Manipur University, 1 May, 2025: Manipur University Alumni Association (MUAA) & Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IAQC), Manipur University (MU) jointly hosted a one-day national seminar on Value-Added Courses Under NEP-2020: Issues and Challenges (NSVAC25) on 30thApril 2025 at Court Hall of the university. The seminar aimed to address issues and challenges in the implementation of value-added courses faced by the university and its affiliated colleges under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The seminar was attended by Former Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim State University Prof. Gopal Kumar Niroula Chhetry as chief guest, Prof. Kaberi Saha from the Department of Education, Gauhati University as keynote speaker. Meanwhile, President of MUAA Prof. I. Gambhir Singh, Dean, School of Education, MU Prof. Premlata Maisnam, and Director of IQAC, MU Prof. A. Rajmani Singha as guest of honours. The function was also attended by former Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University Prof. N. Rajmuhon, Registrar (in-charge) of MU Prof. Th. Binoy Singh and Controller of Examinations T. Shantikumar Singh.
Highlighting the issues and challenges in the implementation of Value-Added Courses (VAC), Prof. Kaberi Saha outlined various strategies including pedagogy and psychology strategies, explaining the importance of understanding these aspects in the framing of VAC curriculum. She mentioned that issues of cultural sensitivity, resource constraints, parameters of assessment criteria and guidelines are various other challenges she came across while designing value-added courses. Stressing further on the development of VAC, she maintained that framing of pedagogy and curriculum must align with holistic development of students, focusing on industry alignment, collaboration with stakeholders, providing training to faculty members and generating feedback from students for its enrichment.
In his insightful speech, Prof. Gopal Kumar Niroula Chhetry stated the significance of alumni association in higher education institutions and its pivotal role in the growth of a university. He expressed that value-added courses will help in enhancement of skills among students, encourage healthy competitiveness, industrial exposure and better understanding of culture of Manipur under NEP 2020 as it promotes traditional knowledge.
Prof. Premlata Maisnam expressed that in a fast changing world, theoretical knowledge with skills will enhance employability of students and value-added courses will facilitate career opportunities and personal development of students.
Prof. A. Rajmani Singha expressed that VAC plays a transformative role in today’s education, enabling experiential learning among students, fostering industry-academia linkages, upskilling the graduates and postgraduates students, and preparing them for the job market. He highlighted that out of 2243 courses offered at MU, 2000 courses are job-oriented courses.
Prof. I. Gambhir Singh stressed on the role of teachers in inculcating values among students, moulding them with positive behaviours, instilling good thoughts and actions, leaving them an impact on students. He further stated that this lasting impression makes alumni contribute to the growth of the institution.
Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, General Secretary, MUAA delivered a welcome and introductory speech, urging the university and its affiliated colleges to carefully frame Value-Added Courses for holistic development of students. Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Convener, NSVAC25, proposed a vote of thanks, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries for their invaluable presence.
Prof. Gopal Kumar Niroula Chhetry released a book of abstracts consisting of 18 research papers on the theme during the inaugural function. The seminar was attended by professors from various affiliated colleges of Manipur University and research scholars, faculty members, officials of the university, and members of MUAA.
An Annual General Body Meeting of MUAA was held before the inaugural function of the national seminar. Several meeting agenda including annual account statement, annual report, and approaches to membership drive were presented, and election of new office bearer for 2025-27 was also conducted during the meeting.
