The chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, stated that vacancies in teaching positions at state universities are a significant obstacle to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He made these remarks while attending a day-long conference for vice-chancellors of Northeastern and Eastern regions on the implementation of NEP 2020, hosted by Pragjyotishpur University in Guwahati.
50 to 80 per cent of teaching positions are unfilled
During a press conference, Kumar highlighted a major issue in state universities - the high number of vacant teaching positions. He stated that in some state universities, 50 to 80 per cent of teaching positions remain unfilled. Kumar urged universities to promptly fill these vacancies. He also emphasized that the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) is a gradual process that cannot be achieved overnight. He mentioned that state governments have shown great enthusiasm in participating in the implementation of the NEP.
Kumar advises universities to create a roadmap
Kumar emphasized the importance for universities to create an institutional development plan and a roadmap for the future. Approximately 130 vice-chancellors and other academics participated in the conference, with discussions focusing on transforming higher education institutions to empower students to contribute to national development. Key topics included providing holistic education, integrating skill development with degree programs, and using digital technology to reach students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
''We will be discussing how the NEP is being implemented and challenges colleges and universities are facing so that we can collectively find solutions,'' he said.
Need to open more off-campus centres
He requested the universities to open more off-campus centres to make education accessible and equitable while stating that UGC was also laying thrust on training teachers in the higher education sector. He also stated that universities need to expose students to different parts of the country. Additionally, the UGC is working on promoting education in regional languages. On implementation of NEP 2024, he stated that the UGC is in regular touch with the state higher education councils and vice-chancellors.
