At a workshop on Wednesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the transformative potential of India's higher education institutions. The event centered around the launch of the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutes, aiming to create a forward-thinking framework that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Pradhan emphasized that these institutions are key to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by embracing the principles of NEP 2020. He discussed the critical role of higher education in shaping the future of India's youth, focusing on making them future-ready through holistic and inclusive approaches. Pradhan outlined his vision for turning 5,000 institutions into centers of excellence by fostering research and innovation.
The minister also spoke about education's role in transforming India from a consumption-based economy to a production-oriented one. He stressed that institutional development plans should focus on enhancing the skills of India’s vast population, promoting multidisciplinary education, integrating Indian languages into higher learning, and prioritizing innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, echoed Pradhan’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of these plans in preparing institutions to meet future demands. He emphasised that the IDP would help Indian institutions compete globally by improving their quality and adaptability.
The workshop brought together over 170 representatives from higher education institutions across India. It featured thematic sessions on various aspects of institutional growth, including governance, financial planning, human resources and digital innovation. Experts from academia, industry and government shared insights, and participants had the opportunity to discuss best practices and strategies for developing their IDPs.
In addition to the workshop, Pradhan also released a comprehensive compendium of UGC regulations spanning from 1957 to 2023. This resource compiles all UGC rules, regulations, and notifications into a single, accessible document, streamlining compliance and decision-making for educational institutions.
The Institutional Development Plan Guidelines, launched by UGC earlier this year, provide a strategic framework for institutions to set goals, track progress, and implement initiatives with input from various stakeholders. These guidelines are designed to help institutions align with national priorities and enhance their overall effectiveness.