Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday inaugurated a two-day Vice Chancellors’ Conference in Kevadia, Gujarat, bringing together over 50 heads of central universities to evaluate the progress and strategise the next phase of implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The conference, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and the Central University of Gujarat, marks five years since the rollout of NEP 2020 and serves as a platform to align institutions with the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Addressing the inaugural session, Shri Pradhan underscored the transformation in India’s higher education landscape over the last decade. He highlighted the rise in total enrolments to 4.46 crore—a 30% growth since 2014–15—along with significant progress in inclusivity, particularly the 38% rise in female enrolment and the increase in GER among SC and ST communities. Notably, the GER for women has now surpassed that of men, and the number of PhD scholars, especially women, has seen a steep climb.

The Minister laid out the Panch Sankalp—five guiding principles of NEP 2020—as the roadmap for university leadership: Next-gen emerging education, Multidisciplinary education, Innovative education, Holistic learning, and Bharatiya Knowledge Systems. These, he said, must be integrated into campus practices to foster a culturally rooted yet globally relevant education ecosystem.

Emphasising a “students-first” approach, Shri Pradhan called on Vice Chancellors to shape institutions that prioritise student growth, skilling, and innovation. “Students are the core strength of our nation. We must prepare them to be not only job seekers but job creators, social entrepreneurs, and ethical innovators,” he stated.

The minister reiterated the government’s goal of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035. He stressed the need for universities to reform curricula, enhance digital infrastructure, invest in faculty training, and encourage multidisciplinary integration to meet this target. To this end, he urged every university to prepare a strategic roadmap for implementing NEP 2020 in full spirit.

STRATEGY PAPER AND INSTITUTIONAL ROADMAPS

Each university has been asked to prepare a strategy paper outlining steps for achieving NEP goals, including subject integration, promotion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), and skilling through tech-based education. Universities are also encouraged to host similar internal conferences to drive awareness and alignment on campus.

Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, elaborated on the “Six Principles” of Karmayoga and emphasised the value of traditional Indian knowledge systems in shaping individuals and society. He urged institutional heads to apply these values to everyday functioning and leadership.

Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, called the conference a timely opportunity to reflect on achievements and refine future strategies. He said NEP 2020 is a vision rooted in accessibility, equity, affordability, quality, and accountability, and aims to position universities as ecosystems for innovation and critical thinking—not merely degree-granting bodies.

Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil Barnwal highlighted the foundational pillars of NEP 2020 and the importance of collaborative partnerships among stakeholders in advancing reform goals.

KEY DISCUSSION THEMES

Across the two-day conference, ten thematic sessions will delve into core issues aligned with NEP objectives. Topics include:

• Implementation of National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF)

• Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP)

• Preparing students for the “Future of Work”

• Advancing digital learning through platforms like SWAYAM and AAPAR

• Enhancing university governance through SAMARTH

• Equity and inclusion in higher education

• Education in Indian languages and knowledge systems

• Research and innovation support via ANRF, PMRF, and Centres of Excellence

• Internationalisation and “Study in India” initiative

• Faculty development through the Malaviya Mission

Participating universities include premier institutions such as Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Allahabad, Central University of Kashmir, Central University of Haryana, and Visva-Bharati, among others.

SHAPING VIKSIT BHARAT BY 2047

As the conference sets the tone for the next phase of NEP 2020 implementation, it seeks to generate actionable insights, promote knowledge exchange, and build strategic alignment among India’s leading universities. With a shared vision for 2047, the deliberations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian higher education, grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and cultural pride.

(With PIB inputs)

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