Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Renu Vig said that emphasis has been laid at the University to create a rich environment for aspiring entrepreneurs with a wide array of entrepreneurship courses, strong support systems, advanced technologies, and extensive resources. More than 100 start-ups have come up and students are working on different innovation ideas and efforts are on to commercialize their technologies.
She says that the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has bestowed upon the University the coveted A++ grade with an impressive score of 3.68. Under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), funds received for the upgradation of the infrastructure. University received a grant for setting up Northern Region Science & Technology Cluster in collaboration with the IIT Ropar at Sector 25, Chandigarh, she adds.
Vig further said that the University has involved Industry in the innovation journey from the inception of projects. The University is organizing a conference titled “Industry Focused Research” jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Punjab State Council of Science & Technology (PSCST) on October 12 and students will present their technologies in order to transfer them for commercialization to Industry. Moreover, the efforts are on to promote the culture of filing patents that is being strengthened. Faculties are encouraged to file more patents and also publish papers in quality journals with a highly impact factor, she adds.
Vig, who is the first woman to hold charge as varsity’s VC, says that more than 100 new courses including value added cases, skill enhancement courses, integrated programmes and other discipline courses are being offered to the students under New Education Policy in the University. Process is on to appoint about 50 new staff members in the university.
In an exclusive interview with ‘The Pioneer’, the Vice Chancellor talks about University’s achievements, current status on the execution of startup programme and New Education Policy; steps taken to fill up vacant posts, teachers’ demands among others. Excerpts:
NAAC recently awarded PU with A++ grade. How do you see this achievement?
NAAC has bestowed upon the University the coveted A++ grade with an impressive score of 3.68. This marks the university’s first-ever attainment of the highest grade, with a cumulative score of 3.68 out of 4. For this, I express my gratitude towards the NAAC Peer Team for their diligent review of data and valuable suggestions. I also extend my appreciation to the university’s faculty, staff, and other stakeholders for their significant contributions to this noteworthy accomplishment. After the NAAC A++ grade, we can introduce some more new courses for opening learning students. We can also enroll upto 20 per cent international students of the total strength in the University.
What is the current status on the execution of New Education Policy in University?
Within Panjab University, we have already implemented New Education Policy (NEP) in all our departments, although the UGC has given us a four-year timeframe for full implementation. Schemes and syllabus are being revised for the second year students also and the framework is ready for all the four yours. From the next session, we are going to implement NEP in colleges also. Students now have much more course choices than earlier. Regarding our affiliated colleges, we are conducting special programmes for faculty members to align them with NEP guidelines. Colleges have been asked to appoint nodal officers for the implementation of the NEP.
Are there any new courses planned that differ from traditional education?
NEP-2023 encourages courses that equip students to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. We have developed a portfolio of around 100 short-term courses that will be introduced within a year. These courses include MSc in data science, specific courses in mechanical engineering like robotics, 3D printing, and manufacturing. We will also offer minor degrees in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, machine learning, and renewable energy. Our aim is to enhance admissions and students’ rankings through these courses, offering both theoretical and practical components.
Startups face significant challenges as a result of regulatory ambiguity, inadequate infrastructure, and difficulties scaling up operations. What is its execution status at PU?
We are strengthening the startup and entrepreneur system which is already in the campus and now we are taking it upto the next level. More than 100 startups have come up in the University and students are working on different innovative ideas and they have been making efforts to commercialize their technologies which have been developed. There are some success stories also. Moreover, as part of its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, we have launched the “Project Incubators Funding Scheme” under the National Mission for Higher Education, RUSA, for bonafide students of the University. This initiative seeks to support and nurture innovative projects and startups by providing them with the necessary financial backing, mentorship, and infrastructure. With a view of bridging the gap between theory and practice, and to sensitize University towards the needs of the industry, Centre for Industry Institute Partnership Programme (CIIPP) was set up in the University. The main objectives of CIIPP are to bring industry closer to the academia and vice-versa, to make strategies for the promotion of synergistic interface with industry, to organize industry interactions, to identify the specific areas of mutual interest, to develop methodologies and guidelines for encouraging consultancy and technology transfer, to encourage R&D programmes for meeting industrial need(s) and to generate resources in the form of industry supported projects and consultancy programmes.
PU is facing a staff shortage problem. PU teachers are still waiting for arrears. How will you address these issues?
Indeed, Panjab University is grappling with a substantial faculty shortage. We are managing these departments by hiring temporary faculty. We have already advertised about 50 posts in January, this year. Screening has been done by the departments concerned. Final interview will soon start. Few more posts will be advertised as approval has been given. Regarding teachers’ arrears, we are in touch with the Ministry of Education and the Punjab government. Arrears can be paid after receiving a green signal from the Ministry.
You have come a long way from starting as a teaching assistant at PEC to officiating as PU VC. What kept you going? What was your prime source of inspiration?
My mother was a government school teacher in Punjab. Sometimes I used to go with her to her school. I grew up in that environment. When I was a kid, my family used to tell me I would gather rice grains on the floor and teach them (playfully). So maybe it all started there. Then when I married, everyone in my marital family was into academics so I joined the teaching profession. Now, with the grace of God I am here, and I feel that it is a great responsibility.
As the first woman to hold this charge, what are your plans for women in education, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math?
I think the scenario has already changed. Back when I was in college, there were only 20-25 girls as against around 1,200 boys. When I went to take admission in Punjab Engineering College (PEC), my father asked me whether he should pay the Rs 500 fee for my admission as there were no girls at PEC. My father wanted me to be a doctor. He was worried I might spoil my career by opting for engineering. As for PU, there are already more girls than boys in all our courses combined, and I think there are 30% girls in STEM fields. Things will further change. When people start seeing more women in leadership roles, they'll be encouraged to send their daughters for higher studies. In every course, we have reserved seats for single girl children. At present, in the campus, the number of girl students is actually more than the number of boys. The number of girls’ hostels is more than boys’ hostels. As far as faculty is concerned, the number of female faculties is also more than male faculties.
How are you engaging students and teachers bodies for the redressal of their concerns?
I have been a director for 28 years and the students already know I am accessible to them. I have that kind of a relationship with them that they would call me on the phone to discuss their issues. They already know I am there for them. We have a democratic system where different council members are elected, and various political parties have their student wings, which take part in the elections so in order to win votes, they have to protest and show results. Those things (protests) will continue. It's a democratic process.
