IITs, NITs and universities likely to get Sanskrit cells

All IITs, NITs, IIITs, Indian Institute of Science, Central universities and AICTE-approved technical colleges are likely to get Sanskrit cells to facilitate study of science and technology in Sanskrit literature.

An expert panel set up to assess and accredit Sanskrit universities and institutions across the country will consider this option soon. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has also been given the task to develop a separate set of norms for assessing Sanskrit institutions.

“This is in view of the recommendations of the N Gopalaswami Committee set up by the ministry of human resource development to suggest a long-term vision and roadmap for development of Sanskrit language,” says a senior NAAC official.

The six-member committee has Prof Radhavallabh Tripathi, former vice chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, as the chairperson and Prof HK Satpathy, former vice chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, as co-chairperson.

The panel held a meeting in Bengaluru last week to discuss the modalities in formulating norms for assessment and accreditation, keeping in view the Gopalaswami Committee recommendations. Members discussed the criteria and key aspects to be included in the assessment manuals of NAAC. The report is expected to be submitted within three months. As per the N Gopalaswami Committee’s ten-year perspective plan to develop the language, all Sanskrit universities can be considered for special grant for starting new courses for skill development, irrespective of their status. The plan also aims to allow earning of simultaneous dual degree programmes in Sanskrit as well as modern disciplines. Special grants for postdoctoral fellowships for scholars in Sanskrit institutions have also been proposed.