Pune: Generating positive vibes among the faculty of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman DP Singh interacted with them for nearly an hour on Friday. 

Stressing the need of ethics while conducting the research, Singh spoke of various plans UGC has in store for the students in coming years.

In first of its kind of interaction between faculty and UGC chairman, head of education and extension board Sanjeev Sonawane said that it has motivated and encouraged them.
 
Sonawane added, UGC chairman during the interaction, explained the role of a teacher in the ‘changing times.’

“Singh stressed the fact that how ethics are important while publishing a research paper in national or international journals,” said Sonawane adding that Singh also spoke about developing the leadership qualities among students.

Another faculty member on the condition of anonymity said, “UGC has started the induction programme for newly appointed teachers which is on the line of students induction programme and it was a welcome move.” 

She further said, “Singh gave information about the Swayam portal and how subject-specific programmes have been uploaded on the portal.” Another faculty said that this gesture of Singh signifies the transparency and open interaction between the authority and implementing body.

It also means that the views and opinions are listened and respected instead of few people making decisions while sitting in the ivory tower, without the on- groundshe added.

Wise words of UCG Chief

• Universities and colleges must take steps to ensure that the anti-ragging rule is implemented strictly in their premises. University Grants Commission has always acted strictly against the ragging incidents that take place in educational institutes, said UGC Chairman DP Singh.
• He was speaking to the media persons at the sidelines of the inauguration of Astronomy Teaching and Learning at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics here on Friday. Singh added that the educational institutions must act as functional bodies when such cases are surfaced.
• He also said that the media too can play a pro-active role to bring such cases to the fore. While replying to the question that despite a ban on junk food in the educational institutions, it is still available. He said, “UGC has issued the notification and it is an advisory, not a regulation. But we need more awareness among students about it.”
• Commenting on the further plans of UGC, he said, by 2020 we are planning to accredit all the non-accredited institutes. And through Paramash scheme, we want NAAC accredited colleges to mentor the non-accredited colleges about the procedure of how to acquire the NAAC accreditation.”
• The fellowship concerns of the students will be tackled through the Grievances Redressal forum, he added.