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Academic

Cox and Kings to roll out education tours in India

December 21, 2012January 3, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Business Standard via PwC – EdLive

In a move that could transform Cox and Kings Ltd’s tour business in India and also the way subjects such as history and geography are taught in the country’s schools, the travel company is set to introduce education tours in India. The move, part of the company’s plans to integrate its European business model with the domestic market, comes over a year after Cox and Kings acquired the UK-based Holidaybreak Plc for about 2,300 crore INR. Peter Kerkar, Executive Director, Cox and Kings, confirmed the move but ruled out large-scale acquisitions for now.

“Education tours will be rolled out next year in India and the company is developing a site within the country for its education tours,” told Kerkar. This will include both residential and leisure facilities and will follow strict European standards on health and safety.

However, Kerkar refused to outline the investment plan, but said the company expected 25% return on capital invested in developing this new business segment in India. Student tours cater to children under the age of 12 and activities include guided tours to historical monuments or science parks. Within Europe, education tours are an integral part of the curriculum and students take these trips and write reports at the end of tours. In India, such tours are not part of the education policy.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Students Cox and Kings Ltd, educational tours, executive director, India, Peter Kerkar

India unveils Aakash 2 tablet at UN

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Times of India via PwC – EdLive

India recently launched its low-cost Aakash 2 tablet PC at the United Nations in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other member nations. Datawind, the company which was assigned to design, develop and manufacture the device, also gave a presentation on it. Speaking at the launch, India’s Permanent Representative, Hardeep Singh Puri said, “With pricing determined through an open international tender, Aakash 2 is the world’s lowest cost tablet at end-user pricing. It harnesses top of the line technologies at costs which the neediest can embrace. The technologies and applications that have been put in it, are indeed the world’s best. It bridges the digital divide within our societies,” he said. In India, the National Mission on Education through Information Communication Technology will equip 220 million students across the country with low cost tablets and internet access. The government is subsidising 50% of the cost of this device. With state governments and local institutions along with other development partners chipping in, the devices will ultimately be, made available free to all students.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Politics, Students, Technology Aakash 2, Ban Ki-moon, Datawind, free, Hardeep Singh Puri, internet access, low cost, Secretary General, subsidized, tablet, UN

Mock tests for students taking IIT entrance examination

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Mint via PwC – EdLive

Students taking the first single exam for entering the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and other engineering colleges will get a chance to take part in mock tests as part of an effort by the government and the IITs to familiarise admission seekers with the new format. Students will also be allowed to make changes in their application form after the ongoing registration process for the exam ends in mid-December. “The mock test will be conducted for almost three months beginning in the second week of January 2013,” said Vineet Joshi, Chairman, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which is in charge of conducting the joint entrance exam main (JEE Main) for all centrally-funded technical schools. CBSE functions under the HRD ministry.

In May, the government decided to allow admission to all IITs and centrally-funded engineering institutes through a single test to reduce stress on students who sit for multiple entrance examinations. The so-called one nation, one test formula was adopted after a nationwide debate. For selection to the elite IITs, students who finish among the top 150,000 in the entrance test will sit for another exam. To qualify for admission, they will need to finish in the top 20 percentile of their respective school board exams. There will be more than one sample test available for aspirants. According to an official estimate, more than 1.2 million students are expected to appear for the test. The test will be conducted both in the pen-and-paper and online formats. There are nearly 25,000 seats available in all centrally-funded engineering schools, including 9,700 at the 15 IITs.

Academic, India, Newsletter, Students CBSE, Central Board of Secondary Education, Engineering colleges, HRD, IIT, Indian Institutes of Technology, Ministry of Human Resources Development, mock exams, mock tests

ISB, IIFT under AICTE lens

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: www.infoline.com via PwC – EdLive

The latest list of unapproved institutions put out by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) features some popular names second only to the IIMs or even considered on par with them. The Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in Delhi, and the Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) in Chennai have made a name for themselves within and outside the country, but are also on the AICTE’s list of unapproved institutions. Others include the Indian Institute of Planning and Management, ICFAI, Amity Business School and ITM.

However, the institutions are not unduly worried by this. The official statement released by the ISB “stated that the institution’s one-year postgraduate programme does not fall under the ambit of AICTE’s current regulatory mechanism for business schools and therefore no approval was sought.” Sriram servicing, healthcare, construction technology and textiles. Students will be offered world-class training which is adapted to the Indian market and industry requirements. The CMC Academy currently offers job-enabling training in IT, accounting and finance and several skill areas through 250 plus training locations across the country. India’s accelerated economic growth and increasing demand for skilled manpower will require intensive efforts to achieve the target of up-skilling 500 million workers by 2022. Recent estimates show only 10% of the total workforce in the country is receiving some kind of skills training (2% with formal training and 8% with informal training). According to the NSSO survey, only 6% of the total workforce (459 million) is in the organised sector. The World Economic Forum indicates that only 25% of all Indian professionals are considered employable by the organised sector. The unorganised sector is not supported by any structured skill development and training system to acquire or upgrade skills.

