Chizokho Vero
December 8
KOHIMA (MExN): Several universities in the country are falling ‘sick’ and require immediate antidote. This was voiced at the 2nd round table conference of Vice-Chancellor on vision and action of Higher Education in north eastern region and Jammu & Kashmir at Police Headquarters, Kohima. Goa Governor SC Jamir graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Better access to higher education, striving for quality education, better facilities and financial support for infrastructure development were strongly voiced during today’s meet.
“Most of the colleges and universities have poor infrastructure and suffer from lack of financial support”, a source said talking to The Morung Express at the sidelines of the conference.
It was also pointed out that there was very little scope for financial support from industry for higher education in the northeast region because it is seen as too distant from the mainland.
Further, it was noted that colleges and universities suffer from management problems, bureaucratic control and political interference.
“The massive exodus of students from north east is mainly due to the non availability of quality education and job opportunities”, said Nagaland University Vice Chancellor Prof. GD Sharma further adding that the region faces great challenges of providing quality education to the youths and skill-oriented training to the unemployed youths.
The NU Vice-Chancellor also said that the north east had very low access to higher education resulting in low productivity. “The government policies need a re-look taking into consideration the special needs of the region”, said G.D Sharma.
The north eastern region (including Sikkim) has 13 universities with about 3 lakh students. Most of the students are in art stream and very few in science and commerce streams, it was informed.
Emerging areas like information technology, bio-technology, nanotechnology and environmental engineering have very few students.
Technical, management and health education is virtually unavailable in Nagaland. The basic infrastructure, quality teachers and adequate funds are required for imparting quality higher education in the state.
“To improve the quality of life and economic growth of people of Nagaland, it is necessary to accelerate the enrollment in professional and skilled oriented education”, Prof GD Sharma pointed out adding that it was of outmost importance to give highest priority to Human Resource Development through empowerment of youths and women.
Meanwhile, the VC conference will continue till December 9 and is expected to come out with some important recommendations.
