Delhi, 26 May (H.S.): Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, oversaw the Letter of Intent (LoI) ceremony for the University of Liverpool in New Delhi, marking it as the second foreign university to receive an LoI under the UGC (Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. Present at the event were notable figures including Ms. Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, Dr. Vineet Joshi, Interim Chair of UGC, Prof. Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, and other dignitaries.
During the ceremony, three significant MoUs were also signed to foster collaborative efforts with entities such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, AstraZeneca, YouWeCan, and Dream11. Pradhan emphasized that the LoI signifies India's growing role as a reliable partner in global higher education and aligns with the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambition of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, highlighting NEP 2020’s focus on fostering global citizens through advanced education.
Pradhan also urged attention to research, development, and innovations, expressing optimism about Liverpool University’s commitment to STEM research. He noted that the university's Bengaluru campus would enhance research and innovation, contributing to societal benefits. According to him, India is poised to lead global agendas related to sustainability, health, and wellness, embodying the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to fulfill international responsibilities.
Dr. Vineet Joshi highlighted that the Letter of Intent signifies a significant transformation in India's higher education system, driven by strategic reforms and international engagement, underpinned by a strong policy framework. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to make Indian education more inclusive and globally competitive, placing internationalization at its core with a focus on connectivity and institutional flexibility.
The University of Liverpool has secured approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its first foreign campus in Bengaluru, set to enroll its first undergraduate and postgraduate students in August 2026. Initially, programs will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, and Biomedical Sciences, alongside an innovative Game Design program. This initiative will foster global exchange opportunities, creating an attractive international study location for UK students.
The Bengaluru campus aims to cultivate a research-intensive environment addressing global and local challenges through fundamental and applied research. Strong ties with employers and alumni will support students in acquiring essential skills for successful careers or further education. Indian students will benefit from a global mobility scheme, ensuring they gain valuable experiences in Liverpool and worldwide, preparing them for today's interconnected job market.
In addition to the address, two panel discussions were held on ‘The Free Trade Agreement and Beyond’ and ‘The India–UK Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)’. Established in 1881, the University of Liverpool is a leading research university in the UK, recognized for its significant academic contribution and global influence.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
