In a significant move to enhance the global standing of Indian universities, the British Council and Maharashtra’s Department of Higher and Technical Education have jointly launched the Capacity Building for International Officers programme. This initiative seeks to equip higher education institutions with the tools and expertise necessary for fostering international collaborations.
Participants and Objectives
The program includes 36 participants from 18 public and private universities across Maharashtra. It is designed to strengthen the internationalisation efforts of Indian universities while leveraging the expertise of the UK in this domain.
Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), the initiative aspires to position India as a global education hub through enhanced cross-border collaborations and the promotion of excellence in higher education.
Program Highlights
The program features specialized modules aimed at:
- Skill Development for International Officers: Enhancing their effectiveness in managing global collaborations.
- Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging exchange of best practices between Indian and international institutions.
- Practical Outcomes: Supporting universities in implementing internationalisation strategies.
This targeted approach aims to ensure participating institutions achieve tangible results in their internationalisation agendas.
Official Remarks
Vikas Chandra Rastogi, IAS, Principal Secretary, Higher and Technical Education Department, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the vision of NEP 2020:
“By equipping our universities with the tools and expertise to drive internationalisation, the initiative not only aligns with the vision of NEP 2020 but also strengthens Maharashtra’s commitment to becoming a leader in global education.”
Aligning with NEP 2020
The program reflects NEP 2020’s emphasis on:
- Globalization of Education: Promoting Indian universities as destinations for international students.
- Academic Excellence: Encouraging partnerships with global institutions to improve educational standards.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Fostering cultural and academic exchanges to strengthen international ties.
Impact on Maharashtra
This initiative is expected to position Maharashtra as a leader in global education by providing its universities with the capabilities to attract international partnerships, thereby enhancing their reputation and competitiveness.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the British Council and Maharashtra’s Department of Higher and Technical Education signifies a pivotal step in advancing India’s higher education landscape. By building the capacities of international officers, the program not only aligns with national goals but also empowers universities to excel on the global stage.
