Andhra Pradesh’s Education Institutions Leading the Way in NEP Implementation

Andhra Pradesh’s Education Institutions: Nearly three years after the implementation of the national education policy-2020, vice-chancellors/directors of a number of state universities and central institutions convened in Visakhapatnam to discuss how they are championing this paradigm shift in the education system.

Officials from Andhra University, JNTU-Vizianagaram, Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP), Indian Institute of Management-Visakhapatnam, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, and Dr. BR Ambedkar University-Srikakulam presented on the NEP-inspired reforms implemented at their respective institutions. The meeting was organised by CTUAP on Wednesday.

Andhra Pradesh’s Education Institutions Leading the Way in NEP Implementation

Prof. Shalivahan, director of IIPE, stated that IIPE has reoriented their course curriculum towards industry in accordance with the NEP. “As part of our sandwich PhD programmes, the researcher can spend up to one year at international institutions. This initiative seeks to enhance research skills and employment opportunities in the international context, which is also part of NEP. Several international electives are offered in a reversed format, according to Professor Shalivahan.

Dr. M. Shameem Jawed, a professor at IIM Vizag, described how the institution is pursuing internationalisation by expanding its global footprint, as recommended by the NEP. “IIM Vizag has already signed MoUs with institutions such as Northern Illinois University in the United States. There is collaborative course instruction with the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. It is among the nine IIMs to receive the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship. Under the MGNF programme, 76 fellows are working under the district collectors of AP, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh (one fellow per district) to improve skill development at the grassroots level. IIMV FIELD, IIMV’s incubation centre, has incubated over 120 businesses, according to Prof. Jawed.

Prof. V Krishna Mohan, the registrar of Andhra University, stated that the institution has overhauled its curriculum in accordance with the NEP. “Multiple integrated programmes with multiple entry and exit options have been implemented.” Thirty of the sixty pupils enrolled at the AU School of International Business are foreign nationals. According to Prof. Krishna Mohan, new disciplines such as food sciences and environmental engineering were introduced in response to the NEP.

Prof. N. Venkata Rao, vice-chancellor of Dr. BR Ambedkar University, spoke about the institute’s industry-focused academic and training programmes implemented over the past three years in response to NEP recommendations. Prof. Rao stated, “BRAU is at the forefront of enhancing students’ skills through a revised, industry-focused curriculum and propelling them towards employment, as envisioned in the NEP.” He elaborated on how they designed and implemented courses for the local pharmaceutical and other industries.

Prof. K Venkata Subbaiah, vice chancellor of JNTU Vizianagaram, stated that the university has mandated a 10-month internship for all students in accordance with NEP. A two-month community service requirement has also been mandated for students. Now, students can take advantage of a sabbatical year to pursue innovation or entrepreneurship. We are utilising NPTEL/Swayam for elective courses. All of this is only feasible because of NEP,” said Prof. Subbaiah.
Prof. TV Kattimani, the director of CTUAP, which organised the meeting, stated that the institute has initiated impactful projects in important areas such as public health and the preservation and advancement of the Indian knowledge system. Prof. Kattimani stated that the university began focusing on neighbourhood skills such as Ponduru khadi, Bobbili veena, Etikoppaka toys, cashew nut industry, etc.