Rajan Gurukkal P.M. and Rajan Varughese have left their posts at Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). Their exit comes as United Democratic Front (UDF) takes charge,ending leadership era that started in 2017 .
These two pushed big changes in Kerala's higher education . They introduced Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) for 2024-25 . It targets offering students multidisciplinary paths,entry and exit options,and Academic Bank of Credits .
Gurukkal,in a report,emphasized council's focus on access,equity,and excellence in education. He pointed to curriculum updates,quality measures,and a drive for research and global ties. Launch of State Assessment and Accreditation Centre (SAAC) stood out,assessing institutions on scientific temper,secular outlook,social inclusivity .
KSHEC spearheaded digital changes in education. Projects like DIGICOL and Kerala Re revamped teaching and admin systems,integrating management platforms. And council introduced Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework (KIRF),India’s first state ranking system for higher ed institutions.
Besides these shifts,KSHEC expanded initiatives like Kairali Research Awards and Chief Minister’s Nava Kerala Postdoctoral Fellowships. ‘Study in Kerala’ initiative and Scholar Connect platform also launched to boost international partnerships,attract students worldwide. But how far these efforts will reach...
