The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step toward improving the professional development of non-teaching staff members across 45 Central Universities (CU). In collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), the UGC has launched a comprehensive capacity-building training program.
The primary aim of this initiative is to provide thorough training to non-teaching staff, enabling them to enhance their skills and contribute more effectively within the university ecosystem. In the first phase of this program, the UGC plans to train at least 5,000 employees from all the Central Universities.
The capacity-building training covers a wide range of topics, including understanding psychology in workflow, utilizing technology in workflow, grasping the higher education ecosystem, managing academics, handling establishment matters, managing finances, and project management.
The UGC has urged non-teaching staff members to complete courses available on the iGOT Mission Karmayogi platform within four months. This platform offers various popular courses, including those related to emerging technologies, data-driven decision-making, mission life, and workplace yoga.
UGC recognizes that capacity building is crucial for promoting professional growth, improving organizational efficiency, and fostering innovation within the higher education sector. In 2023, the UGC collaborated with the CBC to conduct assessments and identify specific capacity needs of UGC employees. These needs were categorized into behavioral, functional, and domain competencies.
Based on the assessments, the UGC designed training programs tailored to the roles and responsibilities of UGC employees. An Annual Capacity Building Plan was created to address competency gaps. Since October 2023, over 635 UGC employees have completed approximately 5,480 courses on the iGot Karmayogi platform as part of this program.
The CBC operates under the ‘Mission Karmayogi’ of the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), with a focus on enhancing government employees’ skills, knowledge, and abilities.
The UGC’s commitment to capacity building reflects its dedication to fostering excellence and efficiency in the higher education landscape. By empowering non-teaching staff, the UGC aims to create a more robust and dynamic university environment.