Latest news with #FDPs
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
AI: Where demand for courses is high, but supply of teachers, poor
In the past three years, the intake in Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses has almost doubled in Tamil Nadu. It is expected to be at its highest this year. Looking at only the AI and Data Science course at the undergraduate level, the intake has gone up from 7,049 in 2022-23 to 15,702 in 2024-25. The number of courses on AI has grown proportionately. According to estimates, there are 800 courses on AI offered by institutions across India, said Balaraman Ravindran, head, Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras. However, there aren't enough faculty members with a qualified AI background to teach these courses. Besides, Computer Science, which provides the foundational tools for AI, does not form the core component of the emerging field since AI requires heavy reliance on mathematical concepts and principles to develop algorithms, he said. It is, therefore, pertinent that faculty members teaching AI have to be from an AI background or should equip themselves through Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs). Subalalitha C.N., professor, Department of Computing Technologies, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), concurred with this view. SRMIST offers 10 different AI courses, and finding faculty members has been a challenge. 'Certifications and FDPs are the ways through which the faculty members are equipping themselves, especially since more students are opting for AI courses,' she said. There is also a move towards integrating AI with other core engineering subjects. Such multidisciplinary approach, she said, has also attracted funding from institutions. 'AI is full of maths. All algorithms have core mathematics in their background. Hence, the integration is easy,' she said. Also, the requirements of different professionals working on AI — researchers, faculty members, or developers — are different. Those developing applications may not require heavy reliance on mathematics, but those developing language models would require it. 'They would align according to their priority or preference,' she added. The dearth of AI teachers is a matter of concern. Experts say collaboration with industry could bridge the gap to some extent, but there should be a road map for faculty development. Besides the training programmes for the faculty members, efforts are needed to attract talented youngsters proficient in AI to academics.
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh government to introduce programmes in Quantum Technologies and AI in engineering and degree colleges
The State government has decided to introduce minor programmes in Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in both engineering and conventional degree colleges from the academic year 2025-26. An expert committee, constituted by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) to design and develop a robust curriculum framework for Quantum Computing, Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in alignment with the National Education Police (NEP), 2020 and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) guidelines, met on Sunday (June 22). The meeting, headed by APSCHE Chairman K. Madhu Murthy, discussed key aspects of the curriculum design, capacity-building, development of a Quantum Lab and research, innovation and start-ups. Former Special Secretary, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ganta Subba Rao, who is also a member of the committee, said quantum technology represents an emerging field poised to revolutionise numerous sectors, from computing and sensing to communication. Its transformative potential necessitates a specialised workforce capable of navigating its complexities and driving its development. After a thorough round of discussion, it was decided to introduce a Minor Degree in Quantum Technologies (Engineering stream) for 18 credits, a Minor Degree in Artificial Intelligence (Engineering and General streams) for 18 credits and a Minor Degree in Quantum Technologies (General Degree stream) for 16 credit points The meeting also decided to conduct Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) for 500 faculty in physics, electronics, mathematics and computer science disciplines. The committee members also proposed to set up Quantum Labs at Andhra University, JNTU-Kakinada, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Sri Venkateswara University, JNTU-Anantapur and Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT) The expert committee is represented by the Head, Quantum Technology Cell, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, J.B. V. Reddy, as its Chairman and former Special Secretary, Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ganta Subba Rao, Vice-Chancellor (incharge) Acharya Nagarjuna University K. Gangadhar Rao, Professor, Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Andhra University V. Valli Kumari, Academic Consultant, APSCHE Chandra Vishnu Mohan Rao, CAMOST, IIT and IISER Tirupati Arijit Sharma, Emmanuel Subhakar from Department of SCE, MNIT Jaipur, Head of the Quantum Computing, IBM India L. Venkata Subramaniam, Head of the Alliances, Incubation, Research and Innovation, TCS Sridhar C.V., CEO of Efftronics Systems Pvt. Ltd D. Rama Krishna, Principal, APSCHE P. Anil Kumar and Academic Officer, APSCHE G. D. Rajender as members and Academic Officer, APSCHE, G. Srirangam Mathew, as member and Convener.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Guest lecturers concerned over low remuneration for attending faculty development programmes
Guest lecturers in government arts and science colleges have expressed concern over being repeatedly assigned to attend the faculty development programme (FDP) under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme for low remuneration and have suggested that the authorities should regulate the upskilling initiative with a higher allowance. 'The FDP is held to re-train teachers and equip them with the skills and knowledge to deal with the new generation of students and subjects in Naan Mudhalvan. While we appreciate the initiative, we have noticed that many institutions are giving their guest lecturers the task of attending the six-day programme, with a daily allowance of ₹250. This amount is not sufficient to cover even the travel cost of commuting to the training centres,' V. Thangaraj, state president, Tamil Nadu All Government College UGC Qualified Guest Lecturers Association, told The Hindu. 'Guest lecturers are already working for lesser pay, and are sanctioned salaries only for 11 months of the year. Pressuring them to attend FDPs on such a low allowance is not fair,' said Mr. Thangaraj. A Lalgudi-based teacher, who recently attended an FDP session on the Khajamalai campus of Bharathidasan University in Tiruchi, said: 'We have to spend out of our pocket, because the allowance is sanctioned only a few months after the FDP. The authorities could increase the amount to ₹500 to make it more affordable for participants,' said . 'It takes at least two hours for us to reach the training facility, especially if we are travelling by bus,' he added. Some guest lecturers said they were being singled out by their institutions to attend the FDPs, while permanent staff were being excused. Mr. Thangaraj also suggested that laptops could be commissioned for all teaching staff, as it would streamline their work, especially in conjunction with Naan Mudhalvan requirements. 'At present, teachers who do not own a laptop are made to share computer terminals during the FDPs. Most of our work is digitalised these days. Laptops will help us to do it better,' said a teacher.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
