Itanagar: Governor KT Parnaik on Thursday proposed the establishment of a ‘Think Tank’ within the state to advise the state government on various aspects of aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), with a specific focus on educational matters.
Addressing the 21st Conference of Higher and Technical Education at the Golden Jubilee Banquet Hall here, the Governor emphasized the transformative potential of NEP 2020, stressing the need for all stakeholders, especially educators, to shift towards a more student-centric, multidisciplinary, and inclusive education system with multiple entry and exit points.
Highlighting the importance of aligning education and skills development with workforce demands, the Governor noted India’s aspirations as a global manufacturing hub.
He underlined the role of an industry-oriented education system in meeting the growing demand for a skilled workforce and called for educational curricula to closely match industry needs.
Parnaik also recommended extensive integration of technology into the curriculum, starting from primary education, to enhance the competence and employability of the youth.
He drew attention to his interactions with Gaon Burahs, villages, and Panchayat members during district tours, where he noted the persistent shortage of teachers, doctors, engineers, and essential service providers.
In light of these observations, he called upon the state’s educators to explore innovative approaches in realizing the vision of “Atma Nirbharta” (self-reliance).
Parnaik further encouraged youth to embrace new skills and innovative ideas beyond traditional classroom learning, emphasizing the need for the education system to adapt to the ever-changing socio-economic dynamics of the globalized world.
The event also saw the Governor honor Balinarayan Phukan, a distinguished figure in higher education in Arunachal Pradesh and former principal. Parnaik also presented the Governor’s Award to the top-performing undergraduate students of 2021, the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Technical Education (APSCTE) Gold Medal to the top achievers from government polytechnics, National Service Scheme (NSS) awards, and Outstanding College Teacher’s Awards.
He also extended his congratulations to the pioneers and awardees recognized during the event. The recipients of the Pioneers of Higher Education Award-2022 were C P Damodaran, former Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Balinarayan Phukan, former Principal of Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar.
Additionally, Dr Yeshi Gyesen, assistant professor and head of department of Political Science at Dorjee Khandu Govt. College, Tawang, Dr Sunand Kumar Sinha, associate professor and HoD of English at Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Dr Manas Kumar Jana, associate professor and HoD of the department of commerce at Indira Gandhi Govt College, Tezu, received the College Teacher’s Award 2022 from the governor.
Furthermore, Tuliam Khoiyang (B.Sc. Zoology) from Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar, Nirmala Basumatary (B. Com) from Saint Claret College, Ziro and Chumi Mosing (BA Geography) from Donyi Polo Govt College, Kamki, were awarded the Governor’s cash awards as the toppers of the University Examination 2021.
Meanwhile, Nyomba Nampo (Civil Engineering) of Tomi Polytechnic College, Basar, Duyu Anu Taya (Computer Science) of Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Polytechnic, Itanagar, and Nani Boyson (Mechanical Engineering) of CP Namchoom Polytechnic, Namsai, received the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Technical Education (APSCTE) Gold Medal as the top performers among government polytechnics.
Veronica Padung of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Nabam Jerma of Arunodaya University, Lekhi, received the Best NSS Volunteer Award-2022, while Pankaj Bora, NSS Programme Coordinator at Arunodaya University, Lekhi, received the Best NSS Programme Officer Award-2022. Binny Yanga of Govt. Women’s College was honored with the Best NSS Unit Award-2022.
The Governor also released the ‘Basic Information on Higher & Technical Education, Arunachal Pradesh 2021-22’ and a book titled ‘Agrarian Transition and Rural Non-farm Employment: Empirical Findings in Western Arunachal Pradesh,’ authored by Dr Tashi Phuntso, Principal of Government College, Bomdila on the day.
Earlier, education minister, Taba Tedir, expressed the state government’s commitment to realizing the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, urging all stakeholders to collaborate to achieve these goals within the state.
He called for comprehensive recommendations from conference participants to invigorate the education sector in Arunachal Pradesh, viewing it as a significant step toward realizing the mission of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Atma Nirbhar Arunachal Pradesh.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included MLA and advisor to education minister Kento Rina, Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat vice-chancellor Prof Tomo Riba, commissioner (education) Amjad Tak and secretary (education)Pige Ligu,.
Special Secretary (education), Ira Singhal, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the initiatives undertaken by the state government in the higher and technical education sector.
The event also featured a cultural programme presented by NSS volunteers.
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