Academic, India, Newsletter, Students AICTE, Amity Business School, Chennai, Delhi, GLIM, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Hyderabad, ICFAI, IIFT, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Indian Institute of Planning and Management, Indian School of Business, ISB, ITM, List of Unapproved Institutions

Magadh University (MU) to open centre for media studies

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Times of India via PwC – EdLive

The MU has decided to open a media centre on its sprawling campus at Bodh Gaya. The UGC has approved the proposal and is likely to grant 90 crore INR to the university to build the centre. According to Arun Kumar, VC, MU, “The main objective behind opening the media centre is to provide an opportunity to students of the university in the field of journalism and mass communication. Besides, the centre will be assigned the task to make documentary films on educational, social, cultural and historical heritage, which will be exchanged with other universities in the country.”

Academic, Culture, India, Newsletter Arun Kumar, Bodh Gaya, centre for media studies, documentaries, Madagh University, media studies, MU, UGC, vice chair

Macmillan and Frank Bros tie up for digital books

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Hindu Business Line via PwC – EdLive

Macmillan Education and Frank Bros have joined hands to provide digital content interface to textbook teaching. “We will provide digital books, which will have links to visual and audio resources that the teacher can use to make the classroom experience more effective and rewarding,” said Yash Mehta, Sales and Distribution Head, Macmillan Education.

A part of the Macmillan Publishing Group, it is the preferred knowledge partner of around 15,000 schools in the country. Recently, the publishing house also organised a ‘Principals Symposium’ in Hyderabad to address their partner schools in the country. The integration of the two companies Macmillan and Frank Bros Publishing House will enrich its offering to schools, especially the CBSE, ICSE and State Board.

They will continue to provide text books and digital materials for students and teachers. “The merger will give access to high quality editorial input as well provide latest information about the new researches in the field of education,” said R C Govil, Chairman, Emeritus.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Technology CBSE, digital, Frank Bros, Hyderabad, ICSE, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Publishing Group, Principals Symposium, State Board, textbooks

Pearson launches tablet-based education solution for schoolchildren

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Business Standard via PwC – EdLive

Pearson recently announced the launch of a new tablet-based education solution for schools in India. The ‘MX Touch’ platform will give students access to more effective personalised and collaborative digital learning with rich digital content, 3D animations, quizzes, and videos. It is compliant with the school syllabus and comes bundled with tablets at a variety of prices to ensure it is affordable and accessible by the broadest possible cross-section of students. While supporting the core syllabus, the service will also help promote Information Communication Technology in the Indian school education by familiarising students with the latest learning technology. The product also allows parents to monitor the academic progress of their children more accurately than ever before with easy access to assignments, difficult lessons covered during school hours and archived assessments and tests.

Academic, Culture, India, Newsletter, Students, Technology India, MX Touch, Pearson, tablet

Delhi School of Business (DSB) launches PGDM, AICTE accredited programme

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: www.moneylife.in via PwC – EdLive

To meet India’s growing professional skill demand, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS) launched
a two year full-time AICTE accredited management programme under the Delhi School of Business (DSB). The latter will offer a dynamic curriculum that will not only respond to market needs but also anticipate them.

Located in Pitampura, West Delhi, the DSB was launched by Dr. S C Vats, an eminent educationist, philanthropist, and former member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Registration for the first batch (June 2013-2015) of 120 students is open by submitting CAT, GMAT, CMAT or MAT scores. Applicants can also submit more than one test score.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Students AICTE, Delhi School of Business, Dr. S. C. Vats, DSB, management programme, Pitampura, VIPS, Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, West Delhi

State to clear decks for e-university exams

December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Times of India via PwC EdLive

The Maharashtra government is in the final stages of putting online the process of conducting exams in all 17 state universities. The higher and technical education department will work out the final modalities of a pilot project which, if successful, could be extended across universities to prevent paper leaks.

K Sankaranarayanan, Governor, directed vice-chancellors of various varsities to build infrastructure for a full-fledged online mechanism to be put in place across universities.

