Professor Debi Prasad Mishra, Director of National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research (NITTTR) Kolkata, welcomed all the delegates and dignitaries and highlighted the activities of NITTTR Kolkata. According to him, NEP-2020 is a people’s policy. He also highlighted the salient features of NEP-2020. Some of the features have been implemented at NITTTR-Kolkata e.g., sensitization about National Credit Framework (NCrF), implementation of NEP in Higher Educational Institutions, conducting Mentor Training Program and offering flexible e-STTPs etc. NITTTR have trained on an average 25,000 teachers per year.
Professor Santanu Chattopadhyay, Director, IIIT Kalyani pointed out the major difficulties in implementing NEP-2020: offering programs in local languages. In this context he appreciated the efforts taken by AICTE, namely E-KUMB portal, where many textbooks in different subjects are written in local languages. IIIT-Kalyani has already signed MOU with many institutes like, WBNUJS, NIFT, All MS- Kalyani etc.
Professor Sudip Kr. Roy of Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur highlighted issues already taken into consideration by the institute, which are in line with NEP-2020, e.g., preparation of flexible course structure with many electives. Physical and mental issues of students are integrated in Teaching-Learning System.
Professor Suhrit Ghosh, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata pointed out that even before NEP 2020 they are offering multidisciplinary courses through their interdisciplinary schools. They have introduced flexible course structure as per guidelines of NEP 2020 with many options of major and minor. They also have Technology Research Centre supported by govt. of India conducted several research projects.
Professor Sarbajit Sengupta of Visva Bharati University proudly announced that Tagore’s ideas were taken into consideration while preparing NEP 2020. Integrated multidisciplinary education is normal practice by the university, which are in line with NEP 2020. Environmental education, value based education, inclusive social work are some of the notable activities practices by the university.
Director Central Staff Training and Research Institute (CSTARI), Kolkata pointed out that that they have conducted many awareness program especially in vocational education sector. All vocational curricula are converted in line with NCrF framework.
Professor Bidisha Sinha, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, highlighted that the spirit of NEP-2020 is brilliant but some challenges are there. Mandates of IISER Kolkata are totally aligned with NEP-2020. They are also practicing the multidisciplinary concept of NEP-2020.
Professor Aditi Bhutoria from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta said that NEP-2020 has brought together all higher educational institutions under one umbrella.
Professor Nirmal Baran Hui from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Durgapur pointed out that NIT Durgapur would follow NEP 2020 philosophy in totality. They have started offering majors and minors, providing many options to the students.
