HTD minister
HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Thursday asked all universities to constitute special cells to address the academic issues.

He said that every issue related to students’ academic calendar and examinations that have arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic must be addressed properly.

While interacting with over 45000 heads in a national webinar hosted by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), the HRD minister revealed that a task force has been created in UGC and NCERT to resolve the different issues of students.

During the national webinar ‘COVID-19: Turning Crisis Into Opportunity’, Pokhriyal also urged all higher educational institutions to take part in the NAAC accreditation process.

Appreciating the educational fraternity as Corona Warriors, Pokhriyal asked the educationists, students, parents, to switch-over to the online method and make the most of the situation so that the academic session of the students and the higher educational institutions are not interrupted.

He said there is an urgent need to improve and enhance the online ecosystem in India and educators should contribute to enhancing the reach so that online education reaches even the rural areas.

“In the hour-long interaction and address, the Union Minister reflected on various issues and concerns raised by educationists related to Academic Calendar, Online Education, examinations, Fees, Mental health of students, problems of students, fellowships, NEET, entrance examinations etc,” a release by the HRD ministry said.

“He dwelt upon at length on the initiatives taken by the Government with regard to Swayam Prabha, Deeksharambh, Paramarsh and a host of other special initiatives taken during the pandemic period,” it added.