In a stern message to the officials of the State Higher Education Department, the Minister in-charge, Surjit Singh Rakhra, on Tuesday asked them to either perform or “face music”.
Higher Education Minister’s warning came in connection with releasing grants under the pro-student welfare schemes well on time.He also directed “immediate release of grant in aid to private aided colleges”.
Rakhra, chairing a high level meeting of higher education, directed all institution heads to ensure submission of monthly status report of all projects to him and no laxity or delay in this regard would be tolerated.
“It is time to perform besides improving functioning and speedy execution of ongoing projects to uplift the standards of higher education in the state otherwise non-performers will have to face the music,” he said.
Taking serious note of lax approach of some colleges towards UGC-offered schemes and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Rakhra made it clear that such attitude was not acceptable.
“Officers of the DPI Office will look into such cases by directly intervening into these issues to maintain flawless execution of UGC sponsored schemes. Headquarter will individually have a close tab in such cases,” he said, stressing that to uplift standard of education in colleges grading of colleges should also be made by NAAC.
Principal Secretary Higher Education Roshan Sankaria apprised the Minister that department has taken several infrastructure reforms, which were in full swung.
On the issue of 95 per cent deficit grant to Private Aided Colleges of state, Rakhra directed Principal Secretary Higher Education to expedite the process and fulfill all required conditions.
“For 2014-15 session, grants should be released immediately without any delay,” he said while giving nod for setting up of 13 Finishing Schools in Government Colleges.
Issuing strict directions to implement Scholarship program for SC/BC and needy students, Rakhra asked the officers to immediate release scholarship amounts in coordination with all concerned authorities.