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IIT Ropar, Excelsoft Collaborate on AI-Focused EdTech Lab

IIT Ropar

IIT Ropar has joined forces with Excelsoft Technologies to launch the ‘Professor Dhananjaya Lab for Education Design and Creative Learning’. Named in honour of renowned educationist MH Dhananjaya, this lab is designed to drive innovation in the EdTech space by merging AI-driven solutions with academic and industry expertise.

Led by Sudarshan Iyengar, head of IIT Ropar’s Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department, the lab will focus on the development of artificial intelligence models to improve learning and assessment tools. The collaboration also seeks to create scalable, robust solutions aimed at transforming educational methodologies and enhancing the student learning experience.

This initiative represents a significant step toward positioning India as a global leader in EdTech innovation. Teams from both Excelsoft Technologies and IIT Ropar—including PhD scholars and MTech and BTech students—will work together to explore cutting-edge technologies and develop next-generation learning tools.

Also Read: IIM Raipur MDPs: Essential Skills for Today’s Dynamic Business World.

By combining academic research with real-world applications, this AI-powered lab will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and contributing to the rapidly growing EdTech ecosystem.

IIM Raipur MDPs: Essential Skills for Today’s Dynamic Business World

IIM Raipur

IIM Raipur is set to launch its much-anticipated Management Development Programs (MDPs) on September 20, 2024, offering professionals a unique opportunity to upgrade their managerial skills and advance their careers. Running for just over a month until October 23, 2024, these programs are tailored to meet the needs of professionals across industries, helping them navigate today’s complex business environment.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur has designed six Management Development Programs that cover essential subjects, including Healthcare Management, Business Analytics, and Public-Private Partnerships in General Management. These courses aim to equip professionals with the expertise needed to drive growth and efficiency within their organisations.

According to IIM Raipur, the MDPs also include specialised training in Project Appraisal, Financing, and Project Management, as well as Financial Risk Management. Participants will also explore Innovation and Technology Management within the Strategic Management domain, ensuring they gain cutting-edge insights into managing modern business challenges.

Also Read: MongoDB and AICTE Partner to Upskill 500,000 Indian Students.

The curriculum employs a range of practical learning methodologies, such as:

  • Case studies, simulations, and role-playing exercises
  • Critical incident techniques and In-Basket exercises
  • Interactive group discussions and program-specific assignments
  • Classroom lectures led by expert faculty

IIM Raipur’s MDPs are designed to offer professionals hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply contemporary strategies and tools to manage their organisations effectively. Whether you’re looking to specialise in finance, project management, or strategic management, these programs provide the advanced knowledge needed to excel in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

MongoDB and AICTE Partner to Upskill 500,000 Indian Students

MongoDB and AICTE

MongoDB has joined forces with the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education to upskill 500,000 students across India. This partnership, part of MongoDB’s “MongoDB for Academia” initiative, aims to provide in-demand full-stack development skills to students through a 60-hour virtual internship. This training includes experiential learning, boot camps, project work, and exposure to corporate-style environments.

The collaboration is backed by SmartBridge’s SmartInternz platform, offering over 150,000 students access to virtual internships and hands-on experience with MongoDB Atlas, a leading multi-cloud developer data platform. Launched in September 2023, the program provides educators with curriculum resources, students with free credits to use MongoDB tools, and certifications to jump-start careers in technology.

To further expand its reach, MongoDB has also partnered with GeeksforGeeks, a well-known computer science learning platform in India. This collaboration will offer MongoDB’s Developer Learning Path to 25 million GeeksforGeeks users, reaching over 100,000 aspiring developers through both online and offline centres.

Dr Buddha Chandrasekhar, CEO of Anuvadini AI and Chief Coordinating Officer at AICTE, emphasised that the ongoing wave of AI and modern technologies presents India with vast opportunities. He highlighted the importance of equipping developers with the right skills to capitalise on this potential.

Also Read: Literacy Extends Beyond Basic Skills Of Reading & Writing

MongoDB has already made substantial strides in India, with over 200 partnerships across educational institutions, training more than 100,000 students, and completing over 450,000 hours of learning. According to Sachin Chawla, Area Vice President of MongoDB India, the initiative is a testament to MongoDB’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent in the country.

