• To expedite setting up of Architecture University at Kadapa
• To make IIITs on a par with IITs by introducing higher standards
• Action plan to improve NIRF ranking of universities in state
• To complete the construction of IIIT buildings in Srikakulam and Ongole at the earliest
Vijayawada: The higher education in Andhra Pradesh is in for a major overhaul. The Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is keen on giving a fillip to the higher education in the state and diverted about Rs 180 crore funds of IIITs.
He instructed top officials to initiate an action plan to secure top ranking for state universities in National Institutional Ranking Frame Work (NIRF). Andhra University was currently ranked at 19 and SV University at 38 in the NIRF rankings.He wanted the state universities like JNTU (Kakinada, Anantapur), Andhra University, SV University, Padmavathi Mahila University, and RGUKT (IIITs) to reach higher levels. Seeking budget estimates for bolstering the state universities, he drew the attention of officials to expedite setting up of Architecture University at Kadapa.
Taking cognizance of the state of the universities in the state, Mr. Jagan asked officials to prepare a plan of action for the next two years to improve the rankings. He asked officials to study the best practices in the institutions which secured top ranks in NIRF list. The officials were directed to recruit talented, meritorious and exemplary people as teaching staff in the universities.
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed officials to prepare a plan for action for the next two years to improve the rankings of universities
The Chief Minister also asked higher officials to explore partnerships between state and reputed foreign universities. Reviewing the functioning of IIITs, he directed the officials to introduce business courses and raise their standards to the level of IITs.
Learning that there were 22,946 students studying in IIITs, he told the authorities to complete the construction of IIIT buildings in Srikakulam and Ongole at the earliest.With respect to medical education, the Chief Minister said that the government was setting up 16 new medical colleges as against the 11 colleges at present.
The number of medical seats would rise significantly and 70 per cent of them would be filled up the convener quota, thus benefiting the poor students. He said the government was according to top priority to education and health sectors and spending huge amounts to improve the existing systems through Nadu-Nedu programme.
Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh, Special Chief Secretary (Higher Education) Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary (Finance) N Gulzar, APSCHE Chairman K Hemachandra Reddy, RGUKT Chancellor Prof KC Reddy and other officials were present at the meeting.
