New Delhi: Ensuring a robust higher education system involves a commitment to quality, fostering research and innovation within universities and colleges. Simultaneously, efforts must be directed towards enhancing accessibility and affordability for students from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
Embracing strategies that promote digital education and online learning platforms further propels the evolution of education, making it inclusive and adaptable to the needs of a dynamic global landscape. In this regard, Shivani Babbar, ObserveNow, interacted with Prof. K.Rama Mohana Rao, Vice Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education.
Here are a few excerpts from the interview:
What initiatives is the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education taking to enhance the quality of higher education in the state?
Andhra Pradesh has embarked on a pioneering educational transformation aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implementing a ground-breaking shift from traditional 3-year undergraduate programs to 4-year UG Honours Programs and UG Honours Programs with Research. Adhering to the University Grants Commission’s Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP), we have introduced flexible, choice-based credit systems with single majors and minors, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches, skill-oriented courses, and mandatory 10-month internships to enhance overall employability. We have streamlined admissions through online processes, promoting digital access to educational institutions and courses. The establishment of the Quality Assurance Cell (QAC) supports accreditation efforts, and the Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Planning Board (AP HEPB) fosters collaborative initiatives among institutions. Entrepreneurship, Incubation, and Start-Up Centres (EISCs) across 553 institutions encourage innovation and research, while certification programs with leading organizations enhance students’ skills at no cost. A Learning Management System (LMS) and student-connect initiatives provide quality e-content, podcasts, and holistic learning experiences. Recognizing the importance of English proficiency, APSCHE adopts English as the medium of instruction, supported by bilingual resources and transition aids from Telugu to English medium.
How does the Council ensure accessibility and affordability of higher education for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds?
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has implemented various impactful initiatives to enhance the accessibility and affordability of higher education for students across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Notably, the Jagananna Vidya Deevena Scheme provides crucial financial support by reimbursing total fees for courses, including ITI, polytechnic, degree, B Tech, MBA, MCA, and pharmacy. The scheme, operating on a targeted and dynamic fee reimbursement model, deposits funds into the mother’s account every three months, contingent upon a minimum attendance of 75%. Special provisions for SC/ST students ensure full fee reimbursement regardless of the chosen field of study. The Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena scheme further encourages global competitiveness by providing 100% tuition fee assistance for pursuing higher education in top-ranked global universities. Additionally, efforts like the Jagananna Civil Services Protsahakam incentivize and support Civil Services aspirants, particularly from marginalized categories. The Council also addresses the digital divide by establishing digital libraries in villages, promoting equal access to educational resources in rural areas. Overall, these initiatives align with broader goals of improving enrollment rates, ensuring quality education delivery, and fostering competitive skills for the future.
What steps are being taken to promote research and innovation in universities and colleges under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education?
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has actively cultivated a culture of research and innovation in universities and colleges through the establishment and reinforcement of the Andhra Pradesh State Research Board (APSRB). Initiated in 1992 and strengthened in 2005, the APSRB aims to enhance both the quantity and international visibility of research papers, functioning as a catalyst for a cultural shift towards global-quality research. Collaborating with the Andhra Pradesh Research Advisory Council (APRAC), the SRB, operating under APSCHE, reviews and guides research activities, aligning them with the specific needs of the state and national science, technology, and innovation policies. A substantial financial commitment of Rs. 50 lakh per annum has been allocated to support outstanding research proposals, encouraging collaborative efforts among higher education institutions. This strategic approach underscores the commitment of APSCHE to foster a robust research and innovation ecosystem, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.
How does the Council collaborate with industries and businesses to align educational programs with the needs of the job market and foster better placement opportunities for students?
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) is actively promoting robust collaborations with industries and businesses through the innovative ‘Industry-Institute Connect’ portal, deployed on a sophisticated Learning Management System (LMS) platform. With a staggering enrollment of 10 lakh students, the portal serves as a crucial link between academia and industry, offering students valuable opportunities to engage in real-world experiences. Collaborations with prominent entities like LinkedIn, Edx, Microsoft, and Salesforce enhance exposure to industry-relevant courses, while internships with multinational corporations enrich students’ practical skills. The strategic integration of 30% skill courses into the curriculum, coupled with numerous internships, has significantly boosted placement numbers from 37,000 in 2018-2019 to 1 lakh in 2022-2023. This success underscores the state government’s visionary approach, creating a symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and industries, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving job market, and fostering a more adaptable, forward-looking workforce.
Can you elaborate on the strategies to promote digital education and online learning platforms, especially in light of recent global events impacting traditional education systems?
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, accelerating the integration of technology in education. With 40% of required credits now obtainable through online platforms, the curricular framework reflects a commitment to digital education, allowing flexibility for students pursuing majors, minors, and other courses. Notably, English Language Courses can be completed online as recognized equivalents to IELTS, TOEFL, OET, or through minimum scores in these exams contributing towards credits. Minor courses, including those on MOOCs platforms such as Coursera, SWAYAM, NPTEL, offer students flexibility, and the data indicates the significant impact, with 117,012 students earning 472,367 credits through online and virtual modes. NEP 2020 mandates two mandatory Open Online Transdisciplinary Courses, integrating digital certifications in emerging technologies across disciplines, benefiting 1.62 lakh students through Microsoft upskilling programme. The Learning Management System by Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education enhances the learning experience, and recognizing the importance of equitable internet connectivity, the government’s mission to establish digital libraries in every village aims to bridge the digital divide and democratize access to quality education for all.
How does the Council plan to address challenges related to faculty development, recruitment, and retention in higher education institutions?
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) is proactively addressing challenges related to faculty development, recruitment, and retention in higher education institutions through a multifaceted approach. The Quality Assurance Cell (QAC) has created separate manuals for Affiliated Colleges, Autonomous Colleges, and Universities to guide them through the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) process. Engagement sessions and orientation programs have been organized for key stakeholders to ensure institutions are well-prepared for accreditation. Faculty Development Programs aim to enhance educators’ skills, providing continuous learning opportunities. Recognition initiatives, including the Best Teacher Awards program, appreciate faculty contributions and motivate excellence in teaching. In a significant recruitment drive, 18 universities are preparing to welcome 3220 talented faculty members at all levels, ensuring transparency and merit-based selection to meet evolving needs in higher education institutions across the state.
What steps are being taken to enhance the skill development of students and make them more industry-ready?
The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has adopted a holistic and innovative approach to enhance student skill development, reflected in a revised curriculum featuring Skill Courses from Semesters I to IV, allowing students to choose 6 courses aligned with their interests. Semesters V to VIII integrate specialized Skill Enhancement Courses tailored to disciplines, complemented by 10-month mandatory internships for real-world exposure. APSCHE aims to achieve 5 lakh certificates annually, contributing to widespread upskilling. Our students have already achieved 1.25 Microsoft certifications. Initiatives to boost placements include strengthening Industry-Academia partnerships, enhancing career services, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating alumni engagement platforms. APSCHE is actively promoting research through Centers of Excellence, encourages industry-university relationships, and focuses on improving communication skills. Efforts to raise awareness about diverse career paths, provide resources for informed decisions, ensure technology access, and collaborate with industries underscore APSCHE’s commitment to empowering students for success in the evolving workforce.
