Need Methodological Integration for Quality Higher Education : former NAAC Director Prasad
Hyderabad, May 27 (TNT): Former NAAC Director and former BRAOU Vice Chancellor V. S. Prasad, on Wednesdday emphasised the need for transparent, ethical and participatory quality assurance mechanisms to preserve integrity and trust in accreditation processes.
In his inaugural address at a two-day national workshop on “Consultative Workshop for Directors of Online Education and CIQA/IQAC” organized by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), in collaboration with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru, here, Prasad, , said the primary responsibility for ensuring quality in higher education rests with institutions themselves.
He observed that accreditation agencies should adopt flexible and facilitative approaches that encourage innovation, institutional autonomy and continuous self-improvement rather than mere compliance.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganesan Kannabiran, Director, NAAC, Bengaluru said NAAC was expanding its focus beyond conventional accreditation towards research, innovation and institutional capacity building.
He said the workshop aims to help institutions design, implement and sustain robust quality assurance systems for online education and contribute towards the preparation of a comprehensive handbook and online programmes under an eight-month collaborative project involving participating universities.
Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, CEMCA, New Delhi highlighted the importance of policy advocacy, learner engagement and technology-enabled education systems in the evolving digital and AI-driven academic environment.
He stressed that institutions must maintain a balance between quantity, quality and relevance in higher education delivery.
NAAC official B. S. Ponmudiraj Raj underlined the importance of collaborative learning and institutional networking for strengthening digital transformation in online and distance education.
Presiding over the inaugural session, BRAOU Vice Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani reiterated the university’s commitment to the vision of B. R. Ambedkar for inclusive and accessible education.
He highlighted several digital initiatives undertaken by the university, including the rapid development of a Learning Management System (LMS), establishment of a web-based television station, launch of HiBRO web radio services, digitisation of library services, promotion of e-books through open platforms and development of micro-credential courses.
Prof Chakrapani said the university aims to emerge as a digital hub for ODL institutions and stressed the importance of collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) for strengthening digital learning practices and institutional resilience.
The workshop focuses on strengthening quality assurance frameworks and institutional capacity in online and open distance learning (ODL) systems.
The workshop is being attended by 59 participants from across the country, including IGNOU Vice Chancellor Uma Kanjilal, international delegates from South Africa, and senior BRAOU officials.
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