This initiative positions MongoDB and AICTE as key contributors to India’s tech education ecosystem, offering unparalleled resources to students eager to develop cutting-edge skills.

Ageless Wisdom: 10 Pillars of Education That Will Never Fade

10 Pillars of Education

In the rapidly changing world of education, much of the conversation revolves around predicting the future—what skills will be in demand, how the landscape will evolve, and the unknown challenges ahead. However, our attention should also be directed toward the enduring elements that will remain constant regardless of technological progress. Amidst the trends and innovations, focusing on the core, unchanging principles will always be essential for building a strong foundation. While technology integration, online learning, and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of educational discussions, certain fundamental aspects of education will remain steadfast. Though tools and methods may evolve, these timeless principles will continue to form the bedrock of a strong educational system. Here are 10 elements that will always remain relevant even in years to come.

1. Human Connection and Interaction

Despite the increasing role of AI and virtual platforms in education, human connection remains irreplaceable. The relationship between teachers and students is central to the learning process. This human element develops emotional intelligence, empathy, and mentorship, which machines cannot replicate. 

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

No matter how advanced education becomes, the ability to think critically and solve problems will always be a cornerstone of learning. Critical thinking encourages students to evaluate information, make informed decisions, and tackle real-world challenges. This skill transcends time and technological advancements. 

3. Holistic Development

Education is not just about academic achievement. Holistic development, including intellectual, emotional, and social growth, will always be a priority. Schools and higher education institutions will continue to focus on developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. 

4. Ethics and Values

As the world becomes more technologically driven, the need for strong ethical foundations and values will only grow. Integrity, empathy, and social responsibility are traits that education must continue to instil in students. Future citizens will need to navigate ethical dilemmas in both their personal and professional lives, and this moral compass will be nurtured through education. 

5. Upskilling Future-Proofing Careers 

Upskilling will always be a pillar of education because it enables individuals to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce continuously. In a rapidly changing world driven by technological advancements and innovation, lifelong learning and the acquisition of new skills are essential to remain competitive and relevant. Upskilling fosters personal growth boosts employability, and empowers individuals to thrive in dynamic industries, making it a foundational aspect of education’s role in preparing people for future challenges.

  1. Curiosity and Inquiry

Curiosity is the engine that drives learning. Encouraging students to ask questions, explore new ideas, and pursue their interests will never go out of style. The future of education will continue to emphasise the importance of inquiry-based learning, where students actively participate in their education by following their curiosity. 

7. Cultural and Historical Knowledge

Understanding history and culture is essential for building informed global citizens. While the methods of teaching may change, the need to impart cultural awareness and historical knowledge will remain constant. These subjects teach us valuable lessons from the past, inform present decisions, and help shape the future. 

8. Adaptability and Resilience

The ability to adapt to change and overcome challenges is a skill that education will always prioritise. As the world evolves, students must be prepared to face uncertainty with resilience. This focus on adaptability will remain crucial, helping students to navigate an unpredictable future. 

9. Collaborative Learning

Collaboration is a timeless element of education. Group work, teamwork, and cooperative problem-solving help students develop interpersonal skills and learn from diverse perspectives. Future education will continue to prioritise collaborative learning environments that encourage cooperation and shared experiences. 

10. Teacher’s Role as a Facilitator

While technology may change the tools teachers use, their role as facilitators of learning will remain constant. Teachers will continue to guide students through their educational journey, offering support, motivation, and expertise. The teacher’s role as a mentor and guide is a pillar that will endure through generations. 

The Unchanging Essence of Education

As we look to the future of education, it’s clear that while the tools, methods, and platforms may evolve, the essence of education remains constant. Human connection, critical thinking, holistic development, ethics, lifelong learning, curiosity, and collaboration are the timeless pillars upon which the future of education will stand. These constants ensure that education continues to nurture informed, ethical, and adaptable individuals who can thrive in an ever-changing world.

By keeping these aspects at the heart of educational practices, institutions and educators can build a strong foundation that withstands the test of time, ensuring the future of learning remains as impactful as ever.

