THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 21: Jharkhand Governor and Chancellor of state universities, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, on Thursday called for comprehensive reforms in the higher education sector, stating that universities must emerge as centres of research, innovation, discipline, and skill development.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference organised by the Department of Higher and Technical Education at Chanakya BNR Hotel in Ranchi, the Governor said the conference offers an important opportunity to provide a new direction to higher education in Jharkhand.
‘Education is foundation of national progress’
The Governor said education is not merely a means to obtain a degree, but the foundation of societal awareness and national development.
“Universities are centres of ideas, knowledge, discipline, research, and character building. The future of any state is shaped within its educational institutions,” he said.
Concern over low Gross Enrollment Ratio
Expressing concern over the condition of higher education in the state, Gangwar said Jharkhand’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) remains below the national average, while student dropout rates continue to pose a serious challenge.
He noted that due to the lack of a quality academic environment, timely examinations, and employment-oriented education, many students are forced to leave Jharkhand in search of better opportunities.
“The time has come to move beyond discussions and focus on concrete solutions and visible results,” he said.
Focus on academic discipline and quality education
The Governor stressed the need for strict adherence to academic calendars, timely completion of syllabi, regular classes, and publication of examination results within scheduled timelines.
He said the future of students should not suffer because of administrative delays or negligence.
Gangwar also emphasized promoting:
- Research and innovation
- Skill-based education
- Startups and entrepreneurship
- Industry-academia collaboration
- Financial transparency and accountability
He said universities should become hubs of innovation and skill development instead of merely awarding degrees.
‘Vice-Chancellors must act as academic leaders’
The Governor said appointments of Vice-Chancellors in state universities were made through a transparent Search Committee process and urged them to work as academic leaders rather than only administrators.
He also praised the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University for personally taking classes, saying such initiatives strengthen discipline and boost students’ confidence.
Gangwar further highlighted the implementation of the ‘Jharkhand State Universities Act, 2026’, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and academic excellence in universities.
Dr Nitin Kulkarni stresses outcome-based education
Speaking at the conference, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, Dr Nitin Kulkarni, said that higher education institutions must focus on result-oriented action rather than limiting themselves to discussions.
He stressed the importance of Outcome-based Education and questioned whether universities are sufficiently connected to society and local issues.
“In today’s world, a degree alone is not enough. Universities must help students develop analytical and critical thinking abilities,” he said.
Dr Kulkarni also emphasised the need for teachers to continuously upgrade themselves in the era of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
He said universities should function not merely as institutions granting degrees, but as centres capable of positively transforming students’ lives.