Panjab University Vice Chancellor unveils plan to transform state public universities

A two-day National Workshop on Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERU) concluded today with Prof Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University. proposing major changes for improving the quality of education imparted by state public universities (SPUs).

Speaking during the concluding session on ‘Providing Quality Education: Accreditation and Ranking’, Professor Vig emphasised that the current accreditation and ranking mechanisms must shift from a compliance-oriented approach to one rooted in quality, innovation and measurable outcomes. She called for making accreditation mandatory for all higher educational institutions by 2030 and urged greater alignment with national priorities under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as well as global benchmarks.

While referring to various challenges faced by SPUs, she outlined a 10-dimensional framework for quality enhancement. While appreciating that the policy reforms like the NEP 2020 have introduced transformative changes, she noted that the implementation varies across various states and institutions. She stressed for the importance of curriculum reforms in the universities that is responsive to national needs and global trends, with an emphasis on academic flexibility, inter-disciplinary and career-oriented learning. She also encouraged universities to actively pursue international accreditation, global collaborations and dual-degree programmes to elevate their presence and prestige in the international academic ecosystem.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) had tasked Vice-Chancellors from 64 state universities and State Project Directors of RUSA 2.0 across all states with the collaborative development of draft papers addressing 12 distinct thematic areas. Panjab University served as the coordinating institution for a consortium that included Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla, Department of Computer Science and Engg of Hisar, Gondwana University of Gadchiroli and Kannur University under the coordination of State Project Director Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director, Higher Education.

Held under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), the workshop was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.