'Foreign varsities establishing campuses in the country': Education Minister on India's growing might, ET Education

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Jaipur, Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan was in Jaipur on Thursday to attend two key events -- the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the Central University of Rajasthan, and the inauguration of a lecture hall complex at Manipal University in Jaipur.Presiding as the Chief Guest at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the Central University of Rajasthan, Pradhan emphasised the value of lifelong learning, stating: "Convocation is not an end, but a significant milestone in the continuous journey of education."Congratulating the 1,693 graduating students from Integrated M.Sc, B.Tech, B.Sc, and Diploma programmes, the minister reminded them that earning a degree is not only an academic milestone but also a call to action for nation-building and social responsibility. Highlighting the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he noted that the policy advocates for multidisciplinary, skill-based, and employment-oriented education.He further revealed that to foster global academic collaboration, several foreign universities are now setting up campuses in India, with eight institutions already operational.Pradhan praised Rajasthan's rich intellectual legacy and its consistent performance in competitive exams like JEE and NEET, calling the state a "timeless cradle of knowledge, science, art, literature, and thought."He urged students to preserve this legacy with a modern, innovative spirit. As India positions itself as the world's fourth-largest economy, the minister stressed the importance of leveraging the innovation, skills, and leadership potential of the youth to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.Pradhan concluded his address by invoking the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- "the world is one family" -- and reaffirmed India's commitment to becoming a global provider of solutions for humanity.The convocation also saw the inauguration of several university infrastructure projects and the laying of foundation stones for future facilities.The event was attended by Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Prof. Anand Bhalerao, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Rajasthan, along with other dignitaries, faculty members, and students.In another event on the same day, Pradhan inaugurated a state-of-the-art lecture hall complex at Manipal University Jaipur.He praised the new facility, describing it as world-class and conducive to a modern learning environment, and congratulated the university's academic community on this achievement.The minister commended Manipal University for effectively blending India's timeless cultural heritage with modern educational values.Referring again to NEP 2020, he emphasised that India's ancient knowledge systems are now being meaningfully integrated into the contemporary academic framework, fostering a sense of rooted-ness and national pride among students.Calling Rajasthan a symbol of India's glorious past, Minister Pradhan said it must now become a beacon of a future-ready and developed India.He envisioned institutions like Manipal University evolving into centers of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, transforming students into job creators rather than job seekers.Expressing confidence in the university's potential, the minister said Manipal University Jaipur is well-positioned to address both local and global challenges, and can make significant contributions to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision Encouraging the university's leadership, Minister Pradhan recommended the establishment of a dedicated research park to further boost its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing its ambition to become a premier research-driven institution.

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Union home minister Amit Shah The Modi govt has completed 11 years in office. What would you count as the five biggest achievements? Let's not get caught in numbers... certain things cannot be quantified. There was widespread pessimism in 2014, and people voted for Modi ji as PM, seeking an end to corruption, weak internal and external security, a severe image deficit abroad, social disharmony, and the poor state of the economy, which had landed us in the unenviable 'Fragile Five' club. The youth were particularly apprehensive. Now, in 2025, people are confident that India will become a developed country by 2047. The transformed mindset is a result of hard work over 11 years, marked by farsightedness and microplanning. I consider the renewal of hope and confidence about the country's future a significant achievement. We are marching ahead with a sense of encouragement derived from the changed national psyche. But some of the issues raised in 2014 — poverty, inflation and unemployment — have not gone away… Let us be real. There are some issues which cannot be eliminated altogether. But can anyone say that the level of poverty and the number of poor are the same, or that their status has not changed? Over 26 crore people have been moved out of the BPL category, and more than 80 crore have benefited from welfare schemes, including housing, water, electricity, toilets and free LPG connections. Free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, 5 kg of free ration and free LPG connections are available. These things had not been provided for in 70 years; in these 11 years, we have come a long way. It was a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace in Kashmir, to stop rising tourism and distract Kashmiri youth, who were employed, enjoying prosperity and were distanced from terrorism. The youth in Kashmir realises the evil plan. There were protests in every town in the Valley after the attack on tourists. The Valley had not shown such solidarity with the country before Amit Shah Congress says your performance on the economic front is underwhelming. Can India's rise to becoming the fourth largest economy from the 10th, surpassing six front-running nations in just 11 years, be