The Committee was deeply impressed by the progress in the UGC-NRCPS programme. The draft 2-year Report for UGC-NRCPS presented in the meeting was examined. The Committee strongly recommends that more funds, at least to the tune of Rs. 5.00 crores in addition to funds already allocated, be provided to UGC-NRCPS.
The grant under the head of “Visiting Professors/Fellows” be enhanced to attract more external experts from abroad.
It is satisfying to note that the Department has complied with the suggestion of the Advisory Committee in the previous meeting (2006-2007) to enhance R&D activities through sponsored research under the CAS programme and that the Department has as many as 19 ongoing projects in the area of the programme.
The Department has now 36 teachers (P-15, R-9, L-12) as against 33 teachers (P-15, R-9, L-9) last year on roll as against the sanctioned strength of 46. Therefore, the Department may take all steps to expedite the filling up of the vacant posts so that the academic and R&D activities of the CAS programme could be further accelerated.
It is noted that the Department has been imparting education/vocational training to the underprivileged, following the suggestion of the earlier Advisory Committee. In this connection the outreach programme at NE States and the tie-up with a UG College (Scottish Church College) by the Centre merit special commendation.
