GenZ Desk
New Delhi, 20 February 2026: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday called on institutions to “exit the Macaulay doctrine” and align higher education with the vision of Viksit Bharat, and announced the conversion of SRCC’s Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO) into a full-fledged Master’s degree programme.
Pradhan made the announcement while inaugurating the Annual Management event of the PGDGBO programme at Shri Ram College of Commerce. The event, themed “AI for Sustainability & Startup Innovation,” was attended by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of University of Delhi, and faculty members.
Call for Structural Reform in Education
In his keynote address, Pradhan described the National Education Policy (NEP) as a “structural reset” of India’s academic framework.
“We have to get out of the Macaulay doctrine that enslaved India academically. The National Education Policy, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi ji, will ensure that Bharat becomes a Vishwa Guru. Institutions like SRCC must lead this transformation,” he said.
Emphasising technological sovereignty, he noted that the nature of global competition has fundamentally changed in the age of technology. “We know that change is needed — but we must not be afraid to accept it. India must move toward sovereign AI ecosystems, strengthening institutions like IIT Madras and IIT Bombay, and building indigenous capabilities so that Bharat becomes a leader in Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
He urged universities to embed research, patents, startup incubation, and AI-led innovation into their academic ecosystems.
PGDGBO to Gain Master’s Status
Announcing a major academic reform, the Minister said SRCC’s two-year PGDGBO programme will be upgraded into a full-fledged Master’s degree.
The move is expected to enhance academic recognition, align the programme with NEP reforms, and strengthen its global equivalence by incorporating greater research and innovation components.
Focus on Innovation and Industry Linkages
Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh stressed the need for universities to translate research into commercially viable outcomes.
“Only three words can safeguard the future of young minds — innovation, creativity, and originality. Universities must go beyond publications; we must develop patents, prototypes, and commercially sustainable products,” he said, calling for stronger industry collaboration.
Principal Simrit Kaur highlighted the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, stating that while AI can significantly improve productivity and efficiency, it must be guided by human judgment.
“Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to shift both demand and supply curves. But without the intelligence of humans, there is no optimal solution. AI must be coordinated with humanity and adopted responsibly,” she said, adding that institutions must ensure AI remains inclusive, accountable, and sustainable.
Day one of Yugantar ’26 featured corporate panels on AI-enabled sustainability, startup founder sessions, and case simulations across finance, marketing, analytics, HR, and international business. The Minister also visited the Viksit Bharat Startup Expo 2026, where student-led ventures showcased innovation prototypes.
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