The University Grants Commission (UGC) organized a Southern Zone Conference for Autonomous Colleges on ‘Implementation of NEP 2020’ at IIT Madras on Thursday.  

The Conference which witnessed the participation of academics was aimed at discussing details about the Policy among various stakeholders and to ensure its implementation by the Higher Educational Institutions. National Credit Framework Implementation, Academic Bank of Credits, Digital Empowerment and Research and Innovation Ecosystem were among topics deliberated upon.

Sessions were also held on Enhancing the Employability of the Graduates, Bhartiya Bhasha, Indian Knowledge System and Internationalization and NEP: Effective Implementation and Monitoring.

Addressing the inaugural session, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC, said, “Access, equity and inclusivity in higher education are essential determinants of how far our students will advance, take up positions in society and excel in their respective professions. Educational institutions must ensure that higher education is affordable, fair, and supportive for our students to succeed.”

He added, “We must promote our Indian languages as a medium of instruction in higher education to enhance learning outcomes. For students coming from rural backgrounds, teaching in Indian languages will make education more inclusive. English can always be learnt as a tool for communication. All technologically and economically advanced countries teach in higher education institutes in their language.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “Our Gross Enrollment Ration into Higher Education System stands around 30%. As per the World Population Census, we are the youngest population in the age group of 15 to 35. If we do not do the education right at this juncture, 10 years down the line, there is a possibility that we may become the most uneducated nation in the world. There is a big academic need that we all need to be aware of and rise to the occasion.”

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