Higher education institutions must adhere to UGC guidelines to foster quality education and ensure the integrity of our academic system, declared Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday at the opening of a two-day Vice Chancellors conference on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The pivotal event, held at Punjab Raj Bhavan, aimed to promote excellence in education while preserving Indias cultural heritage.   The Governor, in his keynote address, emphasized the need for a balanced educational framework that blends traditional values with modern competencies. Our education system must honour Indias rich cultural heritage while equipping students with contemporary skills, he remarked. He highlighted how this approach fosters well-rounded individuals who are both rooted in cultural values and proficient in todays technological advancements.   Kataria praised the progress of Punjabs education system, noting its advancements compared to other states. He underscored the NEP 2020 as a transformative framework for enhancing educational outcomes across the state. Punjab must continue its leadership in education by integrating talent recognition, language inclusivity, and rigorous teacher selection, he stated.   A key element of the Governors address focused on the implementation of talent-based learning. He urged the institutions to recognize and nurture students unique strengths, allowing them to excel in areas where they show potential. Education must be personalized to support each students abilities, he said, calling on educators to design tailored learning pathways.   Language inclusivity also took center stage in the Governors remarks. He emphasized the importance of incorporating regional languages into higher education curricula, particularly for students transitioning from regional-language schools to universities. Integrating regional languages into university syllabi will empower students to succeed without facing language barriers, he noted, advocating for an inclusive and accessible academic environment.   The Governor highlighted the importance of maintaining quality in teaching, calling for a stringent teacher selection process that adheres to UGC guidelines. He also stressed the necessity of anti-paper leakage measures to preserve the integrity of the education system. Furthermore, he advocated for greater emphasis on environmental awareness and sports, underscoring their role in developing healthy future generations.   Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, also addressed the conference, detailing the states educational reforms. He highlighted infrastructure improvements, enhanced teacher training, and rising student achievements, all aligned with the NEPs goals. He emphasized the need to focus on research and employment-based education, setting a target of 100 percent student placement.   Professor Ved Prakash, former UGC chairman, discussed the internationalization of higher education, stressing the importance of global partnerships and research to elevate Indian institutions on the world stage. Similarly, Prof Ganesan Kannabiran, Director of NAAC, emphasized transparency and digital innovation in the accreditation process.   The conference continued with a round-table discussion featuring VCs and Directors from public and private universities across Punjab. They shared insights on implementing NEP 2020 and highlighted achievements of their respective institutions, fostering collaboration aimed at driving educational excellence in the state.   The Governor expressed optimism that these efforts would position Punjab as a leader in Indias educational transformation, setting new benchmarks in quality education and inclusive growth.

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