Holistic education need of hour: Panjab University vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig

CHANDIGARH: After taking the helm of affairs at Panjab University on Wednesday, vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig said in a press conference that she was happy to be considered a role model by woman students and faculty members.
“I want my students to dream high and rise high,” said the new VC, reiterating her focus on a balance between skill-oriented courses and human values.On being asked whether she would crack down against the culture of politics, Vig said, “PU has always been politically charged and there’s not much we can do about that but my aim is to introduce holistic learning and proper exposure of sports and co-curricular activities to my students.”
On being asked about action against the former PU VC Raj Kumar, who was accused of corruption, Vig said that a committee was formed to investigate and a report would soon be prepared. She said that her principal aim would be securing a good rank in the QS World Ranking and getting NAAC accreditation for the varsity. “It is the parameter of perception that works against us,” said Vig, adding that the varsity has been doing good in academics, research and placements. She said that the self-study report was almost complete and would soon be shared with NAAC for evaluation.
Vig also informed she would appoint the new dean students’ welfare (women) on Friday, as the post had been vacant for a while. She pointed out that the varsity did not have a student counsellor.
M embers of All-India services serving in connection with the affairs of UT under the new, ‘Union Territory of Chandigarh Employees (Revised Pay) Rules’. The others who too will not be covered are employees of Punjab and Haryana high court; persons not in whole-time employment of the UT of Chandigarh; persons paid out of contingencies; employees whose scale of pay have been determined on the recommendations of the University Grants Commission and the All-India Council for Technical Education or Council of Architecture; persons paid otherwise than on a monthly basis including those paid only on a piece rate basis; employees of electricity wing of the engineering department; persons employed on contract except where the contract provides otherwise; persons re-employed in government service after retirement; persons on deputation to UT administration.