The country's premier central universities will enhance their "interface" with ranking agencies so that a realistic picture may be projected of these institutions of higher learning.
The decision followed deliberations over several recommendations during a two-day conference of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities (CUs) with President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan here. The conference ended today.
The President expressed concern over how the performance of India universities is not reflected in ratings done by various international bodies.
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"The VCs adopted a detailed set of recommendations on the three agenda items: namely, steps required to improve quality of education in CUs by creating linkages between industry and academia, interfacing with ranking agencies, and use of technology for access, equity and quality in higher education," a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Addressing the concluding session, the President also announced the institution of Visitor's awards for these universities in the categories of best varsity, innovation and research.
"He called upon universities to utilise various UGC programmes and appoint adjunct faculty, including teachers from abroad, to make up for shortfalls," he said.
The President also said he would speak to the students and faculty of the CUs twice every year.
"The President called upon CUs to fully utilise the talents of their alumni and involve them in the governance of CUs," the statement added.
He called upon CUs to make the best possible use of communication and technology networks and asked for the expeditious sorting out of last-mile connectivity problems.
"The President said each CU should set up an industry interface cell, comprising representatives of local industry, industry associations, alumni and faculty to guide collaborative activities such as joint research and faculty exchange.
"He also asked industry to play an active role in drawing up curriculum and creating open source content for e-learning," the statement said.
The concluding session of the conference was attended by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Pallam Raju, along with the Minister of State for HRD, Shashi Tharoor.
