Fourth Phase Roll-Out of GIAN Scheme | 05 Dec 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

After an eight-year journey, including a brief pause during COVID, the Ministry of Education is preparing to resume the fourth phase of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN).

• This initiative aims to bring in distinguished scholars worldwide to teach at Indian universities.
• The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), after evaluating the scheme, recommended its continuation.

What is Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme ?

• GIAN is a flagship initiative by theMinistry of Education (MoE), Government of India designed to foster collaboration and enhance the quality of education and research in Indian academic institutions.
• Launched in 2015, the primary objective of the GIAN scheme is to provide an opportunity for students and faculty to interact with the best academic and industry experts from all over the world.
• The eligibility criteria for joining the GIAN scheme are as follows:
  • Faculty members of Indian institutions of higher education.
  • Scientists and entrepreneurs from abroad.
• The courses offered under the GIAN scheme should be relevant to the Indian context.
  • The courses should be designed to provide exposure to the latest developments in the field.
  • The courses should be designed to provide hands-on training to the participants.

What is the Present Status of GIAN Scheme?

• Government Spending on GIAN Courses:
  • Since the initiation of the GIAN program, the Central government has allocated a substantial ₹126 crore towards supporting foreign faculty. These funds cover travel expenses and honorariums for teaching.
  • Notably, each foreign faculty member receives USD 8,000 (~ ₹7 lakh) for a week-long course and USD 12,000 (~ ₹12 lakh) for a two-week course.
• Distribution of Courses Across Educational Institutions:
  • Of the delivered courses, 39% took place in IIT campuses, with the second-largest share occurring in National Institute of Technology (NIT) campuses.
  • The distribution also included State Universities, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), management institutes, Central universities, and All India Council of Technical Education's engineering colleges.
• Geographic Diversity and Future Plans:
  • The majority of visiting academicians, 41.4%, were from the US, followed by experts from the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Nordic countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and others.
  • The Ministry of Education (MoE) plans to enhance the program's reach by promoting video recording of lectures and establishing an online consortium.