Department of Higher Education Hosts National Workshop for States and UTs

In preparation for the upcoming 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, the Department of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), hosted a national workshop focused on “Higher Education: Knowledge Economy.” The event took place at the Pragyan Auditorium in New Delhi and aimed to engage States and Union Territories in discussions about enhancing educational policies and practices. Key officials emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in education to support India’s development goals.
Workshop Highlights and Objectives
The workshop served as a platform for States and Union Territories to discuss the critical role of higher education in fostering a knowledge-based economy. The Department of Higher Education, acting as the nodal department alongside DARE, had previously circulated a Concept Note outlining the workshop’s sub-theme. This initiative aims to encourage States to leverage existing educational schemes and adapt policies to meet local needs. Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, urged participants to broaden their consultations beyond state capitals and utilize the Concept Note as a guide for transformative policy actions. He emphasized that improvements at the state level directly contribute to the overall progress of the nation.
Emphasizing Agricultural Education
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of DARE, highlighted the urgent need to innovate agricultural education. He called for the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into educational curricula. Dr. Jat stressed the importance of collaboration between Agricultural Universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and other higher education institutions to equip students with the skills necessary to tackle challenges in the agricultural sector. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of the agricultural value chain and prepare the youth for future challenges.
Reforming Higher Education for a Global Standard
Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), discussed the reforms introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He emphasized the need to break down academic silos and promote interdisciplinary learning. Prof. Kumar pointed out that curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for students in today’s rapidly changing world. He also highlighted the significance of frameworks like the National Curriculum Framework (NCrF) and the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) in fostering innovation and improving educational outcomes.
Future Steps and Feedback Mechanism
The workshop concluded with a call for States and Union Territories to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including grassroots officers. They are required to compile this feedback and submit it on a designated portal by August 20, 2025. Additionally, state-specific notes must be uploaded by August 31, 2025. This feedback will contribute to the preparation of a Background Note on the sub-theme “Higher Education: Knowledge Economy,” which will inform discussions at the 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference and guide future educational policies and initiatives.
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