Discover more of the latest trends and updates at https://wes.eletsonline.com/ 

Literacy Extends Beyond Basic Skills Of Reading & Writing

Literacy

While we celebrate International Literacy Day, it is important to admit that literacy in the 21st Century goes beyond the customary ability to read and write. In this dynamic world, marked by technological developments and digital pervasiveness, the demand for literacy from numeracy during the Industrial Revolution has changed to digital and other critical skills in the information age. Now, literacy includes or should include skills that focus on digital, media, financial, civic, and health literacies. These aptitudes are a must to navigate the complexities of modern life, engage meaningfully in society, and contribute to building informed, equitable, and resilient communities. 

Digital Literacy: The Core of Modern Competence

In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy has become a critical aspect of modern literacy that goes beyond basic technical skills. It encompasses the ability to critically assess online information, practice responsible online behaviour and understand cyber security. The recent Pandemic has emphasised the importance of digital literacy at work, in education, social interaction, and so on. It also revealed the significant disparities in digital access and skills. Imagine someone lacking basic digital skills trying to cope with the Aarogya Sethu App. The digital illiteracy and limited technology adoption leave a large population without essential services such as basic banking, finance, and e-commerce, rendering them unexplored outliers.

Media Literacy: Navigating the Information System

Media literacy empowers us to recognise bias, identify trustworthy sources and understand the broader context of media messages. With this, we can cultivate an informed and engaged public capable of making sound decisions based on accurate information. 

In a time where fabricated and fake news are widespread, media literacy is vital for determining authentic information from deception. This spread of propaganda can have serious consequences, from political instability to crisis in public life. Assessment and valuation of content from various media sources, including news, social media, and entertainment, has become ever more critical. 

Financial Literacy: To Empower Economic Participation

Financial literacy is particularly important for making informed financial decisions, avoiding debt, preventing exploitation, and building long-term financial security in a world where economic disparities are widening. This includes the understanding of fundamental concepts such as saving, budgeting, credit management, and investing.

We can prepare individuals with the skills needed to achieve economic stability and participate fully in the broader economy, contributing to overall financial well-being and resilience by integrating financial literacy into education and community programs.

Civic Literacy: Informed Citizenship to participate in Representative Practices

An important aspect of modern literacy is civic literacy, which includes understanding the rights and responsibilities of individuals, functioning methods of governments, and involvement in such activities. When there is a surge in political polarisation and disintegration, it becomes more important to sustain democratic societies. This empowers the common public to advocate for their civic rights and hold individuals responsible while ensuring social cohesion and mutual respect. The education system must give due importance to developing informed and active citizens who can create a just society and work for the betterment of communities and nations with democratic values.

Also Read: The Role Of Educational Publishers in Developing Future-Ready Graduates

Health literacy: To manage personal and public health

COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent need to understand health and medical information, knowledge about the pandemic, and how to fight against misinformation related to viruses, vaccines, and treatments spread widely, which causes confusion and mistrust, resulting in loss of life. By introducing and enhancing health literacy, a better individual, informed, and healthy society can be formed, which will be well-prepared and equipped to handle challenges during pressing times.

It is important to understand that literacy is dynamic and ever-evolving with societal changes and advancements. This new concept is not merely an educational goal but a collective priority, providing the foundation for addressing modern challenges and ensuring a more inclusive future for all. It reflects the diverse skills individuals need to navigate through modern life efficiently and effectively. By embracing this larger vision, we can better equip our people to make informed decisions, contribute to building an equitable and just society, and engage fully. 

Views expressed by Ajay Kumar, Vice President, Primus Partners

Higher Education Department Partners with British Council to Empower 30 Karnataka Students Abroad

Higher education department

The Higher Education Department of Karnataka has partnered with the British Council to offer an exceptional opportunity for 30 underprivileged students from the state to study in the United Kingdom. The collaboration was announced during a launch event on Tuesday, where Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar emphasised the state’s commitment to enhancing educational ties with the UK.

This initiative is part of a broader agreement between the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) and the British Council, which was formalised in February. The agreement includes four new educational programs aimed at fostering cultural exchange and educational advancement.

One of the key programs introduced is the Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT). This initiative will see 30 students, including five each from Bangalore University, Bengaluru City University, Gulbarga University, Raichur University, Tumakuru University, and Rani Channamma University, along with one faculty member from each institution and two KSHEC officials, embark on a two-week immersive learning experience at the University of East London. The program is scheduled to run from November 9 to 22.

Also Read: NCTE Requires Performance Appraisal Reports from Teacher Education Institutions.

