The Union Minister of Human Resource Development Smt Smriti Zubin Irani chaired the conference of Central University Vice Chancellors at Surajkund (Faridabad) today. Following resolutions were passed unanimously at the Conference:

1. In order to optimize academic output of the student community, universities to institutionalize peer-assisted learning through an active mentoring system involving senior students and faculty.

2. To ensure a transparent proactive mechanism for grievance redressal of the university community, including students, staff and faculty, steps to be taken to appoint an Anti-Discrimination officer.

3. To increase cost-effective and transparent access to Higher Education Online Admission process to be commenced.

4. To increase Gross Enrolment Ratio to 30% in Higher Education, to increase access through starting classes in double shifts to overcome the infrastructure and human resource bottle necks.

5. In order to keep pace with the fast emerging knowledge society in the global world, new and innovative courses are proposed to prepare for the future needs of the nation:

a) Social Sciences and Humanities

(i) Applied courses in Foreign Languages

(ii) New Media and Youth

(iii) Inter-faith Studies

(iv) Dialogue of culture & Civilizations

(v) Women and entrepreneurship

(vi) Epidemiology & Public Health

(vii) Gerontology

(viii) Citizenship and value education

(ix) Diaspora studies

b) Science, Technology & Agriculture

(i) Nano-technology

(ii) Converging technologies

(iii) Applied Science & Maths

(iv) Farming Technology

(v) Rural Supply Chain Management

(vi) Renewable energy development

6. In order to ensure that no student is deprived of Higher Education due to language limitation universities to ensure instruction in English and an Indian language as applicable to the state.

7. To enable students to take correct personal and professional decisions, to implement a professional system of comprehensive guidance and counseling by experts.

8. In order to ensure a healthy, safe and congenial work environment for women, students, staff & faculty, institutionalize a suitable redressal mechanism and strengthen the existing system.

9. At a central place at every university, the national flag will be flown prominently and proudly.

10. To motivate students to be socially aware and responsible citizens and to inculcate a spirit of dignity of labour among the youth and commitment for social upliftment, village adoption programme already in place under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan be strengthened.

11. For ensuring transparency in and speedy delivery of services administrative Reforms coupled with e-governance to be taken up on priority.

12. One-week course on leadership and management at two select IIMs for V.C.s Pro-V.C.s and Registrars.