Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday asked Vice-Chancellors to prioritise university skill development and continuous academic improvement across Telangana institutions.
He chaired a review meeting with Vice-Chancellors and higher education officials at Lok Bhavan. During the session, Telangana Council of Higher Education Chairman Prof. V. Balakista Reddy presented details of reforms introduced over the past year. These included new academic programmes, research promotion, and measures to strengthen university skill development.
Vice-Chancellors then explained initiatives taken in their universities. They outlined admission transparency measures, academic reforms, and operational challenges. They also highlighted innovative programmes aimed at improving student outcomes.
The Governor said universities must go beyond awarding degrees. Instead, they should function as centres that enhance employability and meet global education standards. He stressed the need for qualified faculty, improved training systems, and ongoing academic progress.
Moreover, he called for stronger ties between universities and industry. Such collaboration, he said, would promote research, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
University skill development and policy alignment
The Governor emphasised that university skill development must align with employment needs. He urged institutions to implement the National Education Policy effectively. He also asked them to focus on making students self-reliant through practical education.
He expressed confidence that Telangana universities could improve their national rankings. He noted that national initiatives like Startup India, Skill India, and Digital India were strengthening youth capabilities.
In addition, he said schemes such as the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan and the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship were boosting higher education quality. He observed that Indian institutions were competing with global universities, citing the international recognition of Indian engineers and doctors.
Calling Vice-Chancellors key decision-makers, he urged them to work collectively. He said their leadership was vital to making Telangana a hub for education, research, and innovation.
Later, the Governor released a book titled “From Vision to Impact: TGCHE’s Recent Higher Education Reforms,” which documents recent policy changes and academic initiatives.