Haryana CM Nayab Saini urges VCs to focus on research, address social issues

Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Monday urged the newly appointed Vice Chancellors of universities across the state to make optimal use of the Haryana State Research Fund, focusing on research that addresses pressing social issues and challenges faced by rural communities.

He said the Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF) of Rs 20 crore is dedicated to encouraging innovative research efforts. He emphasised that the fund should be strategically utilised to foster impactful studies that contribute to the development and welfare of rural communities.

The CM highlighted the need for universities to collaborate closely with industries to bridge the gap between education and employment. He proposed that each university should run at least 10% of its programmes in partnership with industrial partners. The initiative aims to create employment opportunities for the state's youth while addressing the evolving needs of various industries.

Saini stated that Haryana must transform into a state that not only awards degrees but also provides its youth with meaningful direction and purpose. He outlined the State Government’s vision to establish a Model Skill College and a Model Skill School in every district of Haryana. These institutions will focus on providing specialised skill education to students, equipping them with practical expertise to thrive in the competitive job market.He urged the Vice Chancellors to intensify efforts to improve research output, employment opportunities, institutional rankings, and the overall quality of education. Saini emphasised the importance of working with integrity and adopting a fair, non-discriminatory approach to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

Present at the meeting were Dr Raj Nehru, OSD to the Chief Minister; Prof Devinder Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dr BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat; Prof Vijay Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa; Prof Aseem Miglani, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi University, Meerpur, Rewari, and Prof Sanjay Kaushik, Vice Chancellor of Gurugram University.

Also in attendance were Prof Rampal Saini, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind; Prof Amit Arya, Vice Chancellor of Dada Laxmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak, and Prof Dinesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Vishwakarma Skill University, Dudhola, Palwal.