Lucknow, August 06 (HS): The Yogi Adityanath government in

Uttar Pradesh is taking a significant step toward establishing the Indian

knowledge tradition in the mainstream of higher education. In line with the

National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020), the state government has issued

detailed policy and guidelines for the establishment of Indian Knowledge

Tradition Promotion Research Centers in universities and state- and non-government-aided

colleges.

State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay stated

that the objective of this scheme is to integrate India's ancient knowledge

tradition, philosophy, science, culture, and intellectual heritage with the

modern education system. He said that the Yogi government wants the new

generation not to limit themselves to modern education, but also to understand

Indian knowledge, science, philosophy, and cultural values, and to establish a

new identity globally by conducting research on them.

He said that through these research centers, the ideas of

India's great sages, intellectuals, scientists, philosophers, and social

reformers will be studied, researched, and widely disseminated. This will

enable Uttar Pradesh to become a leading center for the preservation,

promotion, and global dissemination of the Indian knowledge tradition.

The Higher Education Minister stated that clear eligibility

criteria have been set for the establishment of research centers. Only

universities and colleges that have been established for at least 50 years will

be eligible to apply. Additionally, the institution must have a current student

population of more than 5,000 and be recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12(B)

of the UGC Act, 1956.

The Yogi government will provide a one-time grant of Rs. 2

crore to each selected research center for five years. This amount will be held

in the form of fixed deposits (FDs), and the interest earned will be used for

the center's regular operations, research activities, and other academic programs.

Resources can also be raised from corporate social responsibility (CSR),

donations, and other statutory sources to further strengthen the research

centers. Upon completion of the five-year period, the work of the research

centers will be reviewed and a decision will be made on further extensions.

Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya stated that the research centers

will encourage serious and quality research on the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana,

Mahabharata, Jain and Buddhist philosophy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Indian mathematics,

astronomy, architecture, agricultural science, environmental protection, and

other Indian knowledge traditions. These centers will provide research grants

and academic support to PhD, post-doctoral, undergraduate, and postgraduate

level researchers.

Under the scheme, research books, translations, and review

editions will be published with ISBNs and DOIs in accordance with international

standards. Rare manuscripts, ancient texts, and research materials will be

digitized and permanently preserved. Research findings will be made available

to students and researchers across the country and the world through

open-access digital libraries and MOOCs platforms.

National and international seminars, workshops, lecture

series, and academic conferences will be regularly organized through the

research centers. Diploma and certificate courses related to the Indian

knowledge tradition will also be offered, enabling students to gain in-depth

knowledge of the subject.

To ensure the successful implementation of the scheme, a

steering committee will be formed at each institution, chaired by the Vice

Chancellor or Principal. The committee will include subject matter experts,

finance officers, and external experts. A director/chair professor, research

assistants, research fellows, and digital and IT experts will be appointed to

manage the research center.

A five-member committee, chaired by the Director of Higher

Education, Prayagraj, will examine all proposals for research centers and

submit its recommendations to the government. Budget allocation will be granted

only after approval. If any institution misuses funds or fails to follow

guidelines, the government reserves the right to withdraw the entire grant.

Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya stated that

this ambitious initiative of the Yogi government will play a crucial role in

establishing Uttar Pradesh as a global center of Indian knowledge and science.

He added that this will instill pride, self-confidence, and a renewed sense of

research among the youth regarding their cultural roots, Indian philosophy, and

knowledge tradition. Furthermore, Indian thought and science will gain a new

international recognition.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi