Focused action plan key to inclusive growth in education: NU VC

Nagpur: A focused action plan and collective efforts are key to driving positive change in education and social development, said Nagpur University vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar at the Maharashtra Gyan Sabha session on inclusive education in tribal and remote areas held at VNIT on Sunday. She stressed that despite multiple policies, gaps in implementation continue to affect outcomes, particularly in access and dropout rates.Chairing the session, Kshirsagar highlighted the need for participatory dialogue involving policymakers, educators and communities while stressing the need to understand local language, culture, and ground realities. With a large population in remote areas still lacking basic infrastructure, challenges such as connectivity and resource gaps persist, she said. Experts called for a mix of technology-driven and field-level interventions. Speakers also emphasised aligning research, policy and grassroots efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.National secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Atul Kothari, said that building ideal educational institutions through collective efforts will serve as benchmarks for reform. He also highlighted the need for actionable outcomes from policy discussions.Coordinated efforts by govt, institutions and teachers can position India as a global education hub, said Sanjay Kaushik, vice-chancellor of GG University (Gurugram University).Agriculture expert Charudatta Mayee emphasised that linking higher education with agriculture, MSMEs and local needs is crucial for holistic rural development and reducing inequality.Marathi University VC, Avinash Avalgavkar, said that a shift from Eurocentric to India-centric education and promotion of Indian languages are essential for wider access and preserving cultural roots.