Faculty Development Programme on “NEP 2020 - Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes”

A Faculty Development Programme on “NEP 2020 - Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes” jointly organized by GAC-IQAC and the GAC-NEP 20202 Implementing Committee was held at the College Conference Hall, Mualpui Campus on the 16^th March 2023.

The event, chaired by Prof. C. Vanlalhruaia, Chairman, GAC-NEP 2020 Implementing Committee, and attended by 43 faculty members, formed a part of the institutional effort designed to sensitize teachers with the implications and ramifications of adopting the New Education Policy 2020 for the upcoming academic year for all institutions affiliated to Mizoram University, and in conformity to the Central Government’s major policy shake-up in the education sector.

The resource persons were Prof. Lalnilawma, Dept. of Extension Education and Rural Development, MZU, who presented a paper entitled “NEP 2020 – Curriculum and Credit Framework for UG under Mizoram University” and Prof. Benjamin Lalrinsanga, State Nodal Officer, NEP, Directorate of H&TE, Govt. of Mizoram, who gave a presentation on “Preparedness and Actions Taken by the State Government for the Implementation of NEP 2020 in Higher Education in Mizoram."

At the start of the programme, Mr. Lalbiakzuala, Vice Principal of GAC, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the organizing committees and thereafter the presentations commenced. Prof. Lalnilawma touched on various aspects of the NEP 2020 for Higher Education including its objective, salient features, structures of UG Degree programmes, awarding of UG Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees, infrastructure requirement, programmes structure, and curricular components.

Crucially, under the NEP, he highlighted that there would be courses in the major as well as in the minor streams, in addition to multidisciplinary courses, ability enhancement courses, skill enhancement courses, and value added courses. He informed the gathering that the NEP 2022 is insistent on cultivating what is called “Graduate Attributes” in students while studying any UG programme. This is a set of qualities and characteristics that would be the hallmark of a graduate who would not only be equipped academically but also holistically.

In the second session, Prof. Benjamin Lalrinsanga, who according to his own confession is a critic-turned-supporter of the NEP 2020 implementation in the State, was the presenter. His talk centred on the State Government’s accomplishment in terms of paving the way for the NEP 2020 to be operational in the HEIs. While drawing attention to the status of the existing scenario of HEIs in India, he also highlighted the major problems faced by HEIs in Mizoram, and outlined the points of strength and weakness in implementing the NEP 2020 in the state. He also stressed on the UGC’s approach of turning HEIs into multidisciplinary institutions whereby individual institutions would be required to submit their Institutional Plan (IDP). His talk also featured the progress made by the State Level and Departmental Level Committees, including the State Level Task Force which has conducted several rounds of meetings and consultations, and amount of funds to be requested to the government for the various State Government Colleges for their development. Restructuring of fragmented institutions, i.e.clustering of colleges, was another aspect of his talk for which the possibilities were also highlighted, especially for Govt. Aizawl College and its neighbouring institutions.

The programme was brought to a close with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Zolianzuali, Co-ordinator, GAC-IQAC.