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The Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today emphasised that the “Panch Sankalpa” of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will serve as the guiding principle for India’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference of Central Universities, the minister called for decisive action to transform higher education and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Central University of Gujarat, the conference brought together over 50 Vice-Chancellors to review the progress of NEP 2020 and chart out strategic roadmaps for future implementation.
In his address, Shri Pradhan highlighted the significant transformation in India’s higher education ecosystem over the last decade. He noted a 30% increase in overall student enrolment, a 38% rise in female enrolment, and a doubling of Ph.D. enrolment, particularly among women (up by 136%). Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) improvements among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were also recognised as indicators of the Government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
The Minister introduced the Panch Sankalpa – Next-Gen Education, Multidisciplinary Learning, Innovative Pedagogy, Holistic Development, and Bharatiya Education – as the foundational themes for academic institutions under NEP 2020. He urged Vice-Chancellors to adopt these principles to guide their “university gurukuls” and support the Triveni Sangamam approach of celebrating India’s cultural legacy, correcting present narratives, and shaping the country’s future role in the global order.
Stressing the need to increase GER in higher education to 50% by 2035, Shri Pradhan called for curriculum redesign, faculty training, digital transformation, and student-centric reforms. He asserted that universities must evolve as student-first ecosystems, empowering learners to become job creators, social entrepreneurs, and ethical innovators.
The Education Minister also directed participating institutions to prepare strategy papers for comprehensive NEP implementation, focusing on multidisciplinary learning, promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), skilling and upskilling through technology, and integrating tradition with innovation on campuses.
Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, spoke on the six principles of Karmayoga and the importance of Indian Knowledge Systems in national development. Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, reflected on NEP’s five-year journey and its role in creating globally competitive institutions grounded in accessibility, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
Dr. Sunil Barnwal, Additional Secretary, highlighted the role of HEIs in realising NEP’s five foundational pillars and called for active stakeholder participation to achieve the policy’s goals.
Concluding the inaugural session, Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat, reaffirmed the commitment of central universities to proactively implement the Viksit Bharat vision across campuses.
The two-day conference will feature ten thematic sessions aligned with NEP 2020’s key pillars, covering:
NHEQF/NCrF and FYUP Implementation
Future of Work – Course Alignment
Digital Education Platforms – SWAYAM, SWAYAM Plus, AAPAR
University Governance – SAMARTH
Promoting Equity and Inclusivity
Education in Bhartiya Bhasha and IKS
Research and Innovation – ANRF, CoEs, PMRF
Ranking and Accreditation Reforms
Internationalisation and Study in India
Faculty Development – Malaviya Mission
Key institutions participating include University of Delhi, JNU, Central University of Rajasthan, Tripura University, National Sanskrit University, and several others.
The conference aims to ensure strategic alignment of universities with NEP goals, encourage peer learning, and prepare institutions for global academic engagement by 2047. Discussions will revolve around teaching and learning, research, governance, and policy readiness—culminating in a roadmap to strengthen India’s higher education system and build a future-ready nation.
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