarand Giri Ji Maharaj

HE Dr. Kamla Beniwal Ex. Governor Gujrat

HE Aziz Quereshi Ex. Governor Uttarakhand

Padma Vibhushan Hariprasad Chaurasia Flutist, Maharashtra

Guru Shree Rajendraji Maharaj of Amrutwani Mumbai, Maharashtra

HE Gen. J.J. Singh Ex. Governor Arunachal Pradesh

HE Kaptan Singh Solanki Governor Haryana

Padmashri Smt. Hema Malini Film Personality Maharashtra

Dr. Vijay Patil Chancellor D.Y. Patil University Maharashtra

HE Shri Jaganath Pahadia Ex. Governor Haryana

HE Gen. Nirbhay Sharma Governor Mizoram

Didi Maa Rithambaraji Head. Vatsalyagram Vrindavan Mathura, UP

Prof. Balchandra Mungekar Ex. VC, Mumbai University & Ex. Member Planning Commission Maharashtra

HE Dr. S.C.Jamir Governor Odisha

HE Tathagata Roy Governor Tripura

Dr. Gopal K. Goswami Iskon India Head New Delhi

Vaidya Suresh C. Chaturvedi Ayurveda Acharya Maharashtra

HE Shri J.P. Rajkhowa Ex. Governor Assam

Padamashri Dr. D.Y. Patil Ex. Governor Bihar

Shri Dinkar Joshi Gujrati Writer Maharashtra

Shri MR Khambatte President, Cosia, Thane Maharashtra

Vidyanagari, Jhunjhunu-Churu Road, Chudella (Jhunjhunu) Raj.

: 1800-3000-5339