termed an underwhelming performance? Is doubling of GDP from $2 trillion to $4.2 trillion underperformance? Isn't the unprecedented rise of capital expenditure from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 10.5 lakh crore a marker of the nation's stupendous growth? Since they demitted office, even per capita income has risen from Rs 68,572 to Rs 133,488 and transformed lives for good. And all these are besides the remarkable 143% jump in FDI, which is reflective of international confidence in India's economic policies. I can go on. Average inflation rate has been brought down from 10.1% to 4.6% and forex reserves have more than doubled to $654 billion. On the infrastructure front, the pace of highway construction has accelerated, Metro rail network has expanded four-fold to 1,000 km. In the banking sector, the turnaround is equally impressive. When we took office, non-performing assets were in double digits. Today, it is just 2.3%. As part of a historic push for financial inclusion, over 55 crore bank accounts have been opened in the last 11 years. Through Direct Benefit Transfer, Rs 44 lakh crore has been disbursed. Today, India accounts for nearly 50% of global digital transactions. Clearly, development under the Modi govt is not just a claim — it is a lived reality of 140 crore citizens. What about 'Make in India' as imports still remain high? Considerable progress has been made towards Aatmanirbharta. We manufactured defence products worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore and exported Rs 21,000 crore worth of defence products. The target is to increase it to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. We are now the second-largest exporter of mobile phones — from 26% mobiles being domestically produced, the share is now over 99%. Modi ji's push to the toy sector has not only ensured that our next generation grows up playing with indigenously manufactured toys but has also reversed the export-import ratio of toys. In 2014, only 20% of toys were manufactured indigenously, 40% of manufacturing units had shut down, and 20% of them were on the verge of shutting down. Disaffection with UPA's performance on the internal security front helped BJP in 2014. How do you view the situation now? The biggest challenge was govt's approach. Earlier, the focus was on containing the problem; our approach has been to eliminate it. Earlier, the concern was to manage a threat somehow while you were in office. It was not helpful. Take, for example, the issue of Naxalism. They had a plan to develop a red corridor from Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) to Pashupatinath (Nepal), and the threat appeared realistic to many. In 11 years, the challenge has shrunk from 123 districts to just six. I am confident that by March 31, 2026, the entire country will be free of the Naxal menace. Similarly, in the North-east, violence has come down almost 70%, not only by using force. We have negotiated over 20 peace agreements with insurgent groups, and over 10,000 people have surrendered. By the time the report for the year is released, the level of violence is likely to decrease by 90%. The success against Naxals wouldn't have happened overnight… By 2020, we began to choke off their supplies, whether it was money, arms or food. We set up over 500 camps, approximately every 8 km, to fill the security vacuum. Forces could now go out in the morning and return by evening after completing an operation. This helped reduce casualties significantly. Besides, we used the camps to distribute grains and medicine to the local population, which eroded the Naxals' support base. We also enhanced communication systems, utilising the latest technology, including drones that capture the chatter. Most states extended support, regardless of which party was in office. The Congress govt of Chhattisgarh was an exception. It refused to act, and so, the Naxals converged there. Initially, I found it to be a challenge. But it turned into an opportunity. First, a BJP govt was formed there. Second, it became possible to strike the Naxals since they were all located in one place. But the Pahalgam attack was a major setback. Congress has blamed the govt for it. It needs to be analysed differently. There was a time when 70% of terrorists killed in the Valley would be Indians from Kashmir, while 30% were from Pakistan . Now, that ratio stands at 5:95, which means that if you leave out the Pakistan element, then the homegrown component has almost come to an end. We decided to look at the root of local recruitment. It was fuelled by discontent over rigged polls and corruption that resulted in lack of development. Article 370 was another important factor, as it gave people a sense that they could break away. Nullification of the provision ended that subterranean feeling, with people realising that India is their sole destiny. Free and fair polls at all levels — from local bodies to Parliament — were conducted. Even opponents have not questioned their fairness and so the perception that elections are a sham and managed by Delhi gave way to a sense that the future of a village gets decided only by its residents. Efforts were made to promote Kashmir's local products. As a result, the enlistment in terrorism decreased. At the same time, there is zero tolerance for terrorists. Funeral procession of a slain terrorist is not allowed, and he is buried where he gets killed. Sympathisers of terrorists have been punished and weeded out from govt jobs, while those involved in stone pelting are debarred from govt jobs. This is why movie theatres have resumed and there are night screenings after 33 years. Tazia procession was taken out after 32 years and Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated at Lal Chowk, where Army had to guard Murli Manohar Joshi ji and Modi ji when they went to unfurl the tricolour there. As for Pakistan-sponsored terrorism that you mentioned in the context of the Pahalgam attack, we have a clear policy: be it Uri, Pulwama or Pahalgam, we have given a strong reply, and today, through your interview, I want to ask Congress, what used to happen during their time? How can Congress question us on the issue of terrorism? It used to do