In a series of significant developments for higher education and policy research in the state, institutions in Ranchi have announced new academic partnerships, research grants, and innovative programs. These initiatives aim to enhance student skills, contribute to state policy, and support groundbreaking social science research.
Ranchi University's Free Financial Literacy Drive
Ranchi University (RU) has entered into a strategic partnership with Arthniti to offer a certificate course on financial literacy to its students. According to a university statement, this course has received approval from the Centre and will be provided free of cost to RU students.
The program, which has seen notable success at IIT-Madras and several colleges in Maharashtra, is designed to equip students with essential money management skills. As part of the collaboration, university faculty members will also receive specialised training. This initiative was spearheaded by RU's council of vocational studies and its internal quality assurance cell.
Officials highlighted that the course is expected to create substantial opportunities for students hailing from smaller towns and villages. In a significant added benefit, Arthniti will assist with campus placements at Ranchi University, with a recruitment drive involving 40 banks scheduled for January.
XLRI Hosts Groundbreaking Jharkhand Industrial Policy Lab
In a separate event focused on practical policy-making, the Jharkhand Industrial Policy Lab (JIPL) conducted a presentation program at the XLRI-Xavier School of Management. This first-of-its-kind academic-policy initiative engages students in developing real-time solutions for public and business policy challenges facing the state.
JIPL is a collaborative venture involving the Jharkhand state government, the Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (JIIDC), and the Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA). XLRI serves as the academic project partner for this endeavour.
During the program, 28 student teams presented their ideas, out of which six were selected for further development. The topics chosen by these teams include ambitious visions such as 'Jharkhand as an industrial hub by 2035', creating a next-generation special economic zone for mineral-based industries, and redesigning the state's investment framework. The selected teams will later present their refined proposals to senior officials and Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Central University Professors Secure Prestigious Research Grant
Adding to the academic achievements in the region, two assistant professors from the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) have been awarded a major research grant. Shailendra Kumar Singh and Tanushree Kundu have received funding worth Rs 14 lakh from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).
Their research project is titled 'Women’s autonomy and decision-making dynamics among migrant and non-migrant families in Lohardaga, Jharkhand'. The study will specifically investigate how the migration of men impacts the responsibilities and authority of women within their households, shedding light on critical social dynamics in the region.
In other news, Marwari College in Ranchi recently organised an alumni-connect session to offer career guidance to its current students. IT graduate Shurti Kesri shared her professional journey, stressing the importance of finding the right direction, consistent practice, and project-based learning to succeed in the industry.
