UGC expert team assess NEHU infrastructure

Shillong, Sept 8 (UNI) A six-member expert team of University Grant Commission (UGC) inspected the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus here in connection with its award as a University with Potential for Excellence (UPE) grade.

The UPE grading system began during the ninth plan period (1997-2002) and till date only nine varsities - of the 45 short listed ones - made the UPE grade, including NEHU which was in the elite list in December 2005.

The six-member UGC expert team headed by Prof. A Gnanam was here since, September 6 to 8, NEHU PRO Dr Kynpham Nongkynrih said here today.

With the declaration of NEHU as a UPE, Rs 30 crore was released by the UGC to the University to help it realise its vision of becoming a centre for excellence. Dr Nongkynrih said the financial assistance was meant for general infrastructure development and focus on research.

In the research focus categories, two research areas have been focused, which includes Areas Studies and Bio Science.

The delegation also held meetings with NEHU Vice-Chancellor P Tandon and various departments to enable UGC to give its final approval to the schemes. The team also interacted with the teaching and non-teaching staff of the varsity and made a survey of the two campuses in the state capital.

Earlier, in 2005 NEHU was declared as a UPE, thus making it the top-nine University in the Country. The UPE grading system was started during the 9th plan period and till date only nine universities have been given UPE status out of the 45 listed universities.

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