To build competencies among faculty and research scholars to enhance teaching, learning and research of higher educational institutions (HEIs) aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, the UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Kashmir (KU), Monday organised a daylong orientation and sensitisation programme for college principals of Kashmir Division here.

On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, underlined the varsity’s efforts in ensuring the timely implementation of NEP-2020.

She said that KU adopted the template keeping in view its needs and infrastructure and that the varsity would review its progress regularly.

“The colleges are our backbone and KU is making efforts to address the challenges at hand while at the same time ensuring required facilities, human resource (HR) and infrastructure,” she asserted, adding the varsity has taken the first step and “as we move forward, we’re simultaneously addressing the challenges being faced in the pursuit of academic excellence”.

In his keynote, Vice Chancellor, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Dr Kuldeep Kumar Raina, said that NEP 2020 is a landmark reform in the education sector and through orientation and sensitisation programmes, “we aim to empower our faculty and research scholars to align with its visionary goals”.

“Continuous professional development is crucial for educators to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education,” he added.

Director, Colleges, Higher Education, J&K Govt, Prof Yasmeen Ashai, said that since the NEP implementation in J&K, there have been many transformative changes in the curriculum.

“One of the challenges is to monitor and evaluate its implementation and see whether we are going the right direction,” she said, asking if we were flexible and making our students employable.

Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, underscored the role KU can play in the successful implementation of the NEP-2020 in all the colleges of J&K.

“Being a premier university, KU has a pivotal role in ensuring the implementation of NEP in all educational institutions,” he said, adding that the policy is not concerned about higher education only but lays emphasis on eliminatory education as well.

Outlining the essence of the recently introduced ‘Four-Year Design Your Degree (FYDYD) Programme’, he said that the varsity is focussing more on innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development to enhance youths’ employability.

Director, MMTTC, KU, Prof Fayaz Ahmad, said that MMTTC’s are trying to reach out to the relevant stakeholders including colleges and HEIs to address issues pertaining to NEP implementation.

“The aim is to engage more teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern education,” he said, adding that UGC is encouraging such programmes and contemplating to train 15 lakh teachers.

Coordinator, UGC-MMTTC, Dr Faheem Syeed Masoodi conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while, Coordinator, UGC-MMTTC, Dr Kartar Chand Sharma, proposed the formal vote of thanks.