Prayagraj: Allahabad University vice-chancellor Prof Sangita Srivastava has set a fresh academic and institutional agenda for the university, with a focus on improving its performance in national and global rankings, strengthening student support, expanding socially relevant research and making campus life more comprehensive.At a meeting of all faculty deans and heads of departments on Tuesday, Prof Srivastava shared the university’s roadmap for her second term. It was her first meeting with the deans and heads of departments after her reappointment as vice-chancellor. Prof Srivastava said the university’s A+ NAAC accreditation should now be followed by focused efforts to improve its position in the NIRF and QS World University rankings. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts by departments to strengthen academic standards, research and other indicators that contribute to the university’s national and international standing. The increasing number of students from outside Uttar Pradesh, she said, reflected the changes taking place at the university and the efforts to create a stronger academic environment.The VC also asked teachers to remain accessible to students for guidance and support.Prof Srivastava also stressed the need to make the university’s outreach programmes more meaningful by addressing the actual needs of villages and local communities.On campus facilities, she said repair and reconstruction work had already been completed in some hostels, while similar improvements in other hostels would be taken up on priority. She also called for greater student participation in maintaining cleanliness and greenery on campus. She further said cultural activities, sports and debate competitions should become a regular part of the academic calendar. Following encouraging participation in departmental debate competitions, an inter-departmental competition will now be organised and university-level winners will be honoured.Calling for research with wider social relevance, Prof Srivastava cited the work of Prof Neel Ratan Dhar, whose research helped India become self-reliant in glass-making technology. She urged teachers to pursue research in science, technology and other areas that address social needs and contribute to nation-building.