GIMS, Galgotias University sign MoU to boost joint medical research
GREATER NOIDA: The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, and Galgotias University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the utilisation of animal house facilities for research work in a step to advance medical research and academic collaboration, officials said on Wednesday. The partnership, officials said, marks a crucial step forward in fostering institutional synergy and strengthening the research ecosystem in the region. According to officials, the MoU aims to support and promote collaborative efforts in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, facilitating access to specialised infrastructure, and providing opportunities for both faculty and students to engage in globally relevant scientific studies. Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony on Wednesday, vice chancellor, Galgotias University, Prof K Mallikarjunna Babu emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership. 'The pact is a transformative milestone that lays the foundation for long-term cooperation and innovation within the vital domains of healthcare and medical research. This agreement represents our shared vision to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and healthcare innovation by leveraging each other's strengths,' he said. Calling the move a significant boost to the institution's research capabilities, GIMS Greater Noida director Dr (Brig) Rakesh Gupta said, 'The MoU with Galgotias University will substantially strengthen our research infrastructure and allow faculty and students to undertake cutting-edge biomedical studies aligned with global standards'. In a parallel development, Galgotias University, in collaboration with Tata Technologies, inaugurated a cutting-edge learning centre focused on product development and next-generation engineering technologies, on Wednesday said officials. The centre, inaugurated by Pawan Bhageria, global president – HR, IT and Education, Tata Technologies, and Dr Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, will provide hands-on training in MCAD/PLM, electric vehicle (EV) technologies, and other emerging fields. The training will be delivered via Tata Technologies' globally acclaimed, 'I GET IT' platform, said officials. 'This learning centre represents our deep commitment to delivering practice-based, globally relevant engineering. Through our partnership with Tata Technologies, we are creating an environment where students can acquire industry-ready skills,' said Dr Galgotia. 'We are passionate about enabling future engineers with practical skills. This collaboration ensures students are prepared for careers in the fast-evolving engineering sector,' said Bhageria of Tata Technologies. The centre will also run Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and sessions by subject matter experts to enhance faculty expertise and provide industrial exposure to students. Placement support from Tata Technologies is also part of the initiative.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
V-Cs' of public varsities in A.P told to focus on reorientation of curricula, employability, research and global reach
Secretary Department of Higher Education, Kona Sashidhar, on Wednesday directed Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of all State Universities to focus on improving academic and administrative standards across their respective institutions. Speaking at a meeting organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), Mr. Sashidhar directed the Vice-Chancellors and Registrars to focus on reorientation of curricula, to enhance graduate employability in line with the market and social needs. He also asked the universities to mentor other institutions, including ITIs, polytechnics, professional colleges, and general degree colleges, to ensure cohesive development across the higher education spectrum. He urged the Universities to function as skill clusters to address the diverse NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework) levels, to provide seamless upskilling and reskilling opportunities, and enhance institutional visibility by maintaining comprehensive databases of all constituent and affiliated colleges under their jurisdiction. The Council Chairman, K. Madhu Murthy, stressed the need for collaboration among universities to raise academic standards, strengthen institutional governance, and improve global competitiveness. He reviewed court cases related to faculty recruitment and pointed out that these legal issues were impeding faculty recruitment. He directed the universities to resolve these cases in coordination with legal and administrative departments to ensure timely and transparent recruitment without compromising on quality or statutory compliance. On implementation of four-year UG Honours programmes with dual majors, he shared a detailed framework for the rollout of the programmes in line with NEP-2020, highlighting the introduction of dual majors as an innovative approach to foster inter-disciplinary learning. The universities were advised to adopt a uniform curriculum framework for technical programmes offered by engineering institutions across the State and to implement the Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) focussing on digital pedagogy and emerging technologies. Prof. Murthy said APSCHE would extend financial support to universities for organising FDPs. Emphasis was also laid on the establishment of functional and dynamic Research Boards in every university to foster a strong research ecosystem, secure external funding, and promote high-quality publications. The Vice-Chancellors were encouraged to strengthen their international outreach, design foreign-student-friendly policies, and leverage platforms such as 'Study in India' to enhance global visibility and attract international students. The universities were also advised to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of short-term internship programmes, ensuring effective industry engagement and experiential learning, employability skills, industry exposure, and research aptitude opportunities for students. Vice-Chairpersons of APSCHE K. Rama Mohana Rao and P. Uma Maheswari Devi, Secretary T.V. Sri Krishna Murthy and Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of all State Universities attended the meeting. Eom...
