The syllabus of the universities should be changed in accordance of the changing global environment and level of academics and research should be improved, said the Governor of Uttarakhand KK Paul while addressing a meeting of Vice Chancellors (VC) of the universities of state at Raj Bhawan on Friday. He said that universities are the highest academic institutions and should always take care that the feeling of respect for them among students and other citizens remained intact.
In the meeting, the governor exhorted the VCs to improve the academic standards of their institutions and create such an atmosphere which would help students to not only gather knowledge and information but also become good human beings and responsible citizens who are equipped to play their role in society and nation building. He said that it is the responsibility of each VC to ensure that the youth is turned towards positive mindset and creativity.
Dr Paul stressed on establishing linkages between academic institutions and industries and added that VCs should make efforts to start new courses which would enable the students to acquire skills that will find them employment or motivate them for self employment without having to go away from the State.
In the meeting a review and assessment of the Universities was done on parameters like developing libraries, improving research, publication of research papers , having well-equipped labs for science and technical courses and creating an environment conducive for creativity.
The Governor also directed that each university should adopt at least five villages with a view to implementing the Swachh Bharat Misson and Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana and improving the quality of life there. He asked the VCs of GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and the Horticulture and Forestry University to focus on the development of agriculture and horticulture in the hill areas. The VCs made a presentation on progress and problems faced by them on the occasion.
The Chief Secretary S Ramaswami, secretary to the governor Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh and senior officers concerned with higher education were also present in the meeting.