Given your academic background in public finance and vast experience in the academic field, how has it influenced your approach to NIMS University’s administration and financial planning?
My academic expertise in public finance, combined with years of experience in the education sector, has influenced my approach to NIMS University’s administration and financial planning. Understanding financial sustainability is crucial for any academic institution. At NIMS, we emphasise efficient budget allocation, financial transparency and resource optimisation to support academic and research excellence. We have implemented strategic planning models to ensure long-term financial stability while fostering innovation, faculty development and student-centric policies. Additionally, public finance principles guide us in securing research grants, strengthening industry partnerships and promoting public-private collaborations to enhance funding opportunities.
Tell us the challenges the universities face in balancing academic rigour with industry demands, and how do you address those at NIMS?
Universities today face the dual challenge of maintaining academic rigour while ensuring graduates are industry-ready. The job market is evolving rapidly, and there is a growing demand for professionals with practical skills. At NIMS, we address this by integrating industry-relevant curricula designed with inputs from corporate leaders and experts; offering hands-on training through industry collaborations, internships and real-world projects; encouraging multi-disciplinary learning and entrepreneurship; organising industry-academia conclaves, workshops and guest lectures from leading professionals and establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to promote research in emerging fields.
These initiatives ensure our students receive a strong academic foundation along with industry exposure, making them well-prepared for the job market.
What are some key areas where India’s higher education sector can improve in terms of public financial management? In what ways can public finance principles be applied to improve funding models for higher education institutions?
Higher education institutions in India require a more structured and sustainable financial framework. Some key areas for improvement include the following:
Performance-based funding: Linking financial support to measurable academic and research outcomes can incentivise excellence.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborations with industries and private organisations can help diversify funding sources and reduce dependency on government grants.
Endowment and research grants: Universities should actively seek funding through alumni contributions, research grants and international collaborations.
Efficient resource utilisation: Institutions must implement cost-effective models to optimise infrastructure, faculty recruitment and technology adoption.
By applying public finance principles, universities can develop self-sustaining models that enhance accessibility, affordability and quality in education.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of an effective academic leader in today’s rapidly evolving education landscape? What initiatives has NIMS University implemented to enhance faculty training and research capabilities?
In today’s rapidly evolving education landscape, an effective academic leader must possess visionary thinking, adaptability, collaboration skills, commitment to research and innovation, and empathy and student-centric approach.
At NIMS, we prioritise faculty development through regular training and workshop, research grants and incentives, international collaborations and industry immersion programmes.
NIMS University has been actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Kindly highlight some key initiatives the university has undertaken. How does the university integrate sustainability into its curriculum and research programmes?
NIMS University is committed to contribute to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various initiatives. It has dedicated every month to one development goal.
Sustainable campus initiatives: Implementing green energy solutions, waste management programmes and water conservation techniques.
Healthcare and community development: Free medical camps, public health awareness programmes and rural healthcare initiatives.
Quality education: Ensuring inclusive education by offering scholarships and financial aid to under-privileged students.
Innovation and research: Supporting projects that focus on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and climate action.
Entrepreneurship and skill development: Empowering students through vocational training and start-up incubation programmes.
Sustainability is also integrated into our curriculum through courses on environmental science, ethical leadership and responsible business practices. Our research programmes actively explore sustainable solutions in healthcare, engineering and social sciences.
How can universities collectively contribute to achieve the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda, and what role do you see NIMS playing in this global effort?
Universities worldwide play a pivotal role in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda by fostering research, innovation and policy recommendations on global challenges. Institutions can contribute by embedding sustainability in education, driving policy advocacy, collaborative research and community engagement.
At NIMS, we actively contribute to this agenda through sustainable infrastructure development and eco-friendly campus policies, international collaborations for research on climate change, sustainable healthcare and economic development and skill-development programmes that align with future workforce requirements, promoting inclusive growth.
How do you align the university’s growth with global education trends and industry expectations?
In an era of globalisation, universities must align their growth strategies with international education standards and industry needs. At NIMS, we ensure this by embracing digital transformation, global collaboration, industry integration, flexible learning pathways and emphasising soft skills and innovation.
Through these initiatives, NIMS University continues to evolve as a global education hub, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to excel in an increasingly inter-connected world.
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