The Centre has decided to introduce a first-ever post graduate programme for study and research on north-eastern states here at Jamia Millia Islamia University from next year in an effort to bring “mainstream India closer to the northeast region.”
This was announced by Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh here on Monday.
“Starting from the forthcoming semester beginning August 2015, Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, will start an optional paper in northeastern studies for students undertaking examination for Masters degree in the university,” he said.
The minister’s statement came after he held a meeting with Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia University, Talat Ahmad and Director of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Sanjoy Hazarika.
“An institutionalised study and research on north-east India will provide inputs for professionals and policy makers on key issues relating to the region and thus help create a bridge between the policy making desk and the realities on the ground,” he said, complimenting the Jamia Millia University officials for their initiative.
The minister said ever since he was given the charge of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region, he noticed that everyone talked about bringing the north eastern region closer to mainstream India.
Bridging gaps
“But hardly anyone spoke of bringing mainstream India closer to the northeast. The new initiative will, therefore, make up for this missing link in a big way,” he added.
Jamia Millia University Vice Chancellor said while the optional papers for the north-eastern studies under post-graduate programme will start for the students from the current session, the university plans to start a “full-fledged” Master’s Degree programme in the subject from the next session.
“The curriculum of the course will be comprehensive and cover diverse aspects of north-east India including history, geography, heritage and current affairs,” he added.