Smt. D. Purandeswari calls for International Co-operation on research and innovation
	17:45 IST

Smt.. D. Purandeswari, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, has called for International Co-operation in promoting research activities and innovation in the field of Higher Education. “Many concerns related to higher education need to be addressed working mutually” she said, while representing the Indian delegation at the World Conference on Higher Education at UNESCO Head Quarters, Paris . She also stressed the need for creating independent research facilities in individual institutions and setting up common research facilities such as inter-university centres. The World Conference on Higher Education, “The New Dynamics of Higher Education and Research for Societal Change and Development” being organized by UNESCO is being held at UNESCO head quarters from 5th – 8th July, 2009 Representatives from more than 150 countries consisting of Education Ministers, Prime Minister, Director General UNESCO and Heads of the States are taking part in this conference. Highlighting the importance of Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), Smt. Purandeswari said “Higher education in India requires massive expansion to enable us to attain a gross enrolment ratio of at least 15% by 2015. It is also important to raise the average quality of higher education and to create institutions of excellence. This has to be matched with the need of providing access to higher education in a socially inclusive manner. Any meaningful reforms in higher education with a long term perspective are therefore, difficult and complex, but nevertheless imperative. My Government is committed to transform India into a knowledge economy and society” Speaking about the increase in the percentage of GDP on education she said that with the cooperation of the country’s state Governments, India is likely to also come close to the target of spending about 6% of our GDP by the end of 11th Five Year Plan.”. ******** MV/Hb