The SCOUT program is designed to provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with invaluable international exposure. It aims to promote academic excellence, innovative thinking, and research skills. Key themes of the program include sustainable development goals, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and personality development. According to a press release from the British Council, the program will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to their communities and future careers.

NCTE Requires Performance Appraisal Reports from Teacher Education Institutions

NCTE

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), established under the National Council for Teacher Education Act 1993, is overseeing the regulation and enhancement of teacher education across India. To ensure that recognised institutions comply with the NCTE Act’s standards and guidelines, the Council has mandated the submission of Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) for the academic sessions 2021-22 and 2022-23.

In its 61st meeting on August 5, 2024, the NCTE General Body resolved that all Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) must submit these reports online through the NCTE portal. This measure aims to uphold accountability and improve the quality and delivery of teacher education nationwide.

Also Read: InfoComm India 2024 Wraps Up with Impressive 17% Increase in Unique Attendance.

A Public Notice dated September 9, 2024, has been issued detailing the process for submission. Institutions are required to upload their PARs for the specified academic sessions between September 9, 2024, and November 10, 2024, before 11:59 PM. 

Overview:

  • Regulatory Body: The NCTE was created on August 17, 1995, to oversee the regulation and development of teacher education in India, ensuring institutions meet established norms and standards.
  • New Requirement: As of August 5, 2024, all recognised TEIs must submit their PARs online through the NCTE portal.

Submission Details:

  1. Deadline: Reports must be submitted between September 9, 2024, and November 10, 2024, before 11:59 PM.
  2. Submission Process: TEIs are required to upload their PARs online using the NCTE’s dedicated portal. Access the portal at NCTE PAR Portal.
  3. Purpose: This initiative aims to ensure that TEIs adhere to regulatory standards, enhance accountability, and improve the quality of teacher education.

Why This Matters:

  • Accountability: The PARs will help enforce adherence to the NCTE Act’s provisions, ensuring institutions maintain high standards.
  • Quality Improvement: By reviewing performance, the NCTE seeks to identify areas for development and promote excellence in teacher education.

Regulatory Compliance: This process will aid in monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Council’s norms and standards.

InfoComm India 2024 Wraps Up with Impressive 17% Increase in Unique Attendance

Infocomm

Mumbai:  InfoComm India 2024, the premier professional audiovisual (Pro AV) and integrated experience solutions event in India, concluded its tenth in-person edition at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) on 5 September with resounding success. The show recorded 10,867 unique business attendees, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous edition.

Multifaceted Success Growth Story

Importantly, InfoComm India 2024 saw a significant surge in visitor interest to spend more time at the show, with an 80% increase in same-show return visitors compared to the last edition. Nearly 30% of visitors are technology end users – a 5% growth compared to 2023. Almost 50% of visitors hold managerial positions or higher or directly influence technical and purchasing decisions. The rise in highly engaged attendees, with high purchasing authority, and increased time spent at the show underscores not only InfoComm India’s growing relevance in India’s Pro AV market but also aligns with the country’s thriving economy and increasing adoption of cutting-edge technologies across various market sectors and industries. InfoComm India 2024’s success is a testament to the immense potential and opportunities the Indian market holds for the Pro-AV industry.

“The Indian market is one of the most important markets for us,” shared David McKinney, Managing Director of Generation AV, a new exhibitor at the show. “We have attended past InfoComm India editions. (as visitors) and we saw so many opportunities here. Coming off the back of a successful InfoComm Asia in Bangkok in July, we have high hopes to show off our brands and technology to our customers in India.”

Press Release

InfoComm India 2024 was a vibrant hub of activity where visitors explored the future of Pro AV technology, connected with exhibitors, and participated in experiential activities.

“There isn’t any platform like InfoComm India that showcases the best of Pro AV solutions,” enthused Devi M A, General Manager of Samsung. He added, “We’ve had a great experience over the last three days because we’ve had many end users and potential customers, signifying huge opportunities building up for us.”

Durai Kandasamy, Managing Director and CEO of first-time exhibitor NeoTouch expressed his gratitude for the show: “We were visitors to InfoComm India for many years. Now that we are here as an exhibitor, it is a proud moment for us, being able to position our brand in a different orbit and participate alongside international brands.”

