JSFDA Holds First Annual Conclave on Higher Education Reforms

Jharkhandinc Bureau

RANCHI, March 20: The Jharkhand State Faculty Development Academy (JSFDA) on Friday organised its first annual conclave in Ranchi, bringing together academicians, policymakers and university administrators to discuss reforms in higher education.

The conclave, held at a city hotel, marked the first anniversary of JSFDA and saw participation from vice-chancellors, registrars, principals, faculty members and representatives of partner institutions.

Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education and JSFDA Chairman Rahul Kumar Purwar said the state’s youth are its key resource and emphasised the need to equip them with skills and quality education.

He urged teachers to play a broader role as mentors and contributors to nation-building.

Academic expert P Kandaswamy, who attended as chief guest, highlighted the importance of integrating technology in teaching and strengthening faculty development programmes.

Officials said JSFDA has conducted programmes on topics such as gender sensitisation, mental well-being, language development and writing skills.

During the conclave, discussions focused on implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, faculty capacity building and the role of technology in education.

Experts said artificial intelligence should be seen as a support tool for teachers rather than a replacement.

Sessions also addressed leadership development among educators and improving governance and institutional capacity in higher education.

Participants emphasised the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, promote research and publication, and improve student mentoring systems.

Suggestions were also made to link Jharkhand’s natural and mineral resources with entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives.

In the concluding session, winners of a logo design competition organised by JSFDA were felicitated.

Officials said the academy aims to improve quality in higher education through continuous faculty development and collaboration among institutions.

They said the conclave was part of efforts to strengthen academic standards and make higher education more responsive to emerging challenges.