NAAC Reforms Seminar at Punjab Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, India, December 28, 2024 — The Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor hosted a consequential seminar on NAAC reforms at the Punjab Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh.
- The Governor of Punjab is also the Administrator of Chandigarh.
Vice Chancellors, Registrars, and Principals from higher educational institutions across Chandigarh and Punjab attended the workshop.
The seminar focused on strategies to motivate and engage various educational institutions. It included colleges that had never applied for NAAC accreditation, those that had discontinued the process in the past five years, and newly established universities preparing for their first cycle of NAAC accreditation. The event highlighted the importance of re-engaging these institutions to promote comprehensive academic excellence throughout the state.
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, served as the Chief Guest at the event and underscored the necessity of equipping the youth with quality education and modern skills that align with global requirements. The Governor asserted that the education system must evolve to address the demands of an increasingly dynamic world, remarking, “Education is not solely a pathway to employment; it represents a transformative force that propels the progress of a nation.”
In his speech, Mr. Kataria discussed India’s rich educational legacy, emphasizing the global recognition of ancient learning centers like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Takshashila. These institutions were known for their inclusivity and commitment to excellence, creating standards that still inspire contemporary education systems.
Concluding his address, Mr. Kataria stressed the importance of value-based education and institutional responsibility. “NAAC is not merely an evaluation tool; it is a continuous improvement process that elevates institutions to global standards. Education must be seen as a mission, not a business, to empower our youth to meet global challenges head-on,” he affirmed.
Education Minister Punjab, Mr. Harjot Bains emphasized the transformative power of education and its critical role in shaping the future.
Dr. K. Rama, Advisor NAAC, offered a comprehensive overview of NAAC’s mission and future trajectory. She emphasized that NAAC is not just about grading but a tool for continuous improvement in higher education. Reflecting on NAAC’s 25-year journey, the NAAC Advisor announced plans to transition from the current grading system to a binary and maturity-based accreditation model. “This approach will connect every university to a structured system, fostering clarity and inclusivity,” she stated.
Dr. K. Rama introduced the concept of maturity-based grading, which will function across five progressive levels. The first four levels will evaluate institutions based on local and national benchmarks, while the fifth will align with international standards. This approach aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian universities.
- Professor Manpreet Singh Manna, the Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University, shared valuable insights on how to effectively engage with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). He outlined strategies institutions can implement to showcase their achievements to NAAC clearly and impactfully. He emphasized the importance of professionally presenting a university’s accomplishments to ensure recognition by the NAAC evaluators.
Distinguished officials, including K. Siva Prasad, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, and Mr. K.K. Yadav, the Education Secretary of Punjab, attended the conference. Furthermore, Mr. Lalit Jain, the seminar coordinator, was present alongside Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, and Principals of leading higher education institutions in Chandigarh and Punjab.
- The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous organization responsible for the assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions. NAAC evaluates institutions based on seven defined criteria, namely:
- Curricular Aspects
- Teaching-Learning and Evaluation
- Research, Consultancy, and Extension
- Infrastructure and Learning Resources
- Student Support and Progression
- Governance, Leadership, and Management
- Institutional Values and Best Practices
- The function of NAAC is vital as it guarantees that students receive a quality education and that universities and colleges comply with established standards. The accreditation status of higher education institutions indicates their quality, efficiency, and ethical administration, serving as a reliable resource for students, employers, and society.
Source: Chandigarh Administration
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