The initiative is a part of recommendations made by the government’s exam reform panel. The panel suggested several reforms, including online examination and submission of thesis online. Headed by state IT Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, the committee has also recommended a pilot project for starting technology- based examination in the universities. The objective is to bring about some transparency in the system and drastically reduce the instances of paper leaks.

Academic, Agents, India, Newsletter, Politics exam reform panel, IT Secretary, K Sankaranarayanan, Maharashtra, online exams, Rajesh Aggarwal, security

UGC wants credit system in colleges

December 21, 2012December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Time of India via PwC – EdLive

The UGC has reminded all colleges in the state to implement the choice-bad credit and semester system (CBCSS)
at the earliest, as it will be linked with accreditation as well as UGC funding. Incidentally, a committee appointed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) to study the implementation of CBCSS, had recommended a partial roll-back to the annual system. The letter, sent by the Joint Secretary of the UGC to all colleges stated that the UGC’s action plan for academic and administrative reforms during the XIth Plan should be implemented at the earliest. The action plan comprised aspects such as semester system, choice-based credit system, curriculum development, admission procedures and examination reforms. Also these reforms are necessary for the promotion of quality education. The KSHEC recommendations, based on the report of the Hridayakumari Committee, which was set up to study the working of the system and to suggest improvements, had given 11 recommendations based on its findings. It had also asked the government to modify the system.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Politics, Students colleges, credits, UGC

IIT and Canadian Universities spur growth in innovation and entrepreneurship

December 14, 2012December 22, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Connect – Canada in India

Ryerson University has signed an agreement with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, laying the groundwork for students and faculty from both institutions to collaborate on research and industry-based projects to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This association will offer students and faculty from both institutions opportunities to collaborate on research projects in emerging fields of nanotechnology, biomedical engineering and renewable energy. In addition, IIT Bombay also signed agreements with University of Waterloo and University of Toronto during their two-day delegation visit to Toronto in October.

Academic, Canada, India, Newsletter, Technology biomedical engineering, Bombay, Canada, IIT, India, Indian Institute of Technology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, Ryerson University, Toronto, university of toronto, university of waterloo

Canadian Students on Green Mission in India

December 14, 2012March 11, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Connect – Canada in India

What were three young Canadian students doing in crowded bustees on the outskirts of Chandigarh? Team Connect posed this question to Stacy Thoreson, Adam Rieu and Kathryn Shiratti from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). The answer was not only inspiring but loaded with a promise of a greener and better future. The three Canadian students were in Chandigarh to work on an urban agriculture project, with financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Working in partnership with a local non-governmental organization, Developing Indigenous Resources (DIR), and Panjab University, the students helped residents of the congested Janata Colony and Adarsh Nagar grow vegetables on their rooftops. Check out Team Connect’s interview with the Canadian students.

Academic, Canada, Culture, India, Newsletter, Students Adarsh Nagar, AUCC, Canada, canadian international development agency, Canadian students, Chandigarh, CIDA, developing indigenous resources, DIR, Janata Colony, Panjab University, rooftop gardens, students, university of fraser valley

PM announces new Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence

December 14, 2012May 3, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Connect – Canada in India

The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, announced the selection of the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnership to Accelerate Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) as the winner of the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (CIRCE) competition. The centre will receive Government of Canada support of $13.8 million over five years. The centre will develop and implement solutions to important issues in partner communities in India and Canada, providing a real-world testing ground, with the goal of sharing effective solutions with other communities.

Academic, Business, Canada, Disha Newsletters, Newsletter, Politics, V. 13 I. 2.1 - Feb 2013 Canada-India Reasearch Centre for Excellence, CIRCE, IC-IMPACTS, multidisciplinary partnership to accelerate transformation and sustainability, stephen harper

Carleton University seeking Manager for Canada-India Centre for Excellence

December 14, 2012April 6, 2015Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Carleton University, Canada’s Capital University, is seeking a qualified and a highly motivated candidate to fill a key role as:

Manager, Canada-India Centre for Excellence

Salary Range: $64,347 –  $86,319

 

The Manager, CICE is responsible for assisting the strategic objectives of the President, Vice-President (Research & International), and Deans in the development and delivery of a program of academic exchanges, research, economic development and cultural/intellectual activities for the CICE.  The incumbent will initiate and engage in business development activities to obtain funding to make the centre operations sustainable, including developing proposals, milestones, deliverables; overseeing the financial status and human resources to meet objectives; preparing status reports, identifying issues, opportunities and challenges; negotiating  as required with external international funding agencies; preparing materials and recommendations to the CICE Board.
The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:

  • Knowledge of project management principles;
  • Experience in fostering effective communication within and among groups
  • Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills;
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Detail oriented, resourceful, innovative, flexible and accessible;
  • Proven capacity to excel in an independent work environment while relating to various sectors of the university and community including the CICE Board;
  • Exceptional listening, verbal and written communication skills;
  • Strong editorial and documentation skills especially in relation to technical documents;
  • Experience in using word processing, spreadsheets, database and internet applications and tools;
  • Requires exceptional interpersonal, organizational, analytical and writing skills, as well as flexibility;
  • Attention to detail and adherence to strict deadlines in a fast paced, dynamic environment is essential;
  • Must possess knowledge of project management principles and is adept at effectively and efficiently determining priorities, and has experience with innovative research concepts and programs.

