Higher education to go future-ready with AI and new-age courses

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh education minister Rohit Thakur has called for a major transformation of higher education, with greater emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), job-oriented courses, emerging technologies, research, sports and student welfare.Chairing the 9th meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State Higher Education Council on Monday, the minister directed institutions to regularly update courses in line with changing technology and industry requirements. He stressed that AI should be integrated across disciplines, including agriculture, horticulture, tourism, healthcare, education, law, forestry and disaster management.The state govt will also explore courses in cyber security, data analytics, robotics, renewable energy, drone technology, GIS, digital marketing and entrepreneurship, he said.Thakur called for stronger research on Himalayan issues such as climate change, biodiversity, disaster management and sustainable development. He also urged better academia-industry linkages through internships, placements and joint research.Emphasising student welfare, the minister directed institutions to strengthen counselling, career guidance and mental-health support.He also reviewed the implementation of the National Education Policy-2020 and the PM-USHA, stressing effective use of resources.