GNDU to Launch Skill-Based Courses and AI Centre from 2025

Amritsar: Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will introduce 50 skill-based courses, dual degree programs with foreign institutions, and an Ethical AI Centre from the 2025-26 academic session. The initiative aims to align the university’s curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and enhance academic standards.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced these developments during a budget session, responding to a query from Amritsar North legislator Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh. He emphasized the university’s interdisciplinary approach, academic bank of credits, and multi-entry, multi-exit programs under the NEP framework.

Focus on Quality and Research

To ensure academic excellence, GNDU will strengthen its Internal Quality Assurance Cell. Additionally, the university will promote research, industrial training, start-ups, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among faculty members.

Concern Over Contractual Teachers

During the session, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh raised concerns about the high number of contractual and part-time teachers in various departments. He highlighted that the School of Financial Studies has nine regular teachers compared to 26 contractual staff. Similarly, the Punjabi, English, and Computer Science departments have more contractual teachers than permanent faculty.

He also pointed out that some departments lack regular heads, with faculty from unrelated departments managing administrative roles.

In response, Bains acknowledged the issue, stating that contractual teachers were hired by previous governments and their regularization remains challenging. However, he assured that new appointments are being made, and discussions regarding permanent department heads will be held with the vice-chancellor.

PRTC to Expand Fleet with 550 New Buses

The Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) has initiated the purchase of 450 ordinary buses and 100 midi buses, along with the hiring of 100 additional buses under its kilometre scheme for 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar announced this in response to Budhlada MLA Budh Ram’s concerns about the shortage of buses, particularly in rural areas. He assured that the Budhlada depot would receive priority allocation of new buses to restore non-operational routes.

Bhullar also clarified that under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, unemployed youth can apply for stage carriage permits for small routes, which will be processed as per the government’s liberal policy.

Current Fleet Status at Budhlada Depot

• The depot, established 45 years ago, had a fleet of 81 buses six months ago.
• Eight buses were condemned, and two were transferred to another depot.
• PRTC has now hired 83 new buses, of which three have already been allocated to Budhlada, increasing its fleet strength to 76.
• An additional 20 buses are required for village routes.

Committee to Assess Bridges in Jagraon

Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal announced the formation of a committee to examine the condition of 138 bridges in the Jagraon assembly constituency. The decision came in response to Jagraon MLA Saravjit Kaur Manuke’s concerns about the structural integrity of these bridges, many of which are over 30 to 50 years old.

Goyal assured that, except for one, most bridges are in satisfactory condition. The committee will evaluate their status and report findings to relevant agencies, including the Mandi Board, Public Works Department, and Water Resources Department, for further action.