 

The above is normally acquired through the completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, ideally with business management skills including a specialization in international business and project management, and experience with international research funding programs specifically in India. Knowledge of languages spoken in India is an asset. This along with a minimum of three or more years related experience, preferably in working with India, Canada and indo-Canadian relations with a focus on business development, research, networking among universities, applying successfully for funds from national and international funding agencies.
Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications.

Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment and social strength.  We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

How to apply: Candidates should visit our website at http://www2.carleton.ca/hr/employment-opportunities/ and follow the instructions provided to apply for this position

Academic, Canada, Job Market, Newsletter Canada-India Centre for Excellence, career, Carleton University, CICE, job, job posting, Manager
International Conference of Academic Institutes – 2013 organized by the Government of Gujarat, India

International Conference of Academic Institutes – 2013 organized by the Government of Gujarat, India

December 10, 2012December 21, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

The 6th Vibrant Gujarat Investor’s Summit is planned from 11th to 13th January 2013 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar; Gujarat. As a part of pre-summit activities, Government of Gujarat planning to organize an ICAI 2013, which will be a two day event on 9th and 10th January 2013 at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar.

Gujarat – the most progressive state, located in the western part of India, is home to several globally eminent academic institutes and Centres of Excellences in different fields viz. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Gandhinagar; National Institute of Design (NID), Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) and Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) etc. Currently, the State has around 51 universities and over 1,400 institutes of higher education affiliated to these universities catering to over 7 million students.

To improve existing tie ups and develop new collaborations; the State of Gujarat Government has organized ICAI 2013. The first edition International Conference for Academic Institutions (ICAI) was organized as an one day event during the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit and nearly 33 delegates from 25 universities representing 9 countries attended ICAI 2011 and nearly 74 MoUs / Letter of Intentions (LoIs) for collaborations between Gujarat universities, foreign universities and Gujarat industries were signed / acknowledged reputes from various countries.

The Government of Gujarat is inviting Provost, Vice-Chancellors, Directors / Dean of Universities to participate in the event. The event has received confirmations from few eminent speakers like President, University of Houston, President, University of South Carolina, Mr. Phil Betty, Editor, Times Higher Education ranking etc. To know more: http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/irai-2013.htm

ICAI 2013 Objective

ICAI will act as a catalyst for universities in Gujarat to build international relationship with foreign institutions for promoting long term sustainable strategic partnership in the areas of:

  • Education Process
  • Research Activities
  • Faculty & Student Exchange
  • Knowledge transfer and capacity building of the universities
Academic, Business, India, Newsletter, Politics Gujarat, India, summit, Vibrant Gujarat
Why Canada is Failing to Lure Indian Students

Why Canada is Failing to Lure Indian Students

December 5, 2012May 3, 2013Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

By Kam Rathee

TORONTO: With Canada not being the favourite destination for Indian students going for higher education abroad, Ottawa needs to take some immediate steps to tap this lucrative market for its educational institutions.

Speaking as Vice-­‐Chairman of the Canada-­‐India Education Council, I would mention the five points that need to be considered for promoting Canada as a destination for Indian students.

On top of the list is the need to improve “Brand Canada” in India. Among the top four or five countries that attract most of Indian students, Canada has always been the weakest brand after the US, UK and Australia.

Now since in the case of the UK, there are problems related to immigration and fees issues and in the case of Australia Indian students have security issues, I think Canada has a golden opportunity to market itself as an educational destination in India. Though the numbers of Indian students coming to Canada has increased over the last two to three years, it still has a long way to go.

Secondly, fees for foreign students are very high in this country. In fact, Canada charges three times more fees from foreign students than local students for imparting the same education and handing out the same diplomas and degrees. In 2010, there were 218,000 foreign students in Canada of which 17,530 came from India – 4,640 as university students and 10,560 as post-­‐secondary students. Most of them come from Indian middle class families and find it difficult to meet their expenses. A reduction in fees to two times that charged from local students will induce more Indian students to come to Canada. In fact, educational institutions can make more money if they increase their intake.

