Thrissur (Kerala), February 19 Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala assembly, V D Satheesan, outlined the UDF's plans for the higher education sector ahead of the state assembly elections.
These plans include granting more autonomy to universities, ensuring academic leadership within them, and introducing a new curriculum to adapt to changes in the global job market.
Satheesan detailed the various initiatives planned by the UDF, stating that more autonomy would be granted to universities, and efforts would be made to make the university governing bodies more academically focused, rather than politically oriented.
"While political considerations are allowed, partisanship will not be tolerated in universities," he said.
The planned changes at the university level include the establishment of an independent 'Student Academic Election Commission' to ensure fair conduct of student union elections, creating an opposition leadership position within campus unions, modeled after a parliament, and introducing student representation in university committees on a rotating basis, through the appointment of college union chairpersons, Satheesan said.
Other initiatives include setting up a 'job watchtower' staffed by experts who will monitor changes in the global employment sector and suggest curriculum adjustments accordingly, he said at a Higher Education Conclave organized by the UDF.
Regarding the National Education Policy, Satheesan stated that the state's position on the policy would be reviewed, but no compromise would be made on secularism, scientific consciousness, and communal harmony.
In addition, he announced the establishment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) departments in all Arts and Science colleges, and the creation of a Centre for AI Research (CAIR-Kerala) to international standards.
Furthermore, Satheesan announced the opening of Jawaharlal Nehru Scientific Temper Centres to promote scientific awareness, the creation of the Kerala Open Access Journal Platform to raise research standards, and the organization of a Chief Minister's Research Challenge to address urgent state needs.
He also stated that the concept of "Semester in India," which had been successfully implemented during the Oommen Chandy government, would be revived as "Semester in Kerala" to promote student mobility.
"To attract foreign students to Kerala, 'Academic Tourism' will be implemented in collaboration with the Tourism Department, and educational fairs will be organized abroad to make the state a popular destination," he added.
Satheesan emphasized that the academic sector would be governed by data, and various surveys would be conducted to gather the necessary information.
These surveys would include an Annual Student Survey to understand student aspirations and interests, a Graduate Employment Tracking Survey to monitor their post-graduation career paths, a Student Wellness Survey, and a Student Migration Survey, he said.