Professional Coaching for Civil Service Examinations at GNDU

First public private partnership in education sector in Punjab

Amritsar, June (Punjab Post Bureau) – Guru Nanak Dev University, a leading “Category One” status state university which affiliates over 280 colleges in Punjab and winner of the prestigious ‘Maulana Abul Kalam Azad” Trophy for overall excellence in sports this year, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nishan-e-Sikhi Charitable Trust that is the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in education sector in Punjab. The venture will help the students of Punjab and adjoining areas to crack the prestigious Civil Services Examination.

            Speaking at the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jaspal Singh Sandhu said, “It’s a very proud and historical moment for the university fraternity as we ink a very important venture to train civil services aspirants under Public Private Partnership Mode. Our endeavour is not only to offer quality teaching and research on the campus, but also to connect with the society through initiatives like coaching and training our youngsters for various competitive examinations in most professional manner,” he said. He also informed that with the signing of MoU, we are embarking upon a new journey, which will be beneficial not only for the students of University but also for the students living in Punjab and adjoining areas. Elaborating upon the need of the Centre, he said it will leverage the curriculum of the University and will also help evolving the education system of the country”.  I hope this venture between will go a long way ahead and produce many more Civil Servants, which will serve the nation.”

            Seconding his thoughts, Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi Coordinator University Industry linkage Programme said that since its inception, All India Services Centre of Preparation for Competitive Examinations (AISCCE) has always tried to produce Civil Servants who are dedicated to build the nation with a great emphasis upon leadership ship development and social responsibilities. Talking about centre, which aims to develop amongst its students a competitive attitude along with the sound academic base supported with quality teaching. Furthermore, he added that this venture will bring a change in the methods of teaching along with the education system. Divulging more, Dr Bedi said that the university would give academic as well as the intellectual inputs under the visionary guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Jaspal Singh Sandhu whereas the Nishane-Sikhi would chip in with the financial and infrastructural assistance. This venture will increase the success rate of our students in all India civil service examination. This preparation will help them to crack other similar examinations in the country said Dr. Bedi.

             Prof. (Dr.) Kuldip Singh, Consultant-cum-Coordinator, AISCCE, GNDU said Nishan-e-Sikhi approached the Guru Nanak Dev University to help their students for preparing them for Civil services examination both UPSC and PPSC. The   All India Services Centre of Preparation for Competitive Examinations (AISCCE) has been imparting pre exam teaching to civil services aspirants since 1982 on GNDU campus and is charging approximately Rs. 25,000/- fee from general category students on annual basis. Nishan-e-Sikhi Charitable Trust will provide finances which will help build infrastructure, up-grade of the library among other facilities to the tune of Rs. 25, 00,000/ (twenty five lacs ) spread over two years.

            Prof. SS Behl, Dean Academic Affairs said that the government supports the enhancement of quality education through partnerships and mentorship programmes. This MoU sets a new benchmark of public-private partnership that can enhance learning and open up new opportunities for benefit of society. The signing of the MoU today marks a new beginning for University in the field of education sector to help us address various local issues and it will be useful in internal capacity building so that we can take the benefits to society.”

            Also at the signing ceremony was Avtar Singh Bajwa, Secretary, Nishan-E-Sikhi Charitable Trust said, “The government is looking at helping public institutions in the state enhance quality and this is one such endeavour in public-private partnership. It brings the strength of one of the great players into a region that requires such expertise. While Guru Nanak Dev University has expertise in arears of research, education, sports and cultural activities. This is an endeavour for the region of Punjab as well as for developing the university department and is a first-of-its kind initiative. Avtar Singh Bajwa, Secretary, Nishan-E-Sikhi Charitable Trust thanked Vice chancellor for the warm hospitality extended to him and applauded the efforts of University –Industry cell of GNDU.

            On the occasion Prof. K.S Kahlon, Prof S.S Behl, Prof. Balwinder Singh and other senior officials from university were also present.