Thirdly, Canada’s federal government needs to play a more active role. In Canada, education is a provincial matter with no significant federal role in it. But foreign students pumped more than $ 8 billion into the Canadian economy in 2010 and supported 86,000 jobs. Despite this, for some strange reasons, education is still not seen as an economic activity – an export commodity and a business enterprise for which foreign students pay three times more than local students. The federal government needs to get involved with the provinces and treat education as a business, with relevant support given to this sector from tax and other perspectives in mind. Education, being a trade, should be subject to free trade agreements, particularly the one that is being negotiated with India.

Fourthly, Canada needs to make education employment and profession oriented so that the fruits of it are clear to those seeking to come here. Canada is turning into a service economy and losing its place as a major manufacturing player. Foreign students coming to Canada are forced to leave as they cannot use their education for a career or employment here. Though this is changing on account of the two-­‐ year post graduation work visas being available, it is still tough to secure employment for foreign students notwithstanding the fact that they have obtained a Canadian degree or diploma. There needs to be a program under which the institution enrolling students from India should have an obligation to assist them in getting meaningful employment on completion of their education.

Academic, Agents, Business, CIEC News, Disha Newsletters, Newsletter, Politics, V. 13 I. 2.1 - Feb 2013 Canada, CIEC, destination, improvements, India, reform, student

Ontario Set to be Top Student Destination

December 5, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Read the full article.

Academic, Agents, Business, Canada, Culture, India, Newsletter, Students Canada, India, Indian Students, Ontario

New York Film Academy comes to Noida

November 26, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Hindu Business Line via PwC – EdLive

The New York Film Academy plans to set up its first South Asian campus in Greater Noida and the first term will begin in January 2013. A press release stated that the year-long, four-week and eight-week courses offered at the Indian campus will be similar to New York. The course will focus on filmmaking, acting and photography. International filmmakers, such as Steven Spielberg and Mira Nair, and Bollywood actors such as Imran Khan and Abhay Deol, among others, are alumni of the academy. The academy has also ventured into tie-ups with several media firms and production houses for placements and internships, the release added.

Academic, Newsletter Greater Noida, New York Film Academy

100 community colleges planned to plug education and skills gap

November 26, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Hindu Business Line via PwC – EdLive

In a rapidly changing world, India’s demographic potential is increasingly in the limelight. However, the Minister for Human Resource Development, Kapil Sibal highlighted the importance of skilling and educating this growing ‘young’ population to ensure that the potential for success does not become a recipe for disaster. To optimise the potential in the country, Sibal said the Ministry will institute 100 community colleges in the country, of which 10 would be in collaboration with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. These colleges will impart education as well as vocational skills to adult illiterates. Sibal said that the country has over 400 million individuals in the age group of 0-14 and another 100 million in the 14-18 years bracket.

Academic, Newsletter, Politics Association of Canadian Community Colleges, India, Minister for Human Resource Development

Education to Build Bridges Between Canada, India

November 5, 2012December 11, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Read the full article.

Academic, Agents, Canada, CIEC News, India, Newsletter, Students CIEC, Synergy

Central varsities looking at PPP model to raise funds

October 17, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Indian Express via PwC – EdLive

The 40-odd central universities are mulling novel fund-raising mechanisms such as bringing in public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure creation and permitting more supernumerary seats for foreign students. At a meeting of vice-chancellors of central varsities held in August, it was decided that they should tap external sources for financial support besides the UGC grants. The vice-chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh has been deputed to draft possible options for PPP. Vice- Chancellors raised the issue of existing restrictions on offering of supernumerary seats for foreign students — an issue that the HRD ministry and the UGC have agreed to re-examine.

Meanwhile, the UGC has been asked to finalise norm-based grants for operating (non-plan) expenditure of universities with the right incentives for central universities to mobilise resources. Norm-based funding process for central universities is likely to be adopted from the next academic session, 2013-14. In order to enhance the overall brand value of central universities, the UGC will assist them in establishing niche areas of excellence. To ensure the centrality of research at universities, 40-50 research parks will be set-up across the country and the vice-chancellor of Hyderabad University will coordinate these efforts. Following the Yale model of connecting research to public utilities is on the cards with vice-chancellors of the Central University of Jharkhand and University of Delhi working on it.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter central university of himachal pradesh, Central University of Jharkhand, grants, Hyderabad University, India, private sector, public sector, public-private partnerships, UGC, University of Delhi

HC asks AICTE to probe if colleges running unapproved courses

October 17, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Economic Times via PwC – EdLive

The AICTE has been asked by the Delhi High Court to probe into an allegation that various engineering colleges are conducting unapproved courses. Disposing of a plea for direction to colleges to stop unapproved courses, a bench of Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw asked the AICTE, the regulatory body for technical education, to carry out a thorough probe and apprise it of its findings within four months. The court order came after the AICTE counsel told the bench that the statutory body would examine the allegations by conducting an in-depth enquiry into the matter.

