Number of UGC schemes under XIth plan period

IMPHAL, Dec 28 : A one-day workshop on "Availing of UGC assistance during XIth plan" organized by the Government College Principals` Council and sponsored by the directorate of university and higher education was held at the State Guest House today.

Giving the keynote address, N Ibomcha, principal of the SK Women`s College said that the UGC has launched a number of schemes for developing programs during the XIth plan period starting from April 2009.

P Sharatchandra, IAS, and principal secretary, government of Manipur in his speech suggested to start innovative courses at the under graduate level in the field of hi-tech or emerging areas which have national and global importance.

"The objective of the XIth Plan period is that teaching and research can also be taken up under the category of interdisciplinary innovative and emerging areas. Special focus can be developed by teachers in Manipur regarding new methods of study," he said.

Addressing the workshop, RK Chaoba Singh, additional director of university and higher education said that any shortcomings can be reported to the deputy secretary, UGC north east regional office, Guwahati regarding facilities that are to be provided under the UGC schemes.

SC Roy who spoke in the technical session said that colleges in Manipur and in some parts of the north eastern region do not have a proper engineering department. He also said that proposals for renovating colleges can be considered when the set up of the institution in terms of its laboratory facilities, library etc. are well developed.