Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates National Vice-Chancellors’ Conference in Gujarat, focusing on effective implementation of NEP 2020. Over 50 central universities participate to align with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Key themes include innovation, inclusion, AI integration, Indian knowledge systems, and curriculum reforms for future-ready education.
The two-day National Vice-Chancellors’ Conference was inaugurated on Thursday by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Tent City-2 in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat. The conference, which brought together heads of over 50 central universities, is a critical national forum focusing on the comprehensive implementation and evaluation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The event is being held with the overarching vision of realising “Viksit Bharat 2047,” a roadmap for a developed India by the time the nation completes 100 years of independence.
In his keynote address, Minister Pradhan emphasised the transformative vision of NEP 2020 and its profound implications for the Indian higher education landscape. “Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a paradigm shift toward inclusive, multidisciplinary, and innovation-driven education,” he noted.
He highlighted a significant increase in student enrolment—by 30 per cent since 2014–15—and a 38 per cent rise in female enrolment. For the first time in India’s educational history, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of women has surpassed that of men. Additionally, enrolment among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) has also improved substantially, indicating greater access and inclusivity in the education system.
Pradhan elaborated on the five foundational pillars of NEP 2020:
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Holistic and multidisciplinary education
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Innovation and research
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Inclusive access to education
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Interdisciplinary learning
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Integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
He urged the attending vice-chancellors to adopt a “student-first” philosophy by aligning academic curricula with futuristic employment opportunities, ethical responsibilities, and societal upliftment. He also emphasised the need for the curriculum to integrate emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and promote education in regional languages.
“India must embrace its cultural and intellectual roots while adopting modern tools of knowledge creation. We must not only keep pace with the world but lead in areas like digital education, innovation, and value-based learning,” Pradhan added.
The minister further called upon universities to formulate strategic roadmaps to effectively implement NEP. He advocated for multidisciplinary course offerings, skill development through digital platforms, value-based learning, and the mainstreaming of Indian traditional knowledge systems.
Additional Secretary Sunil Barnwal presented the policy’s five core values—access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability—urging institutions to reflect these principles in every aspect of academic planning and governance.
Senior vice-chancellor Ramashankar Dubey reaffirmed the commitment of all central universities to fully implement the NEP 2020, aligned with the national goal of creating a developed India by 2047.
The conference is structured around three principal themes:
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Alignment of universities with NEP’s strategic goals
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Collaborative dialogue and resource sharing among vice-chancellors
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Forward-looking reforms to meet global academic benchmarks
Over the two days, several thematic sessions are being held. These include:
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Implementation of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP)
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National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) and National Credit Framework (NCrF)
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Digital learning through SWAYAM and AAPAR platforms
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University governance mechanisms like SAMARTH
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Promoting equity and inclusive education
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Research and innovation schemes such as ANRF and PMRF
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Faculty development under the Malaviya Mission
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Internationalisation via the “Study in India” initiative
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Accreditation and ranking reforms
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Reviving and promoting Indian languages and knowledge systems
Prominent participating universities include Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), University of Allahabad, Central University of Rajasthan, Central University of Haryana, Assam University, Visva-Bharati, Sikkim University, Tripura University, and National Sanskrit University, among others.
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As India moves towards becoming a global education hub, the NEP 2020 is expected to lay the groundwork for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready higher education system. This national conference serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, evaluate progress, and set a collective vision toward transforming India’s educational future.
