The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and Dibrugarh University jointly organized a three-day national workshop on ‘Management of University Administration’ from 19 to 21 October 2016 at Dibrugarh University premises. The workshop was organized to provide opportunities for senior University administrators to make administration technology friendly, develop positive attitude in respect of interpersonal relationship and provide dynamic leadership in university planning, administration and management. At least 50 delegates consisting of Deans, Registrars, Finance Officers, Directors, etc. representing 27 Universities and institutes across 15 states participated in the national workshop.
Prof. Alak Kr. Buragohain, Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University inaugurated the workshop. In his inaugural address Prof. Buragohain stated that ‘The universities are undergoing second revolution; he stated that when higher educational institutes were established their sole objective was to generate and disseminate knowledge. But today educational institutes are looked upon not just as a medium for facilitating research and academics but also components of social and economic development. As newer dimensions are being introduced in academics precision and effectiveness are essential in decision making process. He also mentioned that in this context the administration also has to be flexible in decision making without violating rules. If flexibility is not adapted it might be difficult to conform to new challenges that will be put in front of the system frequently. So, flexibility has to be incorporated in the mechanism of governance, effectiveness and accountability is a must as today universities rely on different funding agencies.’
Shri Arinjit Hazarika, Deputy Controller of Examinations (A), Dibrugarh University and also the workshop Coordinator delivered the introductory remarks while welcoming the delegates across the country. In his deliberation, Shri Hazarika informed that the workshop covers a wide range of topics related to Academic Administration which will help the delegates to focus and develop long term strategies for better administration in their respective institutions.
Former Joint Secretary, MHRD Govt. of India, Shi R.D. Sahay delivered the key note address focusing on education ecosystem. Shri Sahay observed that ‘one of the major ways in which management of higher education administration can be improved upon is through the twin approaches of high quality leadership and requisite governance structure. He informed that improvement in governance, administrative practices and leadership development are urgently called for at three levels: Macro (the administrative ministries as well as the national level regulatory bodies), Mezzo (administrative departments, directorates and state level regulatory bodies) and Micro (Institutional heads, statutory officers, Deans, Heads, administrative staff etc.).’
Dr. Amarendra Pani, Deputy Director and In-Charge of the Research Division, Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi and Prof. M.N. Dutta, Registrar, Dibrugarh University also addressed the delegates during the session.
As part of the workshop nine technical sessions on various topics related to University administration and management were organized. Prof. Alak Kr. Buragohain discussed on the topics ‘Management practices in University Administration’ and ‘Leadership in the Institutions of Higher Learning’. Retired bureaucrat Dr. U.N.Bora, IAS (Retd.) stressed on ethics and values in administration and works. Shri Himangshu Sekhar Das, IAS (Retd.), State Chief Information Commissioner, Government of Assam made a presentation on ‘Handling of RTI related matters by the administrators in Universities.
The session on ‘E-governance in University Administration’ was addressed by Shri Deepak Goswami, Senior Technical Director and State Informatics Officer (NIC), Assam State Centre. Psychiatrist Dr. Jayanta Das delivered a lecture on ‘How to cope with stress by the academic administrators’. Shri Kumarjit Dutta, Deputy Registrar (Finance), Tezpur University discussed on ‘Financial Administration in the Institutions of Higher Learning’.
In the Valedictory Session, Prof. Ajanta B. Rajkonwar, Dean- School of Commerce and Management Science and Prof. Mukut Hazarika, Dean-School of Education, Dibrugarh University addressed the delegates. Dr. Amarendra Pani of AIU thanked Dibrugarh University for successfully organizing the workshop. The rapporteurs report was presented by Ms. Jennifer Shaheen Hussain, Assistant Professor, Centre for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dibrugarh University. Shri Arinjit Hazarika, the workshop coordinator proposed the Vote of thanks. The Valedictory Session was coordinated by Dr. Binod Ch. Bora, Deputy Registrar (Academic), Dibrugarh University.