“Education system in the country is most tainted structure next to politics and majority institutions lack the amenities to imbibe holistic approach and confidence among pupil,” opined Chairman of IIT Kanpur and Madras Institute of Developmental Studies Prof M Anandakrishnan.

Delivering the valedictory address at the 15th National Conference of Indian Colleges Forum here at Poorna Prajna College on Saturday, he said that the country needs to sustain the image of a mature nation capable of doing lot many intellectual things which has recently evolved around the globe and added that getting rid of corruption from the root level may prove beneficial in this direction.

Stating that development is the process of furthering people’s well being, he said “population and human resources, food security, species and ecosystem, energy, industry and urbanisation are the emerging developmental challenges in the country today” and added that it is indeed necessary to increase the asset base and productivity, empowering poor people and marginalised communities and taking long term perspective with regard to intra and inter-generational equity.

Regretting on the supremacy of the information technology over the basic science, Mr Anandakrishnan said that without science, no technology can survive and every technology is science based.

Kuvempu University Vice Chancellor Dr B S Sherigar, NCST Department of Science and Technology (New Delhi) Chairman Anju Sharma, Former Minister Dr V S Acharya, Indian Colleges Forum President Prof G D Sharma and others were present.

Inauguration
The conference was inaugurated on Friday by former Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University and Former Member of UGC Prof M I Savadatti.

Delivering the inaugural address he said, “Sustainable economic development is feasible only when there is unbiased distribution of wealth and higher education opportunities at affordable cost” and added that education should be at the hub with value system if economy has to progress. Despite the increase of 8 to 9 per cent in GDP growth, the irony is that 80 per cent of growth and wealth are in the clutches of just 20 per cent people in the country, he added.

Extorting on the need for both forward and backward linkage for the economic development of the country, Mr Savadatti said “our dream economy is not based on the needs of the people. Today the situation has aroused that inexperienced people are entering the economic field creating barrier for development” and added that work culture which will come only through value based education.

Values of concern for less privileged, commitment and dedication should be imbibed not only among the work force but also among teachers and students, he added.  Mr Savadatti opined that education should be affordable to all and should be provided with quality teaching.

Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof K M Kaveriappa in his presidential remarks said “despite the best efforts by the Government, the enrollment for the higher education in the country which wasd at 0.7 per cent during independence has now reached 9 per cent, which is very low when compared to the world average of 23 per cent and 70 to 80 per cent in case of developed countries and 35 per cent in developing countries. In this view more prominence has been given to the expansion, inclusion and excellence on collegiate and higher education in 11th five Year plan,” he added.

Indian Colleges Forum President Dr G D Sharma, Federation of Degree College Principals’ Association of Karnataka President Prof Y Bhaskar Shetty, UGC Standing Committee former member Prof P Thantri, PPC Managing Committee Secretary Dr G S Chandrashekar, Udupi Admaru Math Education Council Secretary Dr K Srihari and others were present.