UGC’s draft guidelines for academic leaders inspired by ‘traditional wisdom’

UGC’s draft guidelines for academic leaders inspired by ‘traditional wisdom’

The guidelines stress on personal and institutional development for leadership.

The Hindu Bureau

New Delhi  19.10.2024

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the draft guidelines for institutional leadership development for higher education institutions (HEIs). The draft takes inspiration from the traditional wisdom of kaal, sthan, and patra (time, era/context, and the actor) to nurture leadership in academic institutions.

Commenting on the draft, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said nurturing and promoting leadership within HEIs was essential for navigating the complexities of running them. He added that the draft offered a comprehensive framework to develop the next generation of academic leaders. “These guidelines emphasise the importance of both personal and institutional development to foster effective leadership,” Mr. Kumar said.

Key areas addressed include the blend of artistry and science in leadership, underscoring the need for mentorship, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of the unique dynamics within each institution. According to the draft, leadership must balance administrative responsibilities with encouraging innovation, inclusivity, and industry collaboration.

The guidelines encourage institutions to develop tailored leadership programmes that meet local and national challenges, focusing on skill development, strategic visioning, and adaptive leadership. The effort is in line with the National Education Policy, 2020 and highlights the need to prepare faculty for leadership roles to adapt to new educational structures, such as multidisciplinary approaches, autonomy, and introducing an academic bank of credits.

The guidelines recommend a holistic approach by integrating leadership systems with personal development.