Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 20 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, while reviewing the progress of Assam's Central Higher Education Institutions at IIT Guwahati on Friday, stressed upon Indian institutions to emphasise research and innovation to compete on the global stage.

Majumdar has reached IIT Guwahati for an in-depth review meeting of the Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEIs) in Assam.

During his address, Sukanta Majumdar emphasised the crucial role of higher education in promoting socio-economic growth in Assam and the Northeast.

"Our institutes in the North Eastern states are facing multiple challenges--ranging from student well-being, to financial and infrastructural constraints. It is imperative that we collectively rise to meet these challenges. Additionally, as the world moves towards the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat,' it is crucial for our institutions to emphasise research and innovation to compete on the global stage. We must continue building on this foundation to remain globally competitive," he said.

During the meeting Education Minister praised institutions for their contributions to research, innovation, and community outreach, encouraging greater collaboration to align with national education goals.

Majumdar also highlighted the importance of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) to enhance students' access to a wider range of courses and ensure smoother educational pathways, fostering more inclusive and flexible learning opportunities for the region's youth.

The event saw participation from leaders and representatives of key educational institutions in the region, who shared updates on their current progress, achievements, and future plans.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, reaffirmed the institute's unwavering commitment to educational excellence and research, underscoring its significant role in both regional and national development. He highlighted the institute's robust infrastructure, diverse academic programmes, and active student community, touching upon key aspects such as admissions, student activities, and the accomplishments of its graduates.

During the meeting between Professor Devendra Jalihal and Sukanta Majumdar, several key points were discussed. Prof. Jalihal outlined the student exchange programme IIT Guwahati has in collaboration with Japanese universities and provided an update on ongoing research projects.

He also highlighted the IIT Guwahati Research Park, a Ministry of Education initiative, and presented a new proposal for establishing a School of Architecture and Planning. The discussion also touched upon the promotion of local languages and the critical issue of Assam's floods.

This event hosted by IIT Guwahati served as an important platform for collaborative discussions and strategic planning, strengthening the educational framework of Assam's leading institutions. (ANI)