Officials from Andhra University, JNTU-Vizianagaram, Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP), Indian Institute of Management-Visakhapatnam, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, and Dr BR Ambedkar University-Srikakulam briefed about their NEP-modelled reforms in their respective institutions. CTUAP organised the meeting on Wednesday.
IIPE director Prof Shalivahan spoke how IIPE reoriented their course curriculum towards industry in line with the NEP. “As part of our sandwich PhD programmes, the researcher can stay at international universities for a maximum period of one year. This aims at improving research abilities and work opportunities in the international concept, which again is part of NEP. Several international electives are being offered to the students in a flipped mode,” said Prof Shalivahan.
IIM Vizag professor Dr M Shameem Jawed explained how IIM Vizag is looking towards internationalisation by expanding its global footprint as recommended in the NEP. “IIM Vizag already signed MoUs with institutions like Northern Illinois University, USA. Joint course-teaching is happening with Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. It is one of the 9 IIMs to get the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship programme. As many as 76 fellows are currently working under the district collectors of AP, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh (one fellow per each district) under MGNF programme to enhance skill development at the grassroots. IIMV FIELD, the incubation centre of IIMV, has incubated over 120 startups,” said Prof Jawed.
Andhra University Registrar Prof V Krishna Mohan said that that university has completely revamped its curriculum in line with the NEP. “Several integrated programmes with multiple entry and exit options were introduced. Out of the 60 students who joined the AU School of International Business, 30 students are from foreign nations. Taking a cue from the NEP, new-age courses like food sciences and environmental engineering were introduced,” said Prof Krishna Mohan.
Dr BR Ambedkar University Vice-Chancellor Prof N Venkata Rao spoke about the industry-oriented academic and training programmes that the institute introduced in the last three years based on NEP recommendations. “BRAU is on the forefront of upskilling the students through revised, industry-oriented curriculum and driving them towards employment, which have been envisaged in the NEP,’ said Prof Rao. He extensively explained how they designed and introduced courses for the local pharma and other industries.
JNTU Vizianagaram Vice-Chancellor Prof K Venkata Subbaiah said that the university has made a 10-month internship mandatory for the students as per NEP. “A two-month community service project has also been made compulsory for the students. Now, students can avail a gap year to pursue their innovation or entrepreneurial journey. We are taking advantage of NPTEL/Swayam for the electives. All these have been made possible only because of NEP,” said Prof Subbaiah.
Director of CTUAP, which organised the meeting, Prof TV Kattimani said that the institute has initiated impactful projects focussed on key areas such as public health and preservation and advancement of Indian knowledge system. “The university started working on neighbourhood skills like Ponduru khadi, Bobbili veena, Etikoppaka toys, cashew nut industry, etc.,” said Prof Kattimani.