In a landmark move to modernize higher education in Assam, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya chaired the inaugural meeting of the expert committee tasked with implementing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) ‘Professor of Practice’ (PoP) initiative across state universities. Held at Raj Bhavan on September 16, 2025, the meeting marked the beginning of a transformative academic reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The ‘Professor of Practice’ model is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application by inviting seasoned professionals from diverse fields into university classrooms. Unlike conventional teaching roles, the PoP designation does not require formal academic qualifications, thereby opening doors for industry experts, innovators, and practitioners to contribute directly to student learning.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The expert committee, constituted by the Governor in his capacity as Chancellor of state universities, includes eminent academicians and senior bureaucrats. The committee’s mandate is to evaluate UGC guidelines and formulate a state-specific framework for integrating professionals into teaching roles while maintaining national academic standards.
| Committee Member | Designation |
|---|---|
| Prof. Amit Patra | Director, IIT (BHU), Varanasi (Chairperson) |
| Prof. T. N. Singh | Director, IIT Patna |
| Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta | Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University |
| S. S. Meenakshi Sundaram, IAS | Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor |
| Narayan Konwar, IAS | Secretary, Higher Education Department |
The committee will submit its recommendations on eligibility criteria, appointment procedures, remuneration models, and quality assurance mechanisms tailored to Assam’s academic landscape.
Objectives of the ‘Professor of Practice’ Initiative
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Industry-Academia Integration | Enable professionals to share practical insights with students |
| Skill-Based Learning | Promote employability through hands-on training |
| Curriculum Enrichment | Infuse real-world case studies and innovation into syllabi |
| Flexible Hiring Norms | Allow universities to appoint experts without PhDs or NET qualifications |
| Regional Customization | Adapt implementation to Assam’s socio-economic context |
The initiative is expected to enhance the relevance of higher education, especially in fields like engineering, agriculture, entrepreneurship, media, and public policy.
Key Highlights from the First Meeting
During the meeting, Governor Acharya emphasized the need for a structured rollout that balances innovation with academic rigor. He urged the committee to ensure that professionals appointed under the PoP scheme are not only domain experts but also capable of engaging meaningfully with students.
| Discussion Point | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Review of UGC Guidelines | Committee to align with NEP 2020 framework |
| Appointment Criteria | To include experience, contribution, and peer recognition |
| Duration of Engagement | Proposed tenure: 1–3 years, renewable based on performance |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Universities to set up internal review panels |
| Outreach and Awareness | Campaigns to attract professionals from industry and civil society |
The Governor also highlighted the importance of ensuring inclusivity, encouraging participation from women professionals, rural entrepreneurs, and experts from indigenous communities.
Implementation Roadmap for Assam Universities
| Phase | Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Oct–Dec 2025 | Drafting of state-specific guidelines |
| Phase 2 | Jan–Mar 2026 | Pilot rollout in select universities |
| Phase 3 | Apr–Jun 2026 | Full-scale implementation across Assam |
| Phase 4 | Jul–Dec 2026 | Monitoring, feedback, and refinement |
Universities such as Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, and Assam Science and Technology University are expected to be among the first to adopt the PoP model.
Benefits for Students and Institutions
| Stakeholder | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Students | Exposure to real-world challenges, improved employability |
| Universities | Enhanced curriculum, diversified faculty expertise |
| Professionals | Opportunity to mentor, contribute to nation-building |
| Industry | Stronger talent pipeline, academia collaboration |
The PoP initiative also aligns with Assam’s vision to become an educational hub in the Northeast, attracting talent and investment in knowledge sectors.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
While the initiative is promising, the committee acknowledged potential challenges such as resistance from traditional faculty, lack of awareness among professionals, and logistical hurdles in onboarding.
| Challenge | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Faculty Resistance | Sensitization workshops and collaborative teaching models |
| Professional Outreach | Targeted campaigns via industry bodies and alumni networks |
| Quality Assurance | Peer review, student feedback, and periodic audits |
| Administrative Bottlenecks | Streamlined approval processes and digital onboarding |
The committee will work closely with the Higher Education Department to address these concerns and ensure smooth execution.
Conclusion: Assam’s Academic Reform Gains Momentum
The rollout of the ‘Professor of Practice’ initiative in Assam marks a bold step toward reimagining higher education. By leveraging the expertise of professionals and aligning with NEP 2020, the state aims to create a dynamic learning ecosystem that prepares students for real-world challenges.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya’s leadership and the committee’s collaborative approach signal a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education. As the roadmap unfolds, Assam’s universities are poised to become models of practice-driven pedagogy and industry-academia synergy.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified news reports, and academic commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute policy advice. All details are subject to change based on official updates.
