In what can be touted as a revolutionary measure in the field of higher education, The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for signing a Joint Declaration between the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) of India and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States of America, to initiate a new program entitled Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) in Higher Education. The objective of GIAN is to tap the huge talent pool of scientists and entrepreneurs to constructively engage with the institutes of higher education in India. It is believed that this endeavour would elevate the country's existing academic resources, speed up the process of quality reforms, and serve to strengthen India's scientific and technological capabilities.
The proposed India-US Cooperation will prove to be extremely advantageous as it would lead to adoption of newer methods of pedagogy; infusion of creativity and innovation driven learning and professional rigour at a relatively lower cost; boosting research in cutting edge technologies and to build stronger academic networks between both countries. The programme is structured in such a way that faculty from the US would be invited to undertake teaching at Indian Universities, networked research initiatives in topics of mutual interest and collaboratively develop international entrepreneurship programmes by tweaking the curriculum to make it more industry oriented. This would also lead to better employment opportunities for the students.
The proposal would entail the creation of a channel for US academicians in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to devote their services to teaching in academic and research institutions across India for a certain period of time. To have a head start the programme envisages inviting up to 1000 faculty every year from amongst the top notch institutions in the US. These academicians will be deputed to identified institutions in India where they will render their services.
Tags: Higher Education News
National Science Foundation
Gian
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