Governor Tamilisai raises concerns about poor-performing varsities

HYDERABAD: Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan on Monday, in a teleconference with vice-chancellors of state varsities at the Raj Bhavan, expressed concern over poor performers in the NIRF (National Institute Ranking Framework) released by the Union education ministry.

Dr Soundararajan is also the chancellor of state-run universities.

VCs brought to her notice difficulties concerning staff vacancies, especially in professor posts, due to the long delay in approving the Telangana Universities Common Recruitment Board Bill. The governor assured to address the issue shortly.

While appreciating some universities for their progress on the agenda of the previous year’s conference, the governor mentioned that it was disheartening to know the status of some of the universities in the NIRF ranking, particularly when the “state is making strides in economic development.”

She said the education sector needs further efforts to realise the goal of meeting not only national standards but also global standards.

Apprising VCs that she was continuously following the developments in the universities, she advised them to focus and ensure that colleges and universities have proper infrastructure, like washrooms, classrooms, libraries, and hostel facilities.

Later in the teleconference, the Governor inaugurated a digital library of SCERT, which will comprise a wide array of books for those preparing to take competitive exams, including IIT-JEE, NEET and recruitments (UPSC, RRB, SSC, IBPS), besides content on computer science, medical science and healthcare.

The Governor also unveiled a souvenir of Professor Jayashankar at the Telangana State Agricultural University during the conference.

UGC joint secretary Dr Avichal Kapoor, presenting initiatives of the UGC, shared plans to have a digital library soon. She emphasised compliance with NEP-2020 by concentrating on five pillars, including quality improvement of education, online courses, multi-disciplinary courses and optimum utilisation of resources.

The Governor also urged varsities to take note of health awareness, which she said was as important as academics. “There is a need to make every student understand the importance and participating in blood donation, NTEP and awareness about other chronic diseases like breast cancer,” she said.