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PUDUCHERRY: Chairman of
University Grants Commission (UGC) Sukhadeo Thorat wants quick
expansion of the higher education system and says that the eleventh
plan would, to some extent, fulfill this need.
Delivering the convocation address at the 18th convocation of
Pondicherry University on March 29, he said higher education has been
neglected in the last few decades and certain issues need to be addressed
immediately.
“In the early 50’s the enrolment ratio was less than one per cent.
Today, it has increased to 10 per cent. Yet, this is low when compared to
the world average of 23 per cent. Countries falling in the middle income
group have a ratio of 35 to 37 per cent, while Europe and United States
have over 40 per cent,” Mr. Thorat said.
Embarking on an ‘ambitious’ target, the UGC would aim to scale the
enrolment ratio by five per cent in five years.
This would be achieved through increasing the number of educational
institutions and the intake capacity of existing institutions, he pointed
out.
“The Central government will start 370 model colleges in 370 districts
which have low enrolment ratio than the national average,” he said.
Providing equal opportunity to all, particularly SC/ST/OBCs, girls,
students from minorities especially Muslims, physically challenged and
poor, would also be a key focus of the plan, he said, adding that this
would be done through provision of scholarships, hostel facilities and
remedial coaching for English.
“For this, we are increasing the funds for construction of hostels for
women from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. one crore,” he said.
The UGC has identified 90 districts with high proportion of Muslim
population. “The universities and colleges here will get additional
grants,” he told during a press conference.
Universities and colleges falling in the ‘C’ grade category would
receive a one-time grant from the UGC to improve the quality. “Nearly 70 State universities and 6,000 colleges do not receive UGC
grants as they do not meet the minimum academic standards. We will also
provide a one-time grant to these institutions,” Mr. Thorat said.
A total of 24, 278 degrees were awarded on the occasion which included
14, 758 bachelors and 2,604 master degrees. Around 118 gold medals were
awarded.
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan,
Member of Parliament M. Ramadass and Vice Chancellor of the University
J.A.K. Tareen were present.
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