Call for reforms in higher education administration

There is urgent need to reform governance and administrative practices in institutions of higher education, said secretary general of Indian Universities (AIU), Furqan Qamar, during the Convocation of Berhampur University on Wednesday.

Odisha Governor S.C. Jamir, who is chancellor of universities in Odisha also attended this convocation. During the ceremony honorary L.LD degree was conferred to noted leftist leader and social activist Duti Krushna Panda while Odia artist of international acclaim Dinanath Pathy was conferred with honorary D.Litt degree.

Prof. Qamar in his address stressed upon need of more investment in sector of higher education to upgrade their physical facilities as well as teaching-research related to infrastructure. Stressing on need for administrative reforms in institutions of higher education, he said, over emphasis on adherence to procedures has made university administration cumbersome and unresponsive. According to him there is need to make universities less bureaucratic and to enable them to devise their own methods and procedures to accomplish their aims.

Counselling the students regarding the selfish competitive spirit of modern era, Mr. Jamir said: “If the desire to achieve is focussed on achievements on personal front, then I would say it is on wrong track, but if it is fired by the desire of doing good to others, then it would make my generation heave a sigh of relief”.

During his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University, Deepak Kumar Behera declared that 30th Central one inter-university youth festival would be hosted by Berhampur University from November 25 to 29 under auspices AIU. Prof. Behera said Berhampur University has prepared a 20 year perspective plan, which has been submitted to the Odisha Government and representatives of the World Bank.

The University has signed MoUs with University of Tubingen, Germany and Aarhus University, Denmark for academic exchange programs in the field of social sciences. The university has recently established South Odisha Cultural Study Centre for study and preservation of culture of tribals and others, the V-C said. According to him Berhampur University has been recently selected by Planning and Coordination department of Odisha government to establish an innovation centre with focus on region specific issues related to common mass.

Content Courtesy: The Hindu