University should be more inclusive: Beteille

Shillong, Oct 24 (UNI) Indian social scientist and Chancellor of the North Eastern Hills University (NEHU) Prof Andre Beteille today said universities across India should be made more diverse and socially more inclusive without compromising on academic standards.

In his last convocation presidential address of NEHU, Prof Beteille emphasised on the need of promoting more research studies along with teaching in the universities.

''No university can afford to neglect research. But universities in a poor country like India cannot afford to promote research at the expense of teaching,'' the social scientist stated.

He also felt that the universities should invest more funds on laboratories, library and research to equip themselves rather than spending on infrastructures and salaries.

Prof Beteille informed the government had expressed to renew its commitment to excellence in education to ensure that every Indian is literate, educated and skilled.

Delivering a key-note address at NEHU's 17th convocation, Chairman of Central Statistical Commission, Prof Suresh D Tendulkar stressed the need to keep educational institutions alive to newer opportunities that may emerge consequent upon increased international as well as intra-national integration.

''The university must evolve newer courses and revise existing ones to keep the professional endowments of the population in line with the requirements of accessing the opportunities from integration,'' Prof Tendulkar asserted.

Earlier, the Chancellor conferred 1502 students with their Ph D, M Phil, Masters and Bachelors Degrees on the occasion.

UNI