Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Sunday demanded direct access for students from recognised institutions into universities in the US for higher studies. Speaking at the Indo-US Education Conclave on Sunday,Pawar said,Although the medical and allied education in India is of a very good standard,Indian students are not being permitted to undertake higher studies without clearing certain examinations. I would appreciate if duly qualified students,approved by recognised bodies such MCI,DCI and Nursing Council,have direct access for higher studies in medical sciences in the USA. He also stressed the need for setting up more vocational institutes to make the students more industry-oriented. We have kept an ambitious target of enrolling over 40 million students from the present 16 million in higher education. To do this,we need about 100 new universities and may be 25,000 more colleges,almost double the present number. Today,there is a huge gap between demand and supply of human resources. Vocational education and employability skills have emerged as significant areas which will make millions of students industry ready, added Pawar. Educationists from both India and the USA also addressed the conclave. Topics varying from opportunities for expanding and deepening ties between the two countries to bi-national policy initiatives were discussed. Sushilkumar Shinde,Union minister for power spoke about the Indo-US partnership. India and USA have a history of good relations and it is this relationship that should be used to improve our higher education.
