HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Feb 21: “The proliferation of higher education in our country is a sheer indicator of progress and development. Quality higher education, apart from other gains, may yield economic gains,” Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, vice chancellor of Tezpur University, stated while inaugurating the day-long national workshop on ‘Leadership Development for Deans of Faculty and Heads of Departments of Universities in North-East India’ on Wednesday. The workshop was organised by Tezpur University in collaboration with the Department of Higher and Professional Education, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi.
The workshop, the first of its kind in North East India, was organised by the department of Education at the Conference Hall, department of Education. Prof Sudhanshu Bhushan, programme director and head of the department of Higher and Professional Education, NIEPA, New Delhi, and Prof Debabrata Das, vice-chancellor of Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management, were present on the occasion as resource persons.
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In his inaugural speech, Prof Singh emphasised that the importance of higher education has been globally acknowledged, and higher educational institutions must offer education through principles of access, equity, and quality.
Applauding the initiative of Tezpur University, Prof Sudhanshu Bhushan said that the workshop has brought together distinguished domain experts and academicians to share insights, experiences, and best practices in academic leadership. He remarked, “The objective of the workshop is to empower the academic leadership of North-Eastern universities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the dynamic landscape of higher education.” He further emphasised that with the arrival of NEP, the role of deans and heads of educational institutions in implementing the policy will be crucial.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Debabrata Das pointed out that the number of universities and colleges is increasing in India. However, the proliferation is done with certain goals and transformation. He cautioned that without quality, educational institutions will only produce mediocrity. Prof Das further added that the structure of higher education will go through changes in the near future. Around 35 academic leaders from different states of the north-east, such as Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, and Manipur, are participating in this workshop, reflecting true representation.
