Hyderabad: Universities must transcend their traditional role as mere degree-awarding institutions and prioritize skill development, employability, and research-driven growth, said Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday.
Governor's Address at VCs' Meet
Speaking at the vice-chancellors' meet organized by the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) at Lok Bhavan, Shukla, who also serves as the chancellor of state universities, advised vice-chancellors to actively engage in teaching by taking classes themselves. He urged them to reinforce academic leadership and quality, drawing inspiration from Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who exemplified excellence both as a scholar and a teacher.
Gross Enrolment Ratio and Research Initiatives
The governor noted that Telangana has achieved a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of approximately 40%, which is significantly higher than the national average. Emphasizing the need to strengthen research, he announced plans to establish specialized research centers in agriculture, horticulture, and organic seeds. He also addressed issues of global competitiveness, talent migration, and the goal of positioning Telangana and India as leaders in knowledge and higher education.
TGCHE's Major Initiatives
TGCHE Chairman V. Balakista Reddy outlined several major initiatives, including the introduction of multidisciplinary and emerging programs, strengthening frameworks such as the National Institutional Ranking Framework, promoting skill-based certifications, and expanding digital platforms to improve student access. He also highlighted efforts toward inclusivity, transparency, and governance.
University Presentations
During the meeting, the Agriculture University emphasized the use of advanced technologies to support farmers, while the Horticulture University outlined its vision for the development of the horticulture sector in the state.
Release of TGCHE Report
The governor also released the TGCHE report titled "From Vision to Impact: TGCHE's Recent Higher Education Reforms," which highlights recent initiatives in the sector.
