Governor-Chancellor RN Ravi Emphasizes Timely Convocations to Elevate Higher Education in Tamil Nadu

Governor-Chancellor RN Ravi of Tamil Nadu urges timely convocations to enhance higher education quality. Convocations for 18 out of 20 state universities completed, with pending universities set for October 2024. Efforts include boosting patents, research incentives, improving NIRF rankings, and promoting teaching careers.

The Governor-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, emphasized on Thursday the importance of holding convocations on time to improve the quality and standards of higher education. Between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024, 18 out of 20 state universities have conducted convocations. In cases where the Vice-Chancellor position is vacant, the convenor of the Vice-Chancellor Convenor Committee has been formally advised to initiate the convocation process, according to a Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan press release.

Within the next two months, by October 31, 2024, convocations for ten universities are proposed, ensuring that students receive their degree certificates promptly. The Governor-Chancellor has directed Vice-Chancellors to mentor and motivate research scholars and postgraduate students pursuing NET/JRF fellowships.

This initiative aims to elevate research quality, support scholars through enhanced stipends, and provide career opportunities in teaching at reputed institutions. The Vice-Chancellors have been instructed to aid researchers in patent applications, particularly in STEM fields, and collaborate with central and private universities.

As a result, state university patents increased from 206 in 2021-22 to 386 in 2023-24, said the release. Governor-Chancellor Ravi has also facilitated collaboration among top-ranked institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in Tamil Nadu, offering a platform to share successful strategies and insights with all state universities.

The notable increase in awarded patents, NET/JRF fellowships, and improved NIRF rankings for several state universities underscore the significant impact of these efforts, reflecting a commitment to enhanced research and academic excellence. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)