Academic, Agents, India, Newsletter, Politics, Students AICTE, Delhi High Court, education reform, fraud, India

Bring government universities under new regulations

October 17, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: The Indian Express via PwC – EdLive

Academics have expressed reservations over the special exemptions granted to government-run institutions in the new regulations released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with regard to collaborations with foreign universities. The UGC recently approved regulations through which foreign universities could venture into India and collaborate with Indian institutions. While this was widely seen as a backdoor measure, given the fact that opposition pressure in Parliament had kept the Foreign Universities Bill out of light, the governing body provided wide-ranging prescriptions for such partnerships. According to the regulations, only institutions with an ‘A’ rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) would be eligible for such an agreement. The institutions must also have at least five years of experience in providing post- graduate courses. However, government- run institutions, both at the state and central levels, have been exempted from both these clauses.

Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT-Kanpur, M Anandakrishnan, said that the regulations, which were yet to be notified, would ensure that only respectable institutions could get into such collaborations. However, he opined that the clause exempting the government-run institutions from such minimum qualification, such as NAAC accreditation, should be dropped. “There is still scope for change as the norms are yet to be notified. Government institutions should not be excluded from such quality norms,” he pointed out.

Academic, India, Newsletter, Politics government, India, NAAC, national assessment and accreditation council, UGC, universities, university grants commission

Carleton University to host Canada India Education Summit May 16, 17 2011

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: www.cou.on.ca, Toronto, Feb 2011

Both Canada and India share a strong commitment towards education, the environment, health and science. They commonly view technology as a means to bring economic progress to the nation. To celebrate the commonalities and a mutual desire to develop trade and educational partnerships, Carleton University, in collaboration with the India High Commission and community members has established the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy.

It has been announced by The Shastri Indo- Canadian Institute, in partnership with Carleton University, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the High Commission of India, and the Association of Colleges and Universities of Canada (AUCC) that Canada-India Education Summit is to be held at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada on May 16 and 17, 2011.

The summit was initiated by the High Commission of India with the consent of the two prime ministers and support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

25 vice-chancellors from reputed Indian universities will collaborate with their Canadian counterparts in this event which will include major keynote addresses, as well as executive roundtables on the topics of student and faculty exchanges, joint programs and degrees, twinning arrangements, credit transfers, accreditation issues, mutual recognition of degrees, co-tu-telle possibilities for doctoral students, application of technology in education – especially distance learning – and public and private ventures in education.

Dr. Roseann Runte, president of Carleton University, mentioned that the event is a part of the scheduled activities of the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy at Carleton and is sponsored by the High Commission of India in Canada.

Academic, Canada, Newsletter Canada, Carleton University, India, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

Higher education drives economic growth

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: www.dnaindia.com, Mumbai, March 2011

The second annual convention for Higher Education Forum (HEF) was held at ITM Business School, Kharghar. Two technical sessions were organized in partnership with DNA for educationists to share their thoughts and understanding on the topic “Towards Excellence in Higher Education”. A common consensus was reached that excellence mattered more to people who are in the process of learning rather than the learned ones.

The first session was based on panel discussions from a corporate perspective while the other was more inclined towards building excellence in institutions.

Dr. A K Sengupta, founder and convener of HEF, addressed the audience by stating that “Higher education is the catalyst for bringing about economic change and thereby its transition from efficiency to effectiveness and finally to excellence would bring about startling results”.

Among the speakers were Dr Anial Kakodkar, former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission & chairman of the High Power Committee for Reforms of Higher and Professional Education in the state of Maharashtra; Mr. Ashank Desai, founding director of Mastek; and Dr. PV Ramanna, chairman of ITM Group of Institutions.

Most of the speakers at the convention emphasized on bringing about excellence within faculty and institutions, based on the whooping financial figure of $7.5 billion released by USA earned purely from Indian students.

Mr Caputo mentioned that “A good faculty coupled with proper access to education that’s affordable eventually instilling a sense of accountability and enables students to measure their cognitive gains will be the driving force for acquiring excellence in higher education. In USA, average graduates reel under debts in the process of studies thereby prompting them to seek alternative options instead of opting for higher studies”.

