Chandigarh, December 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh, today hosted one day prestigious seminar on new NAAC reforms, to discuss strategies to motivate and engage a wide spectrum of educational institutions, including colleges that had never applied for NAAC accreditation, those that had discontinued the process over the last five years, and newly established universities preparing for their first cycle of NAAC accreditation.
The event emphasized the importance of re-engaging these institutions to ensure comprehensive academic excellence across the state.
Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Guest on the occasiion emphasized the need for equipping the youth with the quality education and modern skills as per the global needs.
The Governor pointed out that the education system must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, stating, “Education is not merely a pathway to employment but a transformative force that drives the progress of a nation.”
In his speech, Sh. Kataria reflected on India’s historical legacy of education, highlighting the global acclaim of ancient learning centers such as Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Takshashila. These institutions, renowned for their inclusivity and commitment to excellence, set benchmarks that continue to inspire modern education systems.
Tracing the evolution of India’s educational policies, the Governor elaborated on the transformative impact of the 1968, 1986, and 2020 National Education Policies (NEP). He lauded NEP 2020 for its focus on multidisciplinary education, curriculum flexibility, and integration of technology, noting its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education.
“NEP 2020 represents a progressive vision for quality education and enhancing skill while mantling balance with traditional values and modern approach for making India a Vishawa Guru” added Kataria.
Sh. Kataria applauded Punjab’s historical contributions, particularly its leadership during the Green Revolution, and expressed confidence in the state’s potential to spearhead educational reforms to lead India in implementing NEP-2020.
Concluding his address, Sh. Kataria stressed the importance of value-based education and institutional responsibility. “NAAC is not merely an evaluation tool; it is a process of continuous improvement that elevates institutions to global standards. Education must be seen as a mission, not a business, to empower our youth to meet global challenges head-on,” he affirmed.
Education Minister Punjab, Sh. Harjot Bains, emphasized the transformative power of education and its critical role in shaping the future. He highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing Punjab’s education system to eliminate the need for students to study abroad, aiming instead to establish the state as a global education hub.
Sh. Bains praised the seminar as a platform for fostering innovation and inclusivity and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making Punjab a leader in higher education, contributing significantly to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Dr. K. Rama, Advisor NAAC, offered a comprehensive overview of NAAC’s mission and future trajectory. She emphasized that NAAC is not just about grading but a tool for continuous improvement in higher education.
Reflecting on NAAC’s 25-year journey, She announced plans to transition from the current grading system to a binary accreditation model and maturity-based accreditation system. “This approach will connect every university to a structured system, fostering clarity and inclusivity,” she stated.
Dr. K. Rama also introduced the concept of maturity-based grading, which will operate on five progressive levels. The first four levels will assess institutions based on local and national benchmarks, while the fifth level will align with international standards, ensuring global competitiveness for Indian universities.
DGP Chandigarh, Sh. Surendra Yadav, addressed during the seminar on the critical issue of drug abuse among youth. He emphasized the need for educational institutions to actively participate in awareness campaigns and provide holistic guidance to students, ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
Prof. Manpreet Singh Manna, Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Sh. R.S. Bawa, an eminent educationist, also shared their perspectives, how to engage with NAAC and present their achievements in a better way before the NAAC.
The conference was attended by senior officials, including ACS to Governor K. Siva Prasad, and Sh. K.K. Yadav, Education Secretary, Punjab, Sh. Lalit Jain Coordinator of the Seminar, Vice Chancellors, Registrars and Principals from various Higher Educational Institutes of Punjab.
