Concerted efforts could turn U'khand into education hub: Paul

Governor Krishna Kant Paul today said if concerted efforts in the right direction weremade, Uttarakhand could become a much sought-after "ideal hub" of higher education.
In an address at Uttarakhand Technical University here onits foundation day, the Governor said this was an occasion for stock-taking and planning for the future.
He said if proper measures were taken, Uttarakhand could, due to its salubrious climate and pollution-free environment, become a centre of excellence in higher education and then people from the state would prefer to pursue their higher studies here instead of leaving the state.
Noting that universities today need to contribute to nation-building by inspiring young students to innovate and think creatively, he said students of technology must be encouraged to do out-of-the-box thinking from which innovations result.

"Research-based innovations can increase productivity and improve the economic scenario. Universities are the cradle for innovative ideas," he said.
The Governor appreciated the roadmap for the future presented by UTU VC Prof P K Garg and exhorted the faculty as well as the students to ensure its implementation so that UTU could come up in the university ratings.

To ensure that the huge number of affiliated colleges maintain the standard, the Governor advised the VC to ensure surprise inspections of these colleges.
Other measures that he stressed upon wereensuring industry-academia interface and introducing more and more job-oriented courses to increase employability of youth.

Taking a step forward in the series of initiatives taken by him in the sphere of higher education (honouring the best teachers, students and researchers),the Governor announced the institution of an inter-university Chancellor'strophy for excellence.
Referring to the schemes launched by the Prime Minister, Paul said students must be briefed by the universities on Digital India, Make in India andStart-Up Indiaand should be counselledabout the concessions and facilities being offered by the government under these schemes.
He said awards for original research must be instituted by universities as this would encourage students to develop the inclination and dedication towards research that would contribute substantially to various branches of knowledge.

On the occasion, the Governor also released the newsletter 'Kulgeet' and flag of the university besides inaugurating the new auditorium where the function was held.
Principal Secretary Om Prakash launched the system of providing online marksheets by the university.