Advanced Pro AV Technology and Solutions for a Future-Ready Digital Era

InfoComm India served as a launchpad for leading solution providers to debut their latest products and solutions, thereby helping to shape the future of the Pro AV industry in India. With some 250 global and emerging exhibitors and brands, including more than 30 new participants, and over 30 product launches – including new-at-show and new-in-Asia debuts – the show treated visitors to a plethora of innovations applicable to diverse industries. From immersive displays and innovative audio systems to integrated experiences and smart solutions, InfoComm India 2024 provided a glimpse into the transformative power of Pro AV in various sectors, including corporate, education, live events and entertainment, smart urban planning, hospitality, and retail.

Ashish Bajaj, Director of Enterprise Sales – India and SAARC of Harman, shared why InfoComm India is a valuable platform for solution providers like Harman, “We saw all our customers, users, and partners for the installation market at the show. This market is huge in India, and it’s growing rapidly.”

Constantly seeking to explore opportunities in various solution segments, return exhibitor ViewSonic shared that it has received many good connections every time the brand exhibits at the show. A marketing representative from ViewSonic summed up, “If you want to experience the future of technology, you have to visit InfoComm India.”

PR

Innovative products and solutions filled the InfoComm India show floor, dazzling visitors with the latest technology to propel their business success.

High-Value Attendees Actively Seeking Solutions

InfoComm India welcomed 76 qualified high-value buyers from all over India. These buyers actively seeking solutions for their ongoing projects come from various high-growth sectors that the Show organisers

specially identified, including smart city and urban development, education, live events and entertainment, and healthcare. Through a specially curated Guided Show Floor Tour and pre-show business matchingexercise with the exhibitors, the show gave the buyers a comprehensive look at the latest and innovative Pro AV offerings relevant to their specific project needs.

Hosted Invited Guests include National Informatics Centre, India; Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation; National Institute for Smart Government; Honeywell; Agra Smart City; Ramoji Film City; and more.

“InfoComm India allowed me to discover more companies, new technologies, and the attributes that can help me refine and improve our future procurement process,” remarked Invited Guest Anand Menon,

Project Planning and Management Specialist from AGRA Smart City, at the end of his visit. “The guided tour was particularly helpful, offering a focused overview of the booths and technologies most relevant to my project needs.”

Other high-profile vertical market end users who visited InfoComm India 2024 included:

  • Kerala State IT Mission
  • Central Public Works Department, India
  • Indian Space Research Organisation
  • Government of Gujarat, India
  • Reliance Industries
  • Adani Group
  • Aditya Birla Group
  • Tata Group
  • Mahindra & Mahindra
  • Oberoi Group
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation
  • Amazon Development Center
  • Bank of America
  • Barclays
  • Central Bank of India
  • Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
  • Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Mumbai
  • The Indian Hotels
  • Zee Entertainment
  • SRSG Broadcast India

With a wide range of innovative solutions on displays, the show also attracted large delegations of leading AV and tech channel professionals, including system integrators and consultants like:

  • 3CDN Workplace Tech
  • Actis Technologies
  • Accenture Solutions
  • Actis Technologies
  • Active AV Technologies
  • Allwave AV System
  • Diversified AV India
  • Infosys
  • HCL Technologies
  • Genesis IT Innovations
  • Tech Mahindra
  • Have Design India
  • Wipro
  • VEGA Global
  • Velocis Systems
  • Qubix Technologies
  • Rhino Engineers
  • Sigma AVIT Technology Solution

Jasline Tay, Regional Sales Head, APAC for BARCO, shared that InfoComm India is her favourite among the Pro AV tradeshows. She believes the Indian market currently provides abundant business opportunities for the well-established BARCO brand.

Knowledge-packed Summit Program

The InfoComm India 2024 Summit, led by 98 renowned industry experts and thought leaders, was a masterclass in navigating the evolving Pro AV and technology landscape. The attending 2,159 summit delegates (1.2 times more than the last edition, which saw 1,777 delegates) gained valuable insights into critical topics across 14 specialised tracks and 50 sessions ranging from immersive storytelling to the permeation of blended learning across India’s educational system to cybersecurity and AI.

Beyond the Booths: Immersive Experiences and Special Events

InfoComm India 2024 went beyond product displays on the show floor; it provided numerous engaging activities like the New Product & Technology Guided Show Floor Tour and the Multisensory Immersive.

