VARANASI : Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain asserted that Banaras Hindu University has a crucial role as a leading public university in India. Speaking to faculty members at Swatantrata Bhawan on Friday, he emphasized that the standards set by BHU have the potential to influence the entire higher education scenario across the country.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s significant progress across various areas and outlined the steps needed for further advancement. Prof. Jain was addressing BHU faculty members at Swatantrata Bhawan on Friday. His address focused on expanding the university’s capacity to address ongoing challenges and adapt to the evolving higher education landscape. He emphasized that attracting top talent—whether faculty, staff, or students—must be supported by ample resources and facilities to foster an environment of excellence. Prof. Jain stressed the importance of cultivating a robust culture and governance system to achieve institutional excellence at BHU.
Prof. Jain stated, “To achieve our goals, we need skilled individuals with a positive attitude and integrity who work collaboratively toward common objectives. This requires forging partnerships with other organizations and engaging external experts.” He emphasized the importance of diversity in both people and ideas to enhance productivity and achieve better results.
In his hour-and-a-half address, the Vice-Chancellor provided a comprehensive overview of the university’s developmental initiatives. He announced that BHU has extended offers to 22 distinguished professors through its Visiting Faculty Program, including 15 from prestigious global institutions. Over 250 faculty members have been granted Rs. 2.2 crores in international travel support, while 1,348 educators have utilized more than Rs. 14.8 crores from the Professional Development Fund under the IoE scheme. The university has also introduced a program offering full financial support for faculty to spend a year at an international institution abroad for research, with 10 faculty members approved so far. Additionally, 83 faculty members have participated in leadership development programs at IIMs and IITs. In the past 15 months, nearly 500 administrative staff members have completed over 6,000 man-hours of skills training.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined the university’s efforts to support and develop students. Prof. Jain highlighted various initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being, leadership development, and counseling services, along with new scholarships. He detailed the funding provided to students and Ph.D. scholars, including approvals for 15 Ph.D. scholars to conduct research at international institutions overseas and 23 to do so within India. Additionally, 203 Ph.D. students have received financial support to present their research at international conferences. The Teach For BHU initiative has benefited 125 Ph.D. students, while 320 Master’s students have been awarded Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Internships.
Since taking office as Vice-Chancellor at Banaras Hindu University, Prof. Jain has prioritized support for students from underprivileged backgrounds. This commitment is reflected in the Pratidana scheme, which has led to the introduction of 300 new scholarships, each worth Rs. 25,000 per annum. Prof. Jain has also set an ambitious goal for the university to establish over 3,500 scholarships, aiming to advance the cause of education and fulfill the vision of Mahamana.
Prof. Jain announced that the university has embarked on an extensive infrastructure development plan. This initiative will increase hostel capacity by 5,000 students, renovate nearly 330 housing units, revamp existing academic buildings, and modernize classrooms, laboratories, and office spaces.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted recent improvements in several key areas: streamlining the recruitment process, simplifying administrative procedures, enhancing the responsiveness and efficiency of institutional operations, improving the university’s financial health, and reforming the admission process.
The address was attended by a large audience, including faculty members, senior university officials, and staff. Distinguished guests also present included Prof. Rakesh Bhatnagar, former Vice-Chancellor of BHU; Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi from IIT Kanpur; and Prof. Manisha Priyam from the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration.
