Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 10: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities to appoint individuals from various sectors and utilise their expertise.
The UGC statement comes in the backdrop of the massive expansion in the higher education sector in the country.
“There is a lot of creative talent and intellectual resources available within the country that is not formally connected to higher education system. It is imperative that the expertise and experience of such individuals, who are outside the mainstream academic system, flows into our universities,” wrote UGC secretary Jaspal S Sandhu.
The move aims to improve the quality of teaching, training as well as research activities in the institutions.
The varsities can now invite reputed scientists, engineers, physicians, advocates, artists, civil servants and also other skilled professionals under the UGC’s guidelines titled “Empanelment of adjunct faculties in university and colleges”.
UGC guidelines had earlier mandated varsities to invite only persons connected to academics. However, under the amended guidelines the universities can call experts from other fields also. The amended guidelines will also be applicable for skill based vocational courses as well as general education and research.
“This is a good move by the UGC. Earlier only scholars and individuals having relation with academics could be called as guest faculties. The empanelment of other experts as faculty members would definitely help students and researchers to use their expertise and acquire a vast range of knowledge,” said the principal of the Maharishi College of Natural Law, Basant Sahu.