Accreditation for correspondence courses soon

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 26. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is planning to introduce accreditation for university departments and correspondence courses in a bid to help them achieve international certification standards and enhance performance. This was disclosed by the NAAC director, Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, here today.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Pillai said the NAAC was working on a project to develop a quality sustenance mechanism for accredited universities and affiliated colleges across the country. He said the Government of India would enter into bilateral agreements with accreditation agencies of various countries.

``The University Grants Commission has made it mandatory for all colleges to undergo the accreditation process by NAAC after assessment of various parameters, including curricular aspects, research, infrastructure, learning resources, student support and progression, organisation and management. Apart from the students, faculty and the management, the exercise also involves alumni and educationists besides other sections of society,'' he said.

Mr. Pillai said the academic atmosphere prevailing in the colleges and universities in Kerala was not conducive to further development and attainment of quality standards. He said the NAAC accreditation process would provide an impetus to the institutions to enhance academic standards to international levels.

The NAAC is organising a two-day seminar-cum-workshop on assessment and accreditation of colleges, in Thiruvananthapuram on July 27 and 28. About 200 principals from affiliated colleges, officials from the Department of Collegiate Education and Higher Education, directors of college development councils and university Vice-Chancellors will participate in the seminar.

Speakers and resource persons for the seminar include UGC members, eminent educationists and academics from all over the country.

The Governor, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kang, will inaugurate the seminar on July 27. The Chief Minister, Mr. A.K. Antony, will deliver the valedictory address. The Education Minister, Mr. Nalakath Soopy, will also address the seminar.

Mr. Pillai said the seminar was aimed at finalising an action plan for assessment and accreditation of affiliated colleges in Kerala within the next two years. There will also be sessions in quality sustenance for the 38 colleges in the State which have been already accredited.

Mr. Pillai announced that a State-level coordination committee would be constituted for implementation of the action plan for accreditation. The committee will comprise university Vice- Chancellors, officials from the Collegiate Education Department, college principals and NAAC representatives. Mr. Pillai said NAAC would provide the institutions with expertise and financial incentives.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Nod for dollar trading in pepper exchange
Next     : Kargil Vijay Diwas observed