nothing except change a minister. Of all political parties, Congress certainly has no right to criticise us. The situation in Manipur is not of terrorism, nor is it an anti-national issue. It is related to ethnic tension. Today, there is no atmosphere of violence, but the rift between the two communities (Meiteis and Kukis) has not been healed. We are seeking to bring about reconciliation; we invited them separately and then asked them together, and now we are discussing this at the political level. We are hopeful of success soon Amit Shah Was the Pahalgam attack an act of desperation by Pakistan? It was a deliberate attempt to sabotage peace in Kashmir, to stop rising tourism and distract Kashmiri youth, who were employed, enjoying prosperity and were distanced from terrorism. The youth in Kashmir realises the evil plan. There were protests in every town in the Valley after the attack on tourists. The Valley had not shown such solidarity with the country before. There has been a radical shift in approach towards terrorism as the govt has said that any terrorist attack from now on will be considered an act of war. Yes, PM Modi has said so repeatedly, there should not be any confusion about it. Do you see the possibility of fresh attempts by Pakistan to disrupt normalcy? We cannot control what they are planning but any misdeed of theirs will be responded to with full force. We will not hesitate in acting against whatever Pakistan chooses to do, without any delay. Are more steps required to reassure tourists? No special effort is required. Tourists have resumed their travel and we will soon be able to reach earlier levels. What is the roadmap for granting statehood to J&K? What are the factors that will be borne in mind? The PM has stated this in his Independence Day speech, and I have said in both Houses of Parliament that J&K will be granted the status of a state at an appropriate time. There should be no doubt about that. Congress is making an issue of the decision to pause Operation Sindoor. In line with the PM's public declaration to punish terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack, we launched limited strikes on terror launchpads and made it very clear that was a targeted strike. Pakistan treated our strike on terrorists as an attack on its territory, ending the distinction. It attacked our civilian locations. We gave a befitting reply on May 10 by damaging their airbases, while sparing civilian areas. Within no time, Pakistan sought a suspension of strikes. No one will have any reason to complain when the delimitation exercise is conducted. We will establish a very good balance and no one will be dissatisfied. DMK is raising the issue only because of the 2026 assembly elections. Delimitation is not going to happen by then, and they know this. The 2029 elections will be held with women's reservation Amit Shah The opposition has been raising the issue of losses we suffered during Operation Sindoor... I will only say that when the country is facing hostilities, one should refrain from saying things which hurt the morale of our armed forces, who have done a sterling job. Our agencies gave precise coordinates of specific targets for our forces to strike them with full force. Our scientists also deserve praise for developing weapons systems that proved so effective. Indus Waters Treaty has been kept in abeyance, not fully annulled. Will it be restored in future? No, it will never be restored. International treaties can't be annulled unilaterally but we had the right to put it in abeyance, which we have done. The treaty preamble mentions that it was for peace and progress of the two countries but once that has been violated, there is nothing left to protect. So you mean status quo ante will not be restored? We will use water that rightfully belongs to India. Paani Rajasthan tak will take the water that was flowing to Pakistan to Rajasthan by constructing a canal. Pakistan will be starved of water that it has been getting unjustifiably. What is your assessment of the situation in Manipur ? The situation in Manipur is not of terrorism, nor is it an anti-national issue. It is related to ethnic tension. We had an open border with Myanmar and when that country faced instability, infiltration started. Then the court order (on Meiteis also deserving quotas) triggered a spark. We need to keep in mind that in all the previous cases of ethnic violence in Manipur, the situation could be stabilised only after threefour years. Today, there is no atmosphere of violence, but the rift between the two communities (Meiteis and Kukis) has not been healed. We are seeking to bring about reconciliation; we invited them separately and then asked them to come together, and now we are discussing this at the political level. We are hopeful of success soon. When is an elected govt likely to be restored? Until the differences between the two communities are sorted, it will be difficult. Peace is very important. It has been alleged that in its third term, the Modi govt has been making key decisions under pressure, such as the one on caste census. This decision was not taken under pressure. The Modi govt has made the most significant contributions to inclusive and balanced development, encompassing both social and regional dimensions. Most of the poor are Dalit, backwards and minorities, and a larger part of the budget has been allocated to them. There is no bigger anti-OBC party than Congress; they tried to suppress the Kalelkar Commission report, and they did the same with the Mandal Commission. When the recommendations of the Mandal Commission were implemented by a non-Congress govt, Rajiv Gandhi gave the longest speech as leader of opposition, a record that has not been broken also because you don't have such leaders of opposition now. The opposition has said that the govt notification does not mention caste census. Caste count will be part of the Census, period. The PM has said so and there have been three press releases. But the PM had earlier opposed it and you had said this was an attempt to divide Hindus. We did say that it is an attempt to divide society. But we also decided to blunt it by agreeing to the demand. Our goal is to keep everyone united. By