NEIES conference focuses on challenges of higher education in NE

The 18th conference of North-East India Education Society (NEIES)commenced Thursday in Kohima at Hotel Japfü on the theme “challenges of higher education in the North East”. Delegates from various states of the north east arrived Kohima for the two day conference.
Professor Manoj Pant, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University speaking at the inaugural function as chief guest said higher education must be focused on research and development. He said crucial issue in higher education was that of accountability, social assessment and research and development.
Prof Pant further stated that education in North-east should interface with the government and that conflicts in higher education should not hamper the future of higher education.
Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, Professor K.Kannan pointed out that challenges in higher education included appointment of teachers, and the need to bring out an attitude change in students and teachers. Professor Kannan stated that evaluation system in Nagaland was the biggest drawback. He urged the need to change from linear form of examination to that of cyclic.
Delivering keynote address, Prof P.K. Gupta, president, NEIES, said status of higher education in India was 13% enrollment in colleges and universities, as against the average of 25% enrollment. He highlighted that some issues pertaining to weak enrollment in the country included question of equitable distribution of higher education to all sections of the society, quantitative and qualitative aspects, etc.
Special music was presented by students from Japfü Christian College and Patkai Christian College. Welcome address was delivered by Dr. Buno Liegise, head, Department of Education.
The two day conference is being organized by the Department of Education, Nagaland University, Kohima campus.