Experience co-presented with MSS World + Studio Ocupus and a host of networking events that facilitated meaningful interactions amongst AV system integrators, solution providers and brands, and technology end users.

When asked what InfoComm India meant to his business, Swadesh Khetawat, Managing Director, Green Sources, said, “InfoComm India gave us a robust platform to showcase our innovative solutions, significantly boosting our visibility and market presence. The networking opportunities also facilitated several strategic partnerships, enhancing our distribution channels and market reach.

Also Read: LEAD Group’s FY24 Revenue Reaches ₹370 Cr., Slashes Cash Burn by 65%

India – World’s Fastest-Growing Pro AV Market

The success of InfoComm India 2024 reflects the robust growth of the Pro AV market in India. According to the 2024 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA) by AVIXA, India is the fastest-growing Pro AV market in the Asia Pacific region, with annual revenue projected to reach 422 billion in 2029.

InfoComm India’s 100% rebooked 2025 show floor reflects the overwhelming optimism within the Indian market. The show’s achievement this year highlights InfoComm India’s pivotal role in driving the industry’s growth and innovation, establishing it as the region’s leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge Pro AV technologies and fostering collaboration.

Show Organizer InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd is already looking ahead to its 2025 edition and is considering further enhancements to include even more brands and companies that are keen to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. InfoComm India 2025 will take place from 9 to 11 September 2025 at JWC.

 

World Bank Experts Meet Kerala’s CM, Discussed Education Partnership

World Bank

In a major boost to Kerala’s higher education system, World Bank experts met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday to praise the state’s recent education reforms and explore opportunities for collaboration. The discussions focused on attracting international students to Kerala and enhancing the higher education system with a focus on sustainability and social justice.

The World Bank delegation, which included Nina Arnhold (Global Lead for Tertiary Education), Denis Nikolaev (Senior Education Specialist), and Ambarish Ambuj (Consultant for Education in South Asia), expressed interest in partnering with Kerala’s Higher Education Council to further the state’s education initiatives.

According to an official release, the proposed project aims to improve the quality of higher education in Kerala, increase student employability, and ensure that the education system is both sustainable and equitable. The Kerala government has welcomed the collaboration with the World Bank, recognising the potential to enhance the state’s position as an international hub for higher education.

Chief Minister Vijayan reaffirmed Kerala’s commitment to advancing its education sector and expressed openness to initiatives that focus on quality education, employment opportunities, and social equity.

Also Read: GST Exemption Announced for Research in Higher Education

Rajan Gurukkal, Vice Chairman of the Kerala Higher Education Council, and Eldho Mathews, International Special Officer, also attended the meeting. The World Bank team is set to visit the Digital University and the College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) on Tuesday to evaluate Kerala’s progress in education reforms further.

This potential partnership underscores Kerala’s ambition to become a global destination for higher education, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable education and international collaboration.

GST Exemption Announced for Research in Higher Education

GST

The GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has announced a key decision to exempt research funding for higher educational institutions and research centres from GST. This exemption covers both private and public funding sources and applies to institutions established under central or state laws, as well as those with income tax exemptions.

This decision comes in response to concerns raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the issuance of GST notices to research institutions such as IIT-Delhi and Anna University. The move is aimed at promoting research and development (R&D) in India by relieving research institutions from the burden of GST, enabling them to focus on innovative projects and patent development.

Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised that the tax notices were the result of an interpretative issue by tax authorities rather than an instance of “tax terrorism.” She reiterated that research funding, which often leads to patents, innovations, and advancements in fields like climate-resistant agriculture, should not be subjected to GST.

Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the tax claims would be regularised, providing relief to institutions that had received GST notices. This decision is expected to encourage higher educational institutions and research centres to continue their R&D efforts without the concern of additional taxation.

In addition to the exemption for research funding, the GST Council also clarified that foreign airlines will be exempt from GST on the import of services from related entities outside India, where no consideration is involved.

Also Read: National University of Dubai Launched with Dh4.5 Billion Investment

This decision aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering R&D and innovation through initiatives like the National Research Foundation and increased funding for research projects in the Union Budget. The exemption is expected to strengthen India’s position in global research and development efforts, supporting higher education and innovation at the national level.

This move is a significant step in boosting India’s R&D ecosystem, furthering the government’s vision of making India a global leader in research, innovation, and technology development.

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