Government committed for upgrading education, will provide best infra to institutions: Minister

VARANASI: Union human resource development minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said on Thursday that the Union government is committed for upgradation of education and will provide best infrastructure to top institutions. Pokhriyal also praised IIT (BHU) for its contribution to development through social entrepreneurship development.
Pokhriyal laid the foundation stone of three new buildings, including faculty housing phase-II, Morvi hostel-II for students, and Annie Besant Lecture Complex Annexe, at IIT (BHU) on Thursday.
An MoU regarding a 21-day induction programme for new students in all certified institutions was also signed between IIT(BHU) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in presence of the minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Pokhriyal said, “The government is committed for upgradation of education through excellent infrastructure in top institutions. I am happy that IIT (BHU) is contributing for development of the area through social entrepreneurship development under its social obligations.”
IIT (BHU) is working with UP government in the fields of defence technology and precision engineering, and can help promote agricultural industries under the National Agricultural Development Scheme, he said.
IIT (BHU) director Prof Pramod Kumar Jain said the 21-day induction programme for new students would be conducted at all AICTE-certified institutions.
“The induction programme was first started by IIT (BHU). Under the agreement, IIT (BHU) will be responsible for development of resource material in form of printed/ audio lectures/MOOCs to AICTE for smooth running of the programme. The main objective of the programme is to apprise students with the new environment, help them adapt and establish harmony with seniors and teachers. The programme also includes physical activity, creative arts, cultural and extra-curricular activities,” he added.
A joint committee of IIT (BHU) and AICTE will evaluate the programme in educational institutions across the country. Besides, workshops will also be conducted for teachers of other colleges to train them on running the programme.
The event was attended by BHU vice chancellor Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar, member secretary of All India Council for Technical Education, Prof. Rajive Kumar and others.