Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha on Saturday said her government is committed to promoting Human Resource Development through 'self actualised' institutions by producing high quality professionals and to make the state a global hub for University Education.
"I envision that Institutions of Higher Education emerge as Centres of Innovation, Excellence and Development - that world-class education is offered to our youth in an encompassing and inclusive system. The Higher Education sector in Tamil Nadu is moving at an accelerated pace to meet the demands of the Century in terms of research and development and many schemes have been implemented with this in view, she said.
"Universities should be prime movers of change. We must direct our energies towards developing our Universities to meet global benchmarks" she said, speaking after presenting degrees to students at the 155th convocation of University of Madras here.
"Learning should be a two-way process and should involve the intellect and heart of the student and faculty. Social commitment on the part of the educationists cannot be overlooked", the Chief Minister said.
She listed some of her government's initiatives in this sector, including provision of video-conference facilities to classrooms set up in 10 universities.
"Curriculum development cells have been established in 10 universities at Rs 10 crore, to restructure curricula on par with global standards", she said.
Noting that the free laptop computer scheme was one of the "flagship" programmes of the government, she said it was devised bearing in mind that students must not lag behind in use of modern technology in the age of Internet.
Earlier, Ms Jayalalithaa formally inaugurated an arch at the entrance of the University, constructed at a cost of Rs 84 lakh. She also planted a Banyan sapling on the occasion.