IDP should focus on facilitating learner-centric and multidisciplinary education- Pradhan

In his address, Shri Pradhan emphasized the pivotal role that HEIs will play in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated a one-day workshop focused on the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). During the event, he also released the UGC Compendium of Regulations (1957-2023), a comprehensive and accessible source compiling all University Grants Commission (UGC) rules. The workshop was attended by Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education; Dr. N.S. Kalsi, Former Chairman of NCVET and Chairman of the Committee working on formulating the IDP Guidelines; Shri M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC; as well as Vice-Chancellors, Nodal Officers, and other distinguished dignitaries.

In his address, Shri Pradhan emphasized the pivotal role that HEIs will play in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). He highlighted the need for these institutions to embrace the core values and spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and to redefine the purpose and structure of education. Shri Pradhan outlined several key objectives, including doubling the gross enrolment ratio, broadening access to higher education, and leveraging India’s demographic advantage to achieve academic, research, and innovation excellence. He also discussed the transformation of 5,000 HEIs into centers of excellence through holistic and inclusive approaches.

Shri Pradhan noted that education would be the driving force behind India’s transition from a consuming economy to a producing one. He stressed that the IDP should enhance the competencies of India's vast population, promote learner-centric and multidisciplinary education, integrate Indian languages in higher learning, and prioritize innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation as essential outcomes. Capacity building of teachers and achieving global standards in research and development were also highlighted as critical goals.

He further stated that education must address the aspirations of the 21st century and provide solutions for both local and global challenges. The global community looks to India's talent pool for new models and solutions to the challenges of our time, he noted, urging the academic community to work diligently and in a time-bound manner to transform their institutions and achieve national priorities.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, speaking on the significance of the workshop, elaborated on the ambitious plans presented by the Ministry of Education to the Prime Minister as part of a long-term vision for the next twenty-five years. He emphasized the importance of talent and competency in supporting the immense work ahead and urged institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. He also highlighted the relevance of the Future of Work and stressed that the IDP must focus on enhancing the quality of educational institutions to bring them on par with leading universities worldwide.