Prakash Javadekar holds review meeting with VCs of Central Universities at BHU

VARANASI: Union human resource development minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said that the aim of education is not merely inoculation of information but also building of character and instillation of values.
“Education should be seen as a medium for character building and not just limited to subject-based knowledge. Our country has been a great power in the past and that is because we had Nalanda, Takshila and Vikramshila like universities at that time like.A country can only be prosperous if it has great universities,” said Javadekar while chairing the review meeting of vice-chancellors of central universities at Central Office in Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
HRD minister also appreciated BHU founder Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya's vision for establishing the varsity and highlighted the role of freedom fighters who started educational institutions as tools for movement and renaissance. “The ministry is also trying to improve the quality of higher education which is one of the major challenges,” he said.
A total of 41 vice-chancellors of central universities from across the country participated in the review meeting held in presence minister of state for HRD, Mahendra Nath Pandey and other dignitaries and higher officials.
MoS HRD emphasized the need for developing modern as well old education system simultaneously in the universities' system and highlighted significance of skill development programmes for students citing examples of BRICS countries where emphasis is given on skill development through vocational training programmes. “Student centric initiatives should also be launched keeping in mind the problems faced by them including scholarship, hostels and admissions issues that should be dealt with sensitivity,” added Pandey.
Secretary of department of education, MHRD, Vinaya Sheel Oberoi highlighted the quality of improvement in higher education. He said that capacity expansion of students is needed as a slow growth in number of students in central universities is being witnessed. “There is need for filling regular teaching positions in universities and focus on research and innovation should also be laid,” added Oberoi.
BHU vice-chancellor Prof. GC Tripathi shared the achievements of the varsity in its centenary year and said that its founder Mahamana, who was a great visionary and educationist, used education as a tool for social empowerment rooted in Indian values and culture. “Mahamana also wanted to develop BHU as a centre of holistic education and it is our privilege that the varsity is hosting review meeting in its centenary year,” he said.
The highlights of the review meeting was presented by chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), Prof. Ved Prakash, who shared the status of Central Universities accreditation, students enrollment, choice based credit system, universities with potential for excellence and special assistance programme started by UGC to improve quality, research and innovation in institutes of higher education across the country.
The Vice Chancellors of central universities presented the status of accreditation, choice based credit system, curriculum development, new innovative programmes, research improvement programme and infrastructure development in review meeting. They also gave presentation of agenda items, best practices and success stories of their universities.
BHU registrar KP Upadhyay, finance officer MR Pathak, chief proctor Satyendra Singh and other senior officials of BHU were also present on the occasion.