Motihari: Stating that universities are not “machines to produce degrees”, Union Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar today stressed the need for encouraging research work in varsities.
The quality of education in a university is determined by the research undertaken there, he said after launching the first academic session of the new Mahatama Gandhi Central University here.
“Universities are not machine to produce degrees, but should encourage research on various topics,” Javadekar said addressing the function.
He said the Union government was promoting education as a means to eradicate poverty, pointing out the new slogan of the Centre — ‘Sabko Siksha, Achhi Siksha’ (good education to everybody).
Javadekar said to ensure success of the ‘Make In India’ programme, the government is trying to bring back meritorious Indian students doing research abroad.
Union Agriculture Minister and local MP Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha were present on the occasion.
Neither Bihar education minister nor any other state representative was present at the function.
The Narendra Modi government had given approval for establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Central University at Motihari in 2014.
As a result of the efforts of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to provide two new universities to the state instead of one, the Centre had given its nod for setting up one central university at Motihari and another at Bodh Gaya.
A total of 395 students have taken admission in undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the new university.
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said by establishing a University at Motihari, the Prime Minister has realised the dream of the Father of the Nation who wanted the place to become a seat of learning.
The new university would start its academic session from Zilla School premises till it shifts to its building on the 300 acres of land allocated to it in the town.