Academic Leadership Must Drive Growth of Higher Education Institutions: Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj

Bhubaneswar, 03rd November, 2025: A “Capacity Building and Leadership Development Workshop” for Principals and Senior faculty Members of Government Colleges was jointly organized by the Higher Education Department, Odisha State Higher Education Council and Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB). Held from 27th October to 1st November the workshop brought together Principals and senior faculty members from 36 Government Colleges across Odisha. The training workshop covered a diverse range of themes including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, institutional governance, financial management, academic innovation and pedagogical reforms, skill based evaluation, digital learning and quality research.
Addressing the valedictory session as Chief Guest, Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj underscored the importance of visionary academic leadership in advancing higher education in the State. “Building a world-class educational ecosystem and providing quality education to ensure a bright future for our students is our collective mission,” he said. “To achieve this, we are focusing on quality education, skill development, qualitative research and the overall strengthening of the academic ecosystem.” The Minister described colleges and universities as the “true nurseries of nation-building”, highlighting their pivotal role in nurturing responsible citizens. He called upon Vice-Chancellors, Principals and faculty members to lead the transformation of higher educational institutions with commitment and foresight.
Elaborating on the State’s initiatives, Shri Suraj said, “Odisha has undertaken several transformative measures such as implementing the National Education Policy 2020, launching the PM-USHA Scheme in higher education, establishing new Government Degree Colleges in remote districts, enhancing skill development and employability and ensuring a safe and inclusive academic environment through initiatives like Shaktishri.” He further added that such leadership workshops are instrumental in empowering college heads to enhance institutional management and academic excellence.
Higher Education Department Additional Secretary Shri Dharanidhar Nanda, Additional Secretary Smt. Pratibha Sahu, Registrar of Xavier Institute of Management S. Anthony, and Associate Dean Prof. Dr. S. S. Ganesh graced the occasion.