A Sensitization Workshop on Equity Action Plan (EAP) was organized at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed University) Chandigarh on 19th November 2018 by National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU), MHRD, New Delhi in association with the World Bank. The one-day workshop was coordinated by the TEQIP-III office, PEC.
This was the first time that the World Bank organized a workshop in PEC. The workshop received overwhelming support from the educational community and was attended by EAP coordinators from 48 colleges from all over North India including J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi and UT Chandigarh.
The event coordinator, Dr. Sanjay Batish, TEQIP gave a warm welcome to the speakers and the audience, explaining the role of TEQIP in providing a platform for engaging discussions and discourse on subjects of interest for the students, faculty and administration of educational institutions.
Dr. Uma Batra, PEC Director and chief guest for the event inaugurated the workshop with a lamp lighting ceremony. She reinstated PEC's commitment to ensuring holistic development for all and creating a safe environment for its students and teachers, regardless of their gender, social background and economic standing.
Ms. Surbhi Dhingra, Social Development and Education Specialist, World Bank was the first speaker. She gave an overview of the different initiatives taken by the World Bank towards sustainable goals and development of nations beyond merely economic growth. She mentioned the importance of improving the learning efficiency, English language skills, and non-cognitive skills of the students, especially those from socially and economically vulnerable groups. She recommended setting up training sessions for the teachers and staff so that they are more aware of the steps for addressing the needs of the disadvantaged groups.
Ms. Bharti Arya, NPIU MHRD, New Delhi took to the podium next and elucidated that the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Higher Education (MHRD), Government of India is implementing the Phase-III of the TEQIP-III whose objective is: “To improve quality and equity in selected engineering education institutions and increase the effectiveness of the engineering education system.”
Her presentation focused on the goals and measurable outcomes of the plan and showcased how they are designed to promote fairness and inclusive values. Promoting Gender equality, Social equality for people from Scheduled Castes and Tribes as well as equal opportunities for economically weaker sections are some of the key objectives of the plan. She shared practical recommendations on how to bring about a change: through transparent hiring practices, sensitivity sessions and training workshops, anonymous feedback and complaint forums to report any discrimination and the formation of an ethics committee.
The workshop was an enlightening experience for everyone in attendance and offered a great deal of insight into the how to make a better India for all.
