Delivers a talk on Higher Education in Globalized World – Core Challenges
Inaugurates the Chemistry Networking Hostel on the UoH campus
Innovation is the key for Educational Institutions to excel in a Globalized World, said Prof. D N Reddy, Chairman, RAC/DRDO, Ministry of Defence, while addressing a gathering of faculty, scholars and students at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on 8th April 2014.
In his talk titled “Higher Education in Globalized World – Core Challenges”, Dr. Reddy who is the former VC of JNTU, Hyderabad emphasized that Education is a luxury for the Elite but a necessity for all. He further stated that it is necessary that institutions must help students to develop key skills and knowledge to become more employable. A higher level of understanding coupled with positive learning approach can help the students to develop talents that can make them excel, added Dr. Reddy.
Dr. Reddy, who is associated with the University Grants Commission (UGC) explained that we face issues like economic slowdown, sustainable development, intense competition among all Universities including corporate and private which have a bearing on Higher Education. He opined that all of us must realize that we need to address these issues as in India we have almost 63% of the workforce who are illiterate; 40% of the population is below 18 years of age; 15% in the age group 18-24 are having Higher education; 55% youngsters in the IT age market and only 23-25% employability in related areas which is quite alarming, said Dr. Reddy.
With an objective to achieve increased inclusive education, high quality learning and better attainment rates, the educational institution must prepare for change, develop expertise, lead in knowledge economy and societal needs. The focus must be on quality, relevance, employability and making the youngsters good citizens of this country, Dr. Reddy added. India has more than 600 Universities and about 1000 million students are enrolled in these institutions. However the Gross Enrolment Ration is only 15% as compared to 55% in developed countries and 23% World average, stated Dr. Reddy.
Institutional mission, funding structures and arrangements, student engagement methodologies, institutional transparency and accountability, ability to partner, integration of technology and process driven higher education are some of the Core Challenges facing Globalized Education. Higher education institutions must prepare for change, develop expertise, lead in the knowledge economy and realize societal needs to meet the challenge, said Dr. Reddy. He also stated that institutions must look at offering Formal structured Courses, Job Oriented Courses (Diploma / Certificate), Integrated Dual Degree Programs, Twinning Programs, Double Degree Programmes, Exchange Programs, Joint Degree Programs (National/International ), Distance Education – Offline /on-line, Industry Sponsored Programs. Use of ICT Technologies should be encouraged as in countries like Hong Kong where assignments are sent to the students on their mobile phones and in turn they are supposed to complete the same and send it back through the same medium.
Finally Dr. Reddy said that the Industry should donate 0.1 to 1% of its profits for higher education and the institutions must look at increasing consultancy services and endowment funds.
Earlier Dr. D N Reddy inaugurated the Chemistry Networking Hostel on the University campus. This hostel is built over an area of 1560 sq ft and has 30 rooms on two floors. Each room has an attached toilet. The total cost of constructing this hostel is Rs:1.70 crores and the same has been sponsored by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The construction has been done by Nagarjuna Construction Company. This hostel will cater to the needs of the participants of the Network Resource Centres from all over India.
