Focus on skill development and digital education, Telangana Governor urges higher education institutions

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has called upon higher educational institutions to focus on skill development, digital education and inclusive learning.

Speaking at the 27th convocation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) on Wednesday, he appreciated the university’s role in expanding educational opportunities to more than 25 lakh students, including those from rural, remote and disadvantaged communities. He said the university is contributing to the expansion of higher education and improvement of gross enrolment ratio.

At the event, he conferred an honorary doctorate on filmmaker, poet and actor B. Narsing Rao and presented Ph.D. and M.Phil degrees, gold medals and books to students.

Noting the university’s Samatha initiative, which provides free education to economically weaker, disadvantaged and tribal communities, Mr.Shukla said the university’s policies reflected the spirit of National Education Policy-2020. He noted that more than half of its graduates are women. He further urged youth to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics and automation, and work towards a drug-free India.

Former director of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), V.S. Prasad observed that open universities had democratised higher education by bringing learning to the doorstep of students. He stressed the ethical use of AI, transparent administration, and credible examinations.

Vice-Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani said BRAOU was transforming into a comprehensive Open Digital University by integrating Bodhi, digital content, assessment, learner services and digital certifications. He stressed that digital transformation must not create a new digital divide and said the university was strengthening skill development, internships, apprenticeships, research and quality assurance.

At the convocation, 23 Ph.D. scholars and one M.Phil scholar received degrees, while 36,145 students were awarded degrees and certificates. Thirty-eight gold medals were presented.

Degrees for jail inmates

Twenty-seven inmates from three central prisons in Cherlapally, Rajahmundry and Kadapa received their degrees. An inmate of Rajahmundry Central Prison, who secured the highest marks, received a gold medal and book prize.

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department expressed pride in the achievement and said that 10 inmates from Cherlapally had completed their postgraduate studies and received degrees. Of them, eight have completed M.Sc. Psychology and two completed M.A. Sociology.

All 10 candidates already hold degrees such as LL.B., B.Tech and other qualifications, and continued their higher education while in prison.

DIG (Prisons) D. Srinivas said education is an important instrument of correction, rehabilitation and social reintegration, and it continues to be emphasised. He added that inmates are encouraged to utilise their time constructively to educate themselves or acquire skills that would help them rebuild their lives after release.