According to Mr. Kakodkar, it is crucial for students to gain industrial experience as corporation and education go hand in hand. He mentioned that “higher education needs to be a proper amalgamation of the best of teacher, pleasure in research work, spirit of innovation and practical experience”.

The corporate speakers for the occasion included Mr Rajeev Dubey, President (HR) Mahindra & Mahindra; Dr Uma Ganesh, CEO, Global Talent Track; Mr P A Krishnan, EVP & Head, Emerging Markets; and Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Global CEO, Zensar Technologies.

Mr. Dubey addressed the group by stating that “Leadership quality governed by trust and openness to emphatically listen and create a win-win situation while striving to make profits is an integral part to achieve excellence”.

To put it in a nutshell, success of higher education depends upon the process of thinking, doing and being. Effective team work along with trust will pave way to educational excellence.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter growth, Higher Education Forum, India

Common curriculum for Maths and Science

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

BS Reporter, Chennai, March 2011

By 2013, possibility of having the same curriculum for Mathematics, Science, and Commerce in schools across the country is fairly high. According to Dr. D. Purandeswari, Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development, such an idea has been agreed upon by the council of all the State educational departments. The success solely depends on the support from state governments who control over a million schools, in comparison with 11,000 schools under Central Board of Secondary Education. To make the quality of education both affordable and accessible, the government is going to enforce a number of regulatory bills including the Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical; Medical Educational Institutions and Universities Bill; and Foreign Universities Bill. As of 2011, the government has allocated 3.8% of the annual public expenditure on education.

Academic, Newsletter, Politics curriculum, math, reform, science

Ode to ODL System

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Dr. K R Prasad, November 2010

An award has been instituted by IGNOU to celebrate the success of 100 achievers who instituted the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System. PCF 6 conference, which was jointly organized by IGNOU and Commonwealth of Learning (COL), focused on the theme of “Access and Success in Leaning: Global Development Perspective”.

71 countries participated to explore the ODL applications in widening educational access, bridging the digital divide and advancing social and economical development of communities and nation. ODL experience was showcased by IGNOU and other acclaimed institutions to demonstrate its stake in expanding the human resource base which would have a positive influence on the nation’s growth.

IGNOU in its Silver Jubilee year has set new standards in democratizing higher education and reaching those who have no access to conventional education. The university has achieved significant milestones by reaching out to people in marginalized sections of the society and remote areas.

Uniqueness, user‐friendliness and ease of knowledge development of ODL system have played pivotal roles in the tremendous growth in facilitating today’s emerging knowledge society.

Distance learning has been growing vastly with almost half of the students opting for it. Emphasis on education for sustainable development, quality knowledge and skills learning and diversification, have been the ultimate objectives of “Wake of the Millennium Development”.

The Program Chair of PCF6, on the recommendations of Honorable Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, had constituted a sub‐committee for identifying 100 ODL Achievers. The terms of reference for the sub‐committee lies in the mandate of identifying ODL Achievers across the open and distance learning institutes and universities in India and abroad.

ODL Achievers have been identified as belonging to the following categories:

People with little or no formal qualification who took ODL and achieved success in terms of better job opportunities/social status/higher self esteem/sense of fulfillment;

Women who achieved success through ODL;

Geographically disadvantaged people who did not have access to higher education nearby but took advantage of ODL and achieved success in terms of better job opportunities/social status/higher self‐ esteem/sense of fulfillment;

Differently‐able persons who achieved success through ODL;

Old/ aged people who fulfilled their desire of intellectual enrichment by acquiring higher qualification through ODL.

100 names with diverse academic interests were selected among the 250 shortlisted by the sub‐committee. Some of the prominent ones are listed below:

  • T.N. Ramanathan, IAS, Secretary of Backward Classes, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, pursued Bachelors and Masters of Commerce through Distance Learning.
  • Charles J Kithu, Director of Finance, Spice Board, Cochin, pursued Management Degree from IGNOU.
  • Hari Singh and Vikas Ahuja, HIV victims, associated with Delhi Network of Positive People and successful in spreading positive influences to other victims, completed Diploma in AIDS and Family Education (DAFE) from IGNOU.
  • Gandkota Laya, Telugu Heroine, pursued Masters in Computer Applications through ODL.
  • Ravula Chandra Sekhar Reddy, former MP, Andhra Pradesh, pursued Masters of Arts and Rural Development (MARD) through ODL.
  • Rohini Sharma, hailing from a remote village in Punjab, pursued MCA through ODL.
  • Rupa Rai Chowdhuri, specially assisted (severely disabled), completed Mathematics with Applications in Computer Sciences (MACS).

