CUKashmir organises panel discussion on ‘Hr Edu in India Post-NEP-2020
06/11/2026
Ganderbal, November 06 (KIP)-The Department of Education (DoE), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), organised a panel discussion on ‘Higher Education in India Post-NEP-2020: Challenges and Opportunities’ at Tulmulla campus here Friday. During the programme, noted academicians and educationists deliberated upon the emerging trends, policy interventions, challenges and opportunities in the Indian higher education system in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
In his welcome address, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Head, Department of Education, highlighted several issues confronting India's contemporary higher education system. He deliberated upon the role of National Research Foundation, the growing significance of digital learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the implications of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), and the increasing concerns surrounding the mental and emotional well-being of students pursuing higher education.
One panellist, Dr L. V. K. Reddy, Registrar, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, discussed the challenges facing government-run higher education institutions and their relationship with industry. He expressed concerns over the increasing commercialisation and privatisation of higher education institutions, highlighting the need to safeguard the public character, accessibility and quality of higher education in the country.
Another panellist, Prof. D. Harichandan, an educationist from Mumbai University, discussed the positive implications of CUET in promoting a common admission framework. He highlighted the growing digitisation of higher education through initiatives such as the SWAYAM platform and underscored the facilitative role of AI-powered tools in enhancing teaching-learning processes, improving academic efficiency and strengthening the overall quality of higher education.
Addressing another dimension about the theme, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Patel, an educationist from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, emphasised the importance of developing mental and emotional resilience among students in higher education institutions. He identified peer support, mentoring, professional counselling, career guidance, life skills education, digital awareness, inclusiveness and the promotion of self-employment as important strategies for addressing students' psychological and academic concerns and preparing them to meet emerging challenges.
The panel discussion was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session during which students and research scholars of the Department of Education engaged with the panellists. They raised questions and sought clarification on various issues concerning the implementation of NEP-2020, digital transformation, institutional reforms and student well-being.
Prof. C. Naseema, Dean, School of Education, proposed the vote of thanks. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Gawhar Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Prof. Department of Education, while Assistant Prof. Mr Reyaz Ahmad Wani was the rapporteur.