President Patil pitches on the need to produce world-class human resource

Ranchi, Dec 10 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Friday said globalisation has created an inter-related and an inter-linked world, and asked educational institutions in the country to rise to the challenge of producing world-class human resource to meet the requirements of a globalised world.

President Patil said no nation can attain sustainable economic development without substantial investment in human capital.

"Globalisation has created an inter-related and an inter-linked world, and as we have seen, the Indian economy is also getting integrated with the global economy. This throws the challenge of being globally competitive," said President Patil, while speaking at the 25th annual convocation of Ranchi University here.

"Global markets are being driven by knowledge capital. Ideas, innovations and intellectual capital will be the main determinants of higher productivity. Higher education must, therefore, develop analytical, creative and scientific capability of their students," she added.

President Patil further said the higher education in the country not only needs to expand its capacity, but also make substantial qualitative improvement if it has to be the driver of sustainable economic development.

The President asked the universities to develop strong backward linkages in education especially with the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' and 'National Literacy Mission'

Speaking on the occasion, she also highlighted the menace of ragging in educational institutions, and called it as a practice, which is most injurious, criminal and disgraceful.

"Institutions should be extra careful and direct to stop it forthwith. It brings bad name to the institution and our country," she added.

President Patil, who donned black and yellow robes, gave away medals to 35 University toppers after inaugurating Ranchi University's 'Basic Science Building'.

Further talking about the changes needed in the educational sector, President Patil said: "There is an express need to upgrade the curricula, to equip classrooms, laboratories and libraries, as only nations with high quality human resources would be counted amongst the front ranking in the knowledge era."

"Quality faculty is important to maintain high standards of our Universities, so that world class graduates, post-graduates and Doctoral students are produced," she added.

Jharkhand Governor MOH Farook, Chief Minister Arjun Munda and Ranchi University Vice Chancellor A A Khan were also present at the convocation ceremony.

"The state has a high drop out rate which the government is trying to improve by offering incentives to students like bicycles, medical facilities and nutrition," said Munda. (ANI)