Punjab Governor Champions NEP 2020 for Educational Excellence

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated the Vice Chancellors conference on NEP 2020, emphasizing a balanced education that honors cultural heritage and modern skills. Key discussions included talent recognition, language inclusivity, and rigorous teacher selection to nurture individual strengths and support Punjab's leadership in educational transformation.

Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, inaugurated a pivotal two-day Vice Chancellors conference focused on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the Raj Bhavan today. In his comprehensive inaugural address, Kataria underscored the pressing need for a balanced educational model that harmonizes India's extensive cultural heritage with contemporary skill sets.

Kataria stated, 'Education must create harmony between our time-honored traditions and today's technological advancements,' highlighting the necessity of fostering well-rounded individuals who embody both cultural values and modern competencies. The Governor commended Punjab's education system for its high standards and progress, especially when compared to certain other states.

He elaborated on NEP 2020's role in enhancing educational outcomes, urging institutions to focus on talent recognition, language inclusivity, and rigorous teacher selection processes. 'Punjab must continue its educational leadership by supporting a system that celebrates individual talents and bridges language gaps,' he affirmed.

A significant focus was on NEP's talent-based learning paradigm, which supports each student's unique strengths. The Governor encouraged educational institutions to design personalized learning pathways and emphasized the inclusion of regional languages in curricula to smooth transitions for students from regional-language schools to higher education.

Addressing educational quality assurance, Kataria advocated for a stringent teacher selection process in alignment with UGC guidelines and urged the implementation of robust anti-paper leakage measures. He also encouraged increased investment in environmental and sports initiatives to cultivate healthy future generations.

Punjab's Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, highlighted the state's educational reforms, noting significant infrastructure enhancements, teacher training improvements, and rising student achievements. Bains stressed the alignment of these developments with NEP objectives, aiming for 100 percent placement targets centered around research and employment-focused education.

Notable sessions at the conference included Prof Ved Prakash's insights on global partnerships in higher education and Prof Ganesan Kannabiran's address on advancements in NAAC accreditation, calling for transparency and digital innovation. The event fostered collaboration towards positioning Punjab as a leader in India's educational transformation, with Kataria optimistic about the state's future benchmarks in educational excellence and inclusivity.

(With inputs from agencies.)