GURDASPUR STATE UNIVERSITY TO INTRODUCE NEW-AGE COURSES FOR FUTURE-READY GRADS: HARJOT BAINS

Chandigarh, July 12 (WISHAVWARTA):-With an aim to transform the Sardar Beant Singh State University (SBSSU), Gurdaspur into a preferred hub of higher education in the state, Punjab Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the officials to introduce new age and an entrepreneurial mindset courses from this academic session to produce future-ready graduates.

S. Bains, while chairing the 2nd Meeting of the Board of Governors (BoGs) of Sardar Beant Singh State University here at his office, also instructed the officials to ensure student-centric learning environment in the university for holistic growth of students. He said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been making concerted efforts to equip the education institutes with the state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Asking to further enhance admissions in the university, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that a detailed and accurate data should be maintained on admission trends for informed strategic planning to further improve the standards of education.

He said that the state government’s focus is on employability and startups, while emphasising that every student should be trained in entrepreneurship, startup and employability skills. Students should be encouraged to develop own business ideas and prepare them for meaningful employment, with systematic data maintenance on such initiatives.

He suggested the university authorities to introduce cutting-edge programs such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and FinTech into the academic curriculum to equip students with skills relevant to the evolving job market and technological landscape, besides inviting eminent industry leaders, Vice Chancellors, Directors of premier Institutions, subject experts and notable personalities from various fields to share their experiences and knowledge with students to enhance their academic exposure and inspire them to aim high in life.

He also emphasised the importance of comprehensive faculty training and development programs, stating that research is a crucial component for a university, defining its standards and reputation. He asked the university to identify region-specific research areas and collaborate with local administration to conduct research that directly benefits the local community and contributes to regional development.

Vice Chancellor of Sardar Beant Singh State University Dr. S.K. Misra apprised the Technical Education Minister that the university plans to establish Centers of Excellence in emerging technologies, including Drone Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. These CoE will focus on skill development, research, innovation and creating a thriving startup ecosystem.

The Director Technical Education & Industrial Training Mr. Monish Kumar, Vice Chancellor of IK Gujral Punjab Technical University Dr. Susheel Mittal, Director Indian Institute of Management, Amritsar Dr. Sameer Srivastava, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry Mr. Jagmeet Bedi, Registrar SBSSU Dr Ajay Mahajan and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

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*NOD FOR REGULARISATION OF GURDASPUR STATE UNIVERSITY’S FACULTY & STAFF*

Meanwhile, the BoGs meeting also decided to regularise the services of contract faculty and staff who have been working at Sardar Beant Singh State University (SBSSU), Gurdaspur since 2011. Additionally, the BoGs has given its nod for implementing the 6th Pay Commission recommendations for the university’s faculty and staff.