Governor P. Sathasivam has announced the setting up of a first of its kind Chancellor’s Council in the State to discuss issues in higher education and problems common to universities.
The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of universities, made the announcement at an interaction with the vice chancellors of varsities at the Cochin University of Science and Technology here on Monday.
The council will comprise the Minister of Education; Vice Chairman, Higher Education Council; all vice chancellors; Higher Education Secretary; and Secretary to the governor as its convener.
Giving a clear signal that he was looking forward to creative involvement and effective leadership in improving the standards of higher education, Mr. Sathasivam said the council would serve as an effective forum for exchange of ideas and provide a coordination mechanism for resolution of issues.
Chancellor’s awardThe Governor directed the vice chancellors to submit a quarterly report on infrastructure development, facilities, exams, results, and other issues. A Chancellor’s award would be instituted in consultation with the State government to nurture healthy competition among the universities. The percentage of growth in tapping funds from the University Grants Commission and other sources would be a major parameter in assessing performance.
Stating that vice chancellors would be answerable to him for any delay in the conduct of exams and publication of results, Mr. Sathasivam asked all heads of varsities to publish the academic timetable with a definite schedule for admission, examination, and release of results from the academic year 2015-16.
This should be strictly adhered to. Any deviation or departure from the published timeframe would be closely monitored and necessary interventions made, he said.
Open coursesThe Chancellor told the vice chancellors to set a target for introducing massive online open courses to make available the best educational content in the world to the students.
Mr. Sathasivam asked them to make proper regulatory interventions to ensure quality education in self-financing institutions under the varsities. This could be in terms of stricter evaluation of the conduct of examinations and valuation and installing closed-circuit television cameras in examination centres.
Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb; K.M. Abraham, Additional Chief Secretary (Higher Education); A. Ajit Kumar, Secretary to the Governor; and vice chancellors of 12 universities attended the meet.
