Srinagar, Jul 28 (KNO): Director of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Prof Sudhakar Yedla Friday said that the institute has been at the forefront of successfully implementing the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020).
Addressing a Press Conference in Srinagar to mark the third anniversary of NEP 2020 and its implementation in the campus curriculum, the Director wholeheartedly embraced the NEP-2020 over the past three years, effectively implementing its principles with a strong focus on two key aspects: "curriculum" and "governance" reforms.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO): the announcement was conducted as part of Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, a nationwide celebration regarding the completion of NEP-2020.
Prof. Yedla was flanked by Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Kaiser Bukhari, Dean Academic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Shafi Mir and Coordinator NEP2020, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger.
The director emphasized that the New Education Policy envisions a comprehensive transformation of the entire education system, encompassing its regulation and governance, with the ultimate goal of establishing a novel framework that offers students holistic and lifelong learning opportunities.
He expressed that education at NIT Srinagar has shifted towards a "learner-centric" approach. As part of this transformation, all B.Tech programs have been restructured, effective from the year 2023, and the Credit system has been rationalized, reducing the minimum number of credits needed to obtain a B.Tech degree to 160. This deliberate adjustment aims to offer students ample room for experiential learning, a valuable opportunity for their academic growth.
Prof. Yedla proudly announced that NIT Srinagar has initiated the implementation of a multiple entry and multiple-exit system at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
"We take immense pride in being one of the pioneering institutions to introduce this system nationwide," he said. The Director also revealed that NIT Srinagar has successfully launched the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) within the National Academic Depository (NAD), with students from the 2022 batch already being registered on the ABC platform.
He informed that their IDs have been generated, and the certificates of B.Tech pass-out batches of 2018 and 2019 have been successfully uploaded on NAD.
Prof. Yedla mentioned that they have embraced the concept of digital learning, enabling students to opt for online courses like SWAYAM, NPTEL, etc., accumulating up to a maximum of 10 credits during their B.Tech. program.
"NIT Srinagar has been utilizing the continuous evaluation system for a considerable period, assessing students' performances to attain the desired learning outcomes," he said.
The Director highlighted that the Institute has aligned its Ph.D. regulations with the NEP-2020, introducing direct Ph.D. admission after a bachelor's degree.
"Student mobility across institutions is a crucial aspect of the NEP, and we have wholeheartedly embraced it. NIT Srinagar has taken a significant step in this direction by signing MoUs with leading institutions in India and across the globe, fostering academic and research collaboration," he said.
The Director mentioned that apart from the mentioned initiatives, NIT Srinagar has been implementing several other academic reforms. Notably, the institute has integrated Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP) for streamlined management of students, starting from admission procedures to the conferral of degrees.
"We have set up the Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Development Center (IIEDC) to offer technical and financial support to students' startups, idea generators, and grassroots innovators," he said.
"Over the past several years, most of the infrastructure (buildings, etc.) at the institute has been made friendly for differently-abled persons by way of provision of ramps and lifts," he said.
He further stated, "In recent years, significant efforts have been made to enhance accessibility for differently-abled individuals within the institute. Ramps and lifts have been provided, making most of the infrastructure (buildings, etc.) inclusive."
Additionally, Prof. Yedla shared that they are actively planning to make the campus more winter-friendly. To achieve this, the institute will be installing central heating facilities in the dining halls and library, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone during colder months.
"Institute has a well-established Research and Consultancy wing that serves as the primary liaison between the Institute and the Industry," he said.
Prof. Yedla shared that, in a bid to contribute further to the development of the Valley, NIT Srinagar is envisioning new initiatives like the J&K Development Report and the Environmental Status Report of J&K.
“NIT Srinagar aspires to enhance students' overall development, equipping them with the skills to offer optimal solutions to emerging challenges while nurturing their sense of responsibility as socially and environmentally conscious citizens," he added—(KNO)