The Central government should upgrade centrally-sponsored deemed universities into Central universities. Out reach activities of rural institutes like GRI should be included in accreditation process by the NAAC.
These recommendations were made at the Round Table conference of institutions of higher education on Gandhian ideals held at Gandhigram Rural Institute near here on Friday.
The conference also recommended networking of higher educational institutions to promote value-based education. The Ministry of Human Resource Development should upgrade centrally-sponsored deemed universities into central universities.
The main objective of the round table was to work together and strengthen Gandhian experiments and principles and to evolve national-level programme in this connection.
With a sharp shift in UGC policies, the subject of Gandhian Studies, which was originally clubbed with peace studies, was now seen as a sub-field of philosophy.
“Such measures will not help in taking the subject forward. Gandhian Studies should be freed from the philosophical tangle,” speakers said.
Giving new interpretations to Gandhian Thought will help propagate Gandhaian principles among young people. Later, talking to press persons on the sidelines of the round table, GRI Chancellor Renana Jhabvala said skill and education should come together. “Mere book knowledge will not help. We have plans to constitute a national network roping in all higher educational institutions and universities on Gandhian principles to share their experiences in developing skills of students and society and to promote Gandhian values through curriculum and society-centric activities,” she said.
GRI to adopt 15 villages
GRI Vice-Chancellor S. Natarajan said that GRI will adopt 15 villages shortly to take all its extension activities to enlighten rural people and enhance facilities.
Moreover, the GRI did not receive any block grant or seed money while being upgraded to a deemed university.
It has been lacking in infrastructure facilities including labs and playgrounds. “We had sent proposals to the tune of Rs.67.5 crore for establishing an advanced lab, additional buildings and sports facilities. In future, we will ask the MHRD to offer Rs.200 crore for development of infrastructure,” he added.
Gujarat Vidyapith Vice Chancellor Anamik Shah said that successful skill practices of certain institutions would be shared with other institutions for societal development.
