GUWAHATI, Nov 21: “The essence of the new National Education Policy (NEP) is to groom students as global citizens by providing choice-based education with focus on skill development and value-based learning in a holistic way. Here in the Northeast, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) can act as a catalyst to transform the education scenario.”
This was stated by Prof D.P Singh, chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), as he delivered a talk on the “National Education Policy-2020 and its implementation”, at USTM on Sunday.
Prof Singh also unveiled a statue of A.P.J Abdul Kalam apart from inaugurating the new Block-I at the university.
The UGC chairman congratulated the USTM family for the recent accreditation of ‘A’ grade by NAAC and said, “USTM’s commitment for tribal development, promotion of girl child education, rural students, its pay back policy, free education for the meritorious poor students, scholarships etc. represent the vision of higher education in Northeast India.”
“The university is expanding its wings of higher education globally through various MoUs with great institutions in the country and abroad,” he said.
The programme was organised by USTM and also participated by Prof D P Agrawal, former chairman of UPSC.
“NEP emphasises that all education policies in future will be outcome based. Choice-based curriculum will be beneficial for bringing out the quality of the students and inculcate in them a sense of belongingness and create wealth for the country,” Prof. Agrawal said.
He also appreciated that the chairman of NAAC peer team has announced that USTM has the potential to be awarded A++ in the next cycle of NAAC inspection in 2026.
Prof. Agrawal also interacted with the students of USTM who are preparing for the UPSC exam.
Earlier, welcoming the delegates and participants, USTM chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque said visits of the UGC chairman are remarkable and extraordinary for any higher educational institution.
“We appeal to all the stakeholders to join us in our endeavour to transform the university into a world-class institution and participate in the nation-building process. I am happy for the recent award of Grade-A by NAAC to USTM and extend my gratitude to the Meghalaya government for supporting us in the creation of USTM. We will further develop the university to make it a centre of excellence”, he said.