Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced an ambitious plan to transform 5,000 higher education institutions into Centers of Excellence, aimed at boosting India’s global competitiveness and transitioning the country from a consumption-based economy to a production-oriented one. Speaking at a workshop, the minister emphasized the critical role of higher education in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
The event also marked the launch of the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) for Higher Education Institutes, a strategic initiative aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Pradhan stressed that research, innovation, and multidisciplinary learning within these institutions will be key to equipping India’s youth with the skills needed for future challenges.
“These Centers of Excellence are crucial to making our young population future-ready through holistic education, fostering innovation, and strengthening India’s global standing,” said Pradhan. He added that the IDP would serve as a strategic framework to help institutions set long-term goals, measure progress, and implement initiatives aligned with national priorities.
Key components of the IDP include the integration of Indian languages, promotion of entrepreneurship, and a focus on digital and financial literacy. The plan also emphasizes governance improvements and resource management to enhance institutional effectiveness.
Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, reinforced the importance of the IDP, noting that it will enable Indian institutions to compete on the global stage by improving quality and adaptability. More than 170 representatives from higher education institutions across India participated in the workshop, engaging in discussions on governance, digital innovation, and human resource development.
During the event, Pradhan also unveiled a comprehensive compendium of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, covering the period from 1957 to 2023. This compendium aims to streamline decision-making and regulatory compliance for educational institutions, facilitating more efficient governance.
The Institutional Development Plan Guidelines, released earlier this year, provide a roadmap for educational institutions to align their efforts with India’s national priorities, fostering growth and excellence in higher education. This initiative is seen as a critical step in strengthening the country’s knowledge economy.
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