India and the other members of the BRICS group of countries, namely Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa have resolved to bolster their academic and research collaboration in higher education and in technical and vocational education and training.
Education ministers from the group signed a combined statement recently. The member countries vowed to generate and expand their knowledge base with regard to digital and technological solutions for ensuring quality inclusive education.
The sharing of knowledge and best practices through expert communication, policy dialogues, and seminars was also discussed.
In one of the major steps, the countries also decided to enhance student and faculty mobility among each other, aside from encouraging joint and dual degrees between higher education institutions in BRICS countries.
Technical and vocational training and education have also been recognised as priority areas and there would be more collaborations between the BRICS nations on this going forward.
The five countries will also encourage twinning and joint degrees, and will work together on developing the same and recognising each other’s qualifications.
In earlier discussions, the group stressed on better collaboration among BRICS universities, exchange of knowledge, partnerships on technical-vocational education and training, and portability and transferability of qualifications among BRICS countries.
Sanjay Dhotre, minister of state for education, communications, and electronics and information technology, represented India during the discussion, saying the country acknowledges the efforts by students, institutions, and governments globally to build a stronger education system after the pandemic.
Online learning and the digital delivery of education have gained importance after COVID-19 and therefore technology will play a key role in this.
BRICS education ministers also spoke about the measures and policies they have taken to minimise the effects of the pandemic on education.
India has taken initiatives such as PM eVidya, SWAYAM MOOCs, SWAYAM Prabha TV Channels, DIKSHA, and virtual labs to maximise access to education for all.
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