Intro words: India’s largest Technical University, Punjab Technical University, is stressing on three major points to improve the education scenario in Punjab. These are ; strong strategy as well as implementation of that strategy against malpractices; understanding the capacity of all Universities and Institutions of Punjab and using them to create State Brand Value; Joint efforts and self made non- profitable policies for the students.
Intro paragraph: Punjab became the ‘Proud’ state of India, firstly through Green Revolution (Self sufficiency in agricultural products) and later t
hrough White Revolution (Self sufficiency in Dairy Products). Now Punjab is at the verge of a third Revolution. This time it is Revolution in ‘Technology and Higher Education’. At present, Punjab is well established in the field of Technical and Higher Education. The only thing we need to do is to understand our capacity minutely, doing joint efforts, making non-profitable policies and working against malpractices.
Strength of Higher Education Institutes: To understand the capability of Higher Education in Punjab, take a look at the strengths of education sector and industry. At present, more than 1000 engineering, management and other profession colleges are affiliated to different universities in Punjab. The proud of nation, IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Ropar, Indian Business School Mohali, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jalandhar, India’s Largest Technical University i.e., Punjab Technical University Jalandhar-Kapurthala, Universities related to Health Sciences and Vetenary Sciences i.e., Baba Farid University of Health Sciences and Research Faridkot, Guru Angad Dev University of Vetenary Sciences Ludhiana, the Prestigious University in agriculture sector, which works a lot in the agri-research projects at national level, i.e., Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, India’s largest Private University Lovely Professional University (LPU), Two deemed Universities in Techno-study i.e., Punjab Engineering College (PEC) Chandigarh and Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal (Sangrur), North India’s oldest Engineering University (earlier College) Thapar University Patiala, recognized by NAAC as Five Star University i.e., Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjabi University Patiala, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law Patiala, Guru Granth Sahib World University Fatehgarh Sahib, Guru Kashi University Talwandi Sabo, Central University Bathinda, are playing a notable role in the field of education of Punjab. This month the Punjab assembly announced two more private universities for Punjab. Assembly passed the both university bill. These are going to open with the banner of Chandigarh University and Adesh University.
Strength of Industrial Units: From big to small, industry from every field is prospering in Punjab. This clarifies the richness of education sector. At present, Punjab has more than 150 rice mills, 100+ Hand Tool Industry Units, 100 Sports Goods manufacturing units, 10 thermal plants, Ludhiana Hosiery and Cycle, Auto parts industry, more than 10 big units of Switchgear industry, IT park in Mohali. Thousands of students are getting training opportunities and better placement facilities in these industrial units.
Lesson from National Scenario: Last year, a very popular Media House conducted a survey on Technical Education scenario in India. Their study reveals that in India, there are more than 13 lacks seats in technical education in 4200 colleges. Out of these 13 lacks seats, thousands of seats in every state are lying vacant every year. This study also reveals that in the academic session 2012-2013, more than 150 new technical colleges will be opened.
Conclusion: There is imbalance of seats in technical education. There are more seats in technical education but the students are less. The filling of seats will not be possible through counseling, management quota or advertisements only. Even the individual efforts of big institutes will not be enough to develop the state economically as well as academically.
Steps to be taken, jointly:
Punjab, to become the dream destination of technical and higher education, some steps need to be taken jointly, immediately. Firstly, joint branding effort should be done to show the strength of the state. Secondly, such policies should be adopted, which will give more satisfactory services to the students and parents. Malpractices in examination like copying, cheating , in admission process, like capitation fees in the name of management and other quota seats, delay in providing student facility services, all these practices should be dug out from their roots because these are defaming the name of Punjab at national and international level.
Steps taken by the University:
• Academic audit of PTU colleges.
• Academic, Administrative and policy reforms in PTU Distance Education.
• Consultancy for smooth working of University system from EdCIL, i.e., Education Consultancy of India Ltd.
• Expert panel for Examination reform.
• Check on activities of each and every department.
• Random samples from recordings will be taken to check the working of staff and the record of feedback of parents and students will also be maintained by PTU.
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