when should we expect the Census numbers? They should be available towards the end of 2027, may be a few months earlier as we are deploying a lot of technology. Instead of five to six years in the past, it may take five to six months. Is delimitation a possibility before the 2029 elections? The 2029 elections will be held with women's reservation. The southern states have concerns around delimitation. How do you propose to balance that with the demand of northern states that their representation in Parliament should be proportionate to their numbers? No one will have any reason to complain when the exercise is conducted. We will establish a very good balance and no one will be dissatisfied. DMK is raising the issue only because of the 2026 assembly elections. Delimitation is not going to happen by then, and they know this. BNS has been enacted, how far have you progressed with implementing it? The three laws (IPC, Indian Evidence Act and CrPC) were enacted by the British to preserve their rule. The idea was to protect their forces, their property and their own security. We have kept people's interests at the forefront. We have provided for technological changes that will remain relevant for a century; the definition of an e-document will remain unchanged, despite changes in technology from floppy disks to pen drives, for instance. It allows for e-hearing and e-arguments, and the entire chargesheet can be filed electronically, making the process paperless. Forensics have been made compulsory for several offences; videography of search and seizures is also compulsory. We have provided timelines to ensure that justice is available promptly, and rights have been provided to victims. Along with all this, there is computerisation of police stations, and multiple types of databases will be available, such as those related to narcotics or terrorism. In two years, our legal system will be the most modern in the world. The improvement in Assam shows that we are on track to reach the global average of convictions. An infiltrator has to leave India. Our country is not a dharamshala. If you need to visit India, you must obtain a valid visa from our embassy. Whatever the perception or political colour, the country's security is paramount Amit Shah There were attempts to integrate various aspects through e-courts and e-prisons. There is an arrangement called ICJS. Legacy data has been added, and 95% of the integration is nearly complete. A common software will be introduced by Sept, connecting all police stations, forensic labs, prosecution wings, courts and prisons. Infiltration has been a major issue and steps have been taken in recent months. The govt has been accused of communal bias in dealing with it. Lies should not deter us from doing the right thing. An infiltrator has to leave India. Our country is not a dharamshala. If you need to visit India, you must obtain a valid visa from our embassy. Whatever the perception or political colour, the country's security is paramount. Communal violence appears to have decreased… That is because we (BJP) are in office in most states. But Bengal seems to be an outlier? Things will improve there too after the next elections In Delhi, are you happy with the work done by the govt in the first 100 days? Rekha ji's govt has made a very strong start, whether it is on health, ration cards, tackling water issues, cleaning and development of Yamuna. Her govt has started work on stopping revenue loss. You can't do much more in 100 days. We have been able to successfully convey to officers that they have to work hard. Drugs have emerged as a major concern. How are you tackling the issue? For any fight, infrastructure is crucial and that is in place now. There is a fourlevel arrangement — at the national level, between state and central, in districts and it is now going to the level of DySPs and police. Apart from Bengal and Kerala, states have also set up narcotics control wings. We have managed to step up recoveries, laws have been strengthened, we can attach property, keep people in jail for longer duration, now police stations can test samples. Over the next five-six months, we will strike on cartels in a very coordinated way. What about the new BJP president? It will happen soon. Will you be able to repeat the electoral successes of Maharashtra and Haryana in Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala, especially with anti-incumbency factor against Nitish Kumar? We will post convincing wins in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. We are confident of victory in Tamil Nadu. There is a debate around language in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It's been raised in Tamil Nadu due to the polls. The public has clarity on the issue, and Indian languages have a bright future. Southern states have raised the issue of lower fund transfer and the formula being skewed against them. How do you view it? This is propaganda. Between 2004 and 2014, Rs 18.3 lakh crore was given as grants to states, and between 2014 and 2024, it was Rs 70 lakh crore. This aligns with the population of states. Are you hopeful of a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court on the waqf law? Absolutely. The law is entirely in line with the Constitution. The objective is not to offend or hurt religious sentiments in any way, but to eradicate corruption and make the operation of waqf transparent through the use of technology There is an effort to remove Justice Yashwant Varma. Is the govt seeking to use the opportunity for a National Judicial Appointments Commission-type body? Will we see some action during the monsoon session? There is no thinking within the govt (on NJAC-type body). For us, corruption is a major issue and when the Chief Justice of India in a letter has acknowledged Varma's culpability, then there is no reason to doubt. I am hoping that the removal happens unanimously. Will the same keenness be shown in the case of Justice Shekhar Yadav? It is not a corruption case, it is a case about conduct (of a judge), which is not within the purview of an elected govt, it has to be decided by the Supreme Court. Corruption and misconduct are two distinct issues with clearly defined boundaries.