Prioritise foundational issues in higher education in manifesto, Prof. Balagurusamy urges CM Stalin

Foundational issues such as teachers’ vacancies, delay in pension disbursement, and absence of vice chancellors to State-run universities are to be prioritised as responsible and realistic educational commitments in election manifesto, former Anna University vice chancellor E. Balagurusamy urged chief minister M.K. Stalin on Friday.

In an open letter to Mr. Stalin, Prof. Balagurusamy appealed to him to focus on filling up vacancies in institutions, develop infrastructure, and plug leadership gaps like absence of vice chancellors in State-run Universities. Commenting on the DMK’s promise of introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all academic programmes, he said introduction of AI as a subject would mean appointment of faculty specialised in AI, which appeared difficult without addressing the foundational issues.