Chandigarh : Haryana’s State Public Universities are making significant progress in implementing transformative higher education reforms focused on academic excellence, employability, research, innovation and global competitiveness. The progress was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who assessed the Action Taken Report on recommendations emerging from the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries.
Reviewing the initiatives, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed the Higher Education and Technical Education Departments to sustain the momentum of reforms and ensure timely implementation of all initiatives. He emphasized that Haryana’s universities must evolve into globally competitive centres of learning, research, innovation and skill development aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and future economic and technological needs.
Universities across the State have initiated measures to attract distinguished Indian-origin academicians and researchers. Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak has constituted a committee for a Global Talent Return Scheme, while Gurugram University is developing a global alumni database and IGU Rewari has proposed a Centre of Excellence to attract global scholars.
To strengthen academia-industry collaboration, universities are increasingly appointing industry professionals as Professors of Practice. Kurukshetra University has engaged two industry experts, CBLU Bhiwani has appointed four, and Gurugram University has empanelled three experts. Several universities plan to expand such appointments from the 2026-27 academic session. The State Government is also addressing faculty shortages through a coordinated recruitment strategy. A digital dashboard is being developed with Kurukshetra University for real-time monitoring of faculty vacancies across universities.
Significant curriculum reforms are underway to align education with emerging technologies and future skills. Kurukshetra University has integrated Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain and Data Analytics into academic programmes, while CBLU has introduced courses in AI, Drone Technology, GeoInformatics and Cyber Security. IGU Rewari has fully implemented NEP 2020 and incorporated Indian Knowledge Systems, Sustainability and Ethics across programmes.
Universities are also strengthening alternative funding models and industry partnerships. Kurukshetra University has launched 23 online programmes under a Learning Management System model, attracting nearly 10,000 students, while its alumni association has mobilized around ₹1.7 crore for academic development. Gurugram University has secured CSR support and entered into multiple academic
The State’s ‘Earn While Learn’ initiative is expanding steadily, benefiting nearly 7,000 students during 2024-25. Kurukshetra University currently offers four Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes and has proposed seven more, while IGU Rewari has introduced mandatory six-month apprenticeships in
professional courses to improve employability.
Universities are also investing heavily in faculty development and innovation ecosystems. Kurukshetra University has trained 1,714 faculty and staff members through 33 specialized programmes between 2022 and 2026. CDLU Sirsa has established a Centre for Emerging Technologies equipped with advanced laboratories for 3D Printing and Internet of Things. BPSMV Khanpur Kalan, Kurukshetra University and MDU Rohtak are actively promoting entrepreneurship, startup development and innovation through incubation and support centres.
The State Government is simultaneously advancing plans to establish 22 Model Sanskriti Colleges, one in each district, as autonomous multidisciplinary centres of excellence along with regional Mega Educational Hubs to promote collaborative research and academic excellence. Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Sh. Apoorva Kumar Singh, S.Narayanan,Director General Higher Education, Director General, Technical Education, Sh. Prabhjot Singh, Special Secretary, Monitoring & Coordination, Dr. Priyanka Soni, and other senior officers were present during the meeting.
