Himachal Pradesh University eyes better NAAC accreditation

By: Ravinder Makhaik

Shimla: Hoping to get a better accreditation than the B++ which Himachal Pradesh University presently holds, a team from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team arrived today on a three day visit to assess research capabilities, academic quality, achievements, extension, facilities and other related activities of the various faculties on the campus.

Led by Prof. S.K. Saidapur, Vice-Chancellor Karnatka University Dharward, the team has Deputy Advisor NAAC, Dr. M.S. Shyamasunder as convener and Prof. Chittranjan Sinha from history department of Magadh University, Bodh Gaya; Dr. Kamal Mehta, head of English department of Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Dr. Lilly Kutty Jackob, from department of Electronics Engineering NIT, Calicut, Prof. A.K. Dasbiswas – Dean Kharghar Campus ITM Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Prof. M. Pariaswami from School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh as members.

At the outset the NAAC team pointed out deficiencies over the placement cell and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) in the varsity. Sources revealed that NAAC chairperson at a meeting with department head asked them to promote counseling, consultancy and a alumni cell in the University.

The team is also believed to have questioned the University Institute of Information Technology (UIIT) faculty for not offering Ph.D. in the Information Technology.

In a meeting with the members of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the team emphasized upon starting credit system in the University and making the system more flexible.

Prof. Saidapur also suggested to start a personality development and communication skill course for all the students at the University.

The NAAC team visited departments of Bio-Technology, Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Bio-Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Sanskrit, English, History, Political Science, Foreign Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, Economics, Education, Psychology, Geography, Journalism, Buddhist Studies, Yoga, Physical Education, ICDEOL, Public Administration, Hindi, Commerce, Law, Sociology, Management Studies, Vocational Studies (Tourism), Boys and Girls Hostels, had a meeting with the Principals and Students Representatives.

On Thursday, the NAAC team will visit the specialized centers, administrative offices, sports facilities, colleges of business and legal studies and centre for evening studies.

The NAAC team is visiting the varsity after seven years. The present grade of the varsity is B++ which was marked to the HPU by NAAC in 2003. With lot of improvements in the different faculties in the varsity, authorities are enthusiastically hoping for the improvement of the grade.