ODL candidates from India and other parts of the world are not only inspiring others to pursue their success path but are also being preferred for superior employment opportunities across the globe which would in turn assist in enhancing the economic development of their countries of origin.

 

Academic, India, Newsletter access, democratizing education, expansion, marginalized populations

TCS to sponsor 200 Research Fellowships

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services firm, has set goal to enlarge academic faculty talent pool in India by sponsoring research scholars working on the development of Computing Sciences through the TCS research fellowship program. TCS is committed in helping bridge the academic gap by offering real‐world‐solution‐creation environment to research fellows. 22 candidates have been shortlisted and an additional 18 candidates will be announced in February 2011. TCS plans to financially assist 200 doctoral candidates over a 5 year period to take up PHD programs in reputable institutions of India. Research scholars would receive stipends, conference sponsorships, access to TCS Innovation Labs, interaction with TCS researchers and co‐ innovation network depending on their project requirements in addition to the research support offered to the candidates by TCS.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter scholarships, sponsor, tata consultancy services, TCS

A successful year of NIIT’s Innovation in Education

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Not‐for‐profit organization NIIT was established with a vision of bringing about innovation in higher education and learning in emerging areas of the knowledge society.

The second annual lecture was hosted by Dr. Karan Singh, Chairperson, NIIT University (NU) and Honorable MP at the NIIT University campus. Dr. Gurcharan Das, Acclaimed Author, Playwright and Former CEO, Procter & Gamble India, addressed the audience on “The Importance of Being Humane”.

Mr. Rajendra S Pawar, Founder, NIIT University and Chairman, NIIT Limited, and Dr. Rajeev Shorey, President, NIIT University, were among the eminent guests present on the occasion.

Since its inception, NIIT has developed as an institute of excellence, which provides exceptional education based on ‘Four Core Principles’ that make learning industry‐linked,

Dr. Das referred to his latest book “The Difficulty of Being Good” and addressed the importance of encompassing India’s age‐old moral and ethical values within the modern education system. He stated that education plays a significant role in nurturing individuals who would make Modern India’s future bright with their responsible leadership qualities.

Mr. Pawar stated that India will gain pre‐ eminence owing to the undertaking of holistic and seamless educational approaches relevant to the current levels of innovation and research. He added that NU takes pride in nurturing thoughtful leaders of the future. Dr. Shorey appreciated the effort taken by NU in remodeling higher education. All the guests appreciated Mr. Pawar and Dr Singh for their vision and guidance in making NU a success story. They also appreciated the support of other stakeholders involved in establishing NIIT as an institute of excellence.

Located in the foothills of Aravali in Neemrana, Rajasthan, the 100‐acre fully residential green campus is equipped with state‐of‐the‐art technology facilitating a continuous process of learning.

Some of the programs offered by NIIT are: B. Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Biotechnology and Electronic and Communication Engineering; M. Tech in Bioinformatics, Educational Technology, Embedded Systems and Pervasive Systems; and PhD in all the above disciplines.

Academic, Business, India, Newsletter innovation in education, NIIT

HRD Minister advocates Open School Vocational Training

October 16, 2012November 26, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Source: Indiaedunews, 20 November 2010

HR Development Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal addressed the promotion of vocational training in addition to the XII class syllabus to students during the 19th general body meeting of the National Institute of Open Schooling Society (NIOS). He advised implementing strategies for states that need maximum support. NIOS is an autonomous institution formed by HRD ministry for providing formal education through open schooling system.

 

Academic, Newsletter, Politics Kapil Sibal, Ministry for Human Resource Development, national institute of open schooling society, NIOS, vocational training

A Letter from Deepak Obhrai & Hon. Vim Kochhar

October 5, 2012December 11, 2012Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

After meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper on April 15th, Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai and the Honourable Senator Vim Kochhar issued a call for “inputs, thoughts and any suggestions you may have” to further the role of the South Asian community in Canada.

Read the letter.

Academic, Canada, Culture, India, Newsletter, Politics Canada, community, deepak obhrai, foreign affairs, ottawa, senate, south asian disapora, stephen harper, vim kochhar

Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Replublic of India Concerning Cooperation in Higher Education

August 5, 2012January 24, 2014Canada India Education Council (CIEC)

Read the Memorandum of Understanding here, signed a the G20, recognizing education as ‘an area of new momentum.’

Academic, Agents, Business, Canada, India, Newsletter, Politics Canada, cooperation, education, G20, government, India, memoranum of understanding

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