Srinagar, Dec 15: Professor Parikshat Singh Manhas on Monday formally assumed charge as Director of the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, taking over the leadership of one of India’s most significant institutions dedicated to educational broadcasting and digital learning in higher education.
The Consortium for Educational Communication, an inter-university centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC), plays a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s higher education system through technology-enabled learning. CEC is mandated to conceptualise, produce and disseminate curriculum-based educational television programmes, digital lectures and e-content for undergraduate and postgraduate students across disciplines. These academic resources are broadcast round-the-clock through the SWAYAM Prabha Direct-to-Home (DTH) channels and are also hosted on multiple digital platforms, ensuring equitable access to quality learning material for students across the country, including those in remote and underserved regions.
CEC also works closely with universities, colleges and subject experts to support the development of online courses, e-learning modules, MOOCs and innovative digital teaching tools, while promoting blended learning models that integrate classroom instruction with digital resources.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Professor Manhas said that innovation and the vision of Digital India would remain central to strengthening access to quality higher education across the country.
A distinguished academician and seasoned education administrator, Professor Manhas earlier served in Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman of the J&K Board of School Education (BOSE), where he played a key role in streamlining examination systems, enhancing transparency, strengthening academic standards and modernising administrative processes.
Educationists have welcomed his appointment, expressing confidence that his leadership will further strengthen CEC’s mandate of expanding access to quality higher education through technology.
Observers believe his experience across both school and higher education sectors will help deepen CEC’s engagement with universities and enhance the quality and reach of its academic content.
His leadership comes at a time when digital, blended and technology-driven learning has become central to India’s higher education strategy, with increasing emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility and innovation in line with national priorities.
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