Planning & Development Division
Introduction
As per the mandate and best practices prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and other national bodies, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University (JGND PSOU) has established a dedicated Planning & Development Division to strengthen institutional planning and governance. The Division is envisaged to coordinate institutional planning, development initiatives, collaborations and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), institutional expansion, policy formulation, liaison with government departments and agencies, and systematic monitoring of schemes presently executed in a decentralized manner across various academic and administrative sections. The establishment of a centralized Planning & Development Division is expected to streamline workflows, foster synergy among academic and administrative units, enhance coordination with external stakeholders, and ensure timely and effective implementation of developmental initiatives. This structural reform significantly strengthens the University’s governance framework, improves institutional processes, and facilitates alignment of the University’s initiatives with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, State priorities, and national-level educational objectives.
Constitution of the Planning & Development Division Committee
To operationalize the functioning of the Planning & Development Division, the following Committee has been constituted:| 1. | Dr. Karan Sukhija | Director, Planning & Development Division - Chairperson |
| 2. | Dr. Pinky Sra | School of Law and Interdisciplinary Studies - Member |
| 3. | Dr. Shefali Bedi | School of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts - Member |
| 4. | Dr. Pooja Aggarwal | School of Business Management and Commerce - Member |
| 5. | Dr. Vinod Kumar | School of Education and Vocation - Member |
| 6. | Dr. Dharminder Singh | Department of Punjabi - Member |
| 7. | Mr. Gursandesh Singh | Department of English - Convenor |
Activities Undertaken under the Planning & Development Division
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Since its establishment, the Planning & Development Division has undertaken several significant initiatives in accordance with UGC norms, HEI best practices, and national priorities. The major activities undertaken are as follows:
- Formulation of SoP and Policy for the Regional Services Division (RSD): The Planning & Development Division has designed and finalized the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and Policy Framework for the Regional Services Division (RSD) of the University in line with the mandate of the UGC and HEIs. This policy framework provides a structured and uniform mechanism for the effective functioning of the University Headquarters, Regional Centres (RCs), and Learner Support Centres (LSCs), ensuring operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all levels.
- Preparation of SoP for Sensitization and Outreach Programs: The Division has prepared a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for conducting sensitization and outreach programmes for employees of educational institutions and young learners across the State. These initiatives aim to enhance awareness about the University’s academic and skill-oriented programmes, with the objectives of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and reducing the drop-out rate, in alignment with the goals of NEP-2020.
- MoUs and Institutional Collaborations: Under the visionary leadership of the University and through the concerted efforts of its faculty members, the Planning & Development Division has successfully facilitated and executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several national and international organizations. These collaborations are focused on strengthening academic delivery, research, training, extension activities, and institutional outreach, thereby enhancing the University’s academic visibility and societal impact.
List of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) Signed with other Organisations:
| Sr. No. | Name of Organization / Institution | Date of Signature | Details of MoU |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre, Gandhinagar | 09-03-2021 | The MoU focuses on automation and computerization of academic, administrative, and support processes through the development, implementation, and maintenance of web-based systems and digital solutions to ensure efficiency, transparency, data security, and effective institutional governance. |
| 2. | Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University | 28-05-2021 | The MoU aims to strengthen academic collaboration through faculty exchange, joint research, curriculum enrichment, development of academic resources, and sharing of best practices to enhance teaching–learning quality and institutional development. |
| 3. | Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) | 07-06-2021 | The MoU promotes collaboration in open and distance learning through the use of educational technologies, digital platforms, and innovative pedagogical approaches to improve access and quality of flexible learning. |
| 4. | The Institute of Cost Accountants of India | 22-12-2021 | The MoU supports academic collaboration, research, and professional training initiatives aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills, and capacity building in areas of mutual interest. |
| 5. | Deaf Cricket Federation of India | 01-02-2022 | The MoU aims to promote inclusive education for Divyang learners through accessible learning support, adaptive teaching–learning methods, and technology-enabled interventions to ensure equitable access to higher education. |
| 6. | Indian Development Foundation | 19-04-2022 | The MoU focuses on implementing student leadership and community engagement programmes to develop life skills, social responsibility, and active participation in community-oriented activities. |
| 7. | Tata Institute of Social Sciences | 22-07-2022 | The MoU provides academic mentoring and capacity building support for programme development, particularly in Liberal Arts, to strengthen institutional quality and academic standards. |
| 8. | All India Pingalwara Charitable Society | 24-08-2022 | The MoU aims to create educational opportunities for Divyang learners by providing accessible learning support and promoting inclusive higher education. |
| 9. | TAXO Academy | 06-03-2023 | The MoU facilitates access to educational content and training support in the area of Goods and Services Tax and other indirect tax courses to strengthen skill-oriented learning. |
| 10. | Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies | 19-04-2023 | The MoU promotes international academic cooperation through joint teaching, research, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. |
| 11. | Centre for Cultural Resources and Training | 22-04-2023 | The MoU supports academic collaboration in art, culture, and heritage through training, research, workshops, and development of certificate and diploma programmes aligned with NEP 2020. |
| 12. | Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Directorate of Education | 27-05-2023 | The MoU establishes academic collaboration and knowledge partnership to support programme delivery, learner outreach, and academic quality enhancement. |
| 13. | Young Progressive Sikh Forum | 07-08-2023 | The MoU provides scholarship support to meritorious and economically disadvantaged students to ensure equitable access to higher education. |
| 14. | Uttarakhand Open University | 15-04-2024 | The MoU promotes academic and cultural exchange, programme sharing, and collaboration in open and distance learning to strengthen institutional capacity and quality. |
| 15. | Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology | 04-06-2024 | The MoU facilitates academic and research collaboration, resource sharing, and development of technical and ODL programmes to support higher education growth. |
| 16. | IFM Fincoach Global Pvt. Ltd. | 27-02-2025 | The MoU establishes industry partnership for the development and delivery of banking and financial services programmes with knowledge support and phased expansion. |
| 17. | The Institution of Engineers (India) | 20-03-2025 | The MoU promotes knowledge exchange, joint research, professional collaboration, and capacity building to strengthen the academic and research ecosystem. |
| 18. | School for Deaf Children, Ludhiana | 26-09-2025 | The MoU establishes a Special Learner Support Centre to provide accessible and inclusive higher education opportunities for specially-abled learners. |
| 19. | Science and Technology Entrepreneurs' Park (STEP-GNDEC) | 26-09-2025 | The MoU supports innovation and entrepreneurship by providing incubation facilities, mentorship, and an enabling ecosystem for startup development. |
| 20. | Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala | 01-10-2025 | The MoU establishes a Learner Support Centre and promotes academic collaboration, resource sharing, joint activities, and capacity building. |
| 21. | Government (State) College of Education, Patiala | 23-12-2025 | The MoU promotes academic collaboration and institutional partnership to strengthen teacher education, training, and professional development initiatives. The collaboration focuses on infrastructure support, resource sharing, and faculty exchange to enhance the quality of teaching–learning and expand learner support services. |
| 22. | Qualifications and Assessments International Pvt. Ltd. (QAI) | 23-01-2026 | The MoU facilitates delivery of internationally aligned skill programmes under a Hub-and-Spoke model, including curriculum access, LMS support, assessment, certification, and placement assistance. |
| 23. | I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University | 11-02-2026 | The MoU promotes academic and research collaboration through faculty and resource sharing, curriculum development, joint academic activities, and expansion of Learner Support Centres. |
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