PVPF 2024

Interview With Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of EdCIL India

Since the establishment of the organisation, we have focused on enriching the education ecosystem across India.
on Jun 17, 2023

Frontlist: Congratulations for the foundation day on 17th June '23. How has EdCIL played a major role in addressing the challenges of the education sector in India from past 42 years?

Shri Manoj Kumar: Thank you so much. It has been a remarkable journey and impactful work accomplished over the past 42 years. EdCIL, as a pioneer in education consulting, has diligently served the nation, transforming lives through its diverse range of projects. EdCIL has been at the forefront of driving educational excellence, from shaping educational policies to implementing innovative solutions. As a nodal agency of the Government of India, EdCIL has been offering consultancy and technical services in different areas of education and human resource development for 42 years. With a strong focus on bridging the quality gaps, EdCIL has conducted teacher recruitment for the Government of Odisha, Delhi, KVS, and NVS. Recognizing that digitization is the key to improving education, EdCIL has provided tech-based education equipment, including 'smart classrooms,' to schools in various state governments like Karnataka, Delhi, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

India has the 3rd largest higher education network in the world. However, there are challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and lower employability. EdCIL has been focusing on rendering advisory services to set up standard institutions by preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for many institutes such as IITs, IIMs, ISER, IIITs, and NITs, along with Central Universities.

Additionally, we assist many Higher Education Institutions in designing infrastructure and procurement. The company also has a vertical dedicated to supplying University Management Systems and School and Classroom Management systems to improve the monitoring and management of schools and higher education institutes. Moreover, to scale up the internationalization of the Indian higher education system, two of our verticals, the Study in India scheme and Overseas Education Services, facilitate the admission of international students in India, faculty secondment to different countries, and student/faculty exchanges.

Frontlist: Digitization has been a game changer in the education sector. What is the role of EdCIL in ensuring the implementation of digital technology in the education sector?

Shri Manoj Kumar: EdCIL firmly believes that digitization is a game-changer in the education sector, capable of addressing challenges related to quality, quantity, and governance in both School and Higher Education institutions. The company prioritizes emerging areas of IT/ICT applications in the education sector and facilitates the implementation of various IT/ICT tools in India and overseas. Some of the key services and noteworthy initiatives of our company in this regard include Digital Classrooms, Digital University Management System, Wi-Fi and Network Solutions, state-of-the-art IT Labs, Virtual Classrooms, Online Admission System, E-content Preparation, and Educational MIS (Management Information Systems) for Schools.

Frontlist: The National Education Policy of 2020 puts emphasis on promoting India as global study education. How has EdCIL made a contribution towards it?

Shri Manoj Kumar: EdCIL, through its dedicated Overseas Education Services division and Study in India scheme, actively promotes India as a global study destination. Through the OES vertical, we facilitate the placement of international students through various scholarship schemes sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs and other organizations. We also assist in the placement of Indian faculty in overseas institutes, thereby contributing to the improvement of their education ecosystem. Similarly, the 'Study in India' scheme, a tech-driven program implemented by EdCIL, collaborates with renowned educational institutions nationwide and bridges Indian institutes and prospective international students through its online portal, www.studyinindia.gov.in. Through this scheme, we assist students in applying to Indian institutes of their choice and help make their education journey in India smooth. Since its inception, the program has facilitated admission for students from 100+ countries. Our extensive 360-degree marketing efforts have allowed us to reach newer markets such as Indonesia, Eswatini, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. We actively engage in branding India in the higher education space by organizing online and offline events such as webinars, on-ground education fairs, workshops, and conclaves to showcase the academic excellence and diverse opportunities offered by the Indian higher education system.

Frontlist: EdCIL has become a diversified company. Can you highlight some of the recent works toward strengthening the education sector?

Shri Manoj Kumar: Since the establishment of the organisation, we have focused on enriching the education ecosystem across India. For instance, our Advisory Services division prepared DPR for the establishment of Sindhu Central University in the Leh district of Ladakh, which is the first trans-Himalayan Central University in the country at the highest altitude. The university is in the process of beginning its academic session in August 2023.

Furthermore, we crafted the DPR for the creation of a Deemed University, categorized as De-novo, in Andaman & Nicobar Island and for setting up of one-of-a-kind, University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences to be set up at Kamrup District in Assam. We are also working on restructuring the vision of the Indian Institute of Heritage to align its academic programs in line with NEP 2020. Apart from this, EdCIL has been successfully organising 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' for the past three years.

Frontlist: What are the areas that EdCIL is focusing on for further expansion?

Shri Manoj Kumar: Since its establishment, our organization has been dedicated to enriching the education ecosystem across India. For instance, our Advisory Services division prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the establishment of Sindhu Central University in the Leh district of Ladakh. This university is the first trans-Himalayan Central University in the country and is located at the highest altitude. It is currently in the process of commencing its academic session in August 2023.

Additionally, we have crafted the DPR for the creation of a Deemed University, categorized as De-novo, in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. We have also prepared the DPR to establish a unique University of Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Kamrup District of Assam.

Furthermore, we are working on restructuring the vision of the Indian Institute of Heritage to align its academic programs with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In addition to these initiatives, EdCIL has successfully organized 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' for the past three years.

Frontlist: Lastly, as a pioneer in providing consultancy to national and international clients, can you throw some light on the awards and accolades bestowed on EdCIL in recent times?

Shri Manoj Kumar: Over the years, EdCIL has achieved notable milestones, reflecting our unwavering commitment. Here are a few recent and notable accolades:

'India Pride Awards': EdCIL received this award in the category of 'India Image Enhancement' for its Digital Education project in Mauritius (FY-17) by Dainik Bhaskar.
Indian Chamber of Commerce's PSE Excellence Award: EdCIL was honored with this award for 'Operational Excellence in the Mini-Ratna Category - I'.
'SKOCH Order of Merit Awards': EdCIL received this award in the Blue Technology category by the SKOCH group in FY-18 for its transformational work in Digital Education in Mauritius.
'Best Media Plans for International Markets': Study in India, an initiative of EdCIL, received this award at the Economic Times Media Strategy Awards in 2022.
Appreciation Award by Ministry of Education: EdCIL received this award for successfully organizing 'Pariksha Pe Charcha-2020, 2021, and 2022' consecutively.
ICAI National Award for 'Excellence in Cost Management': EdCIL was recognized with this award for its outstanding performance in cost management.
ASSOCHAM National Council on Education Award: EdCIL received the award for 'Excellence in Strengthening Education Ecosystem'.

These accolades demonstrate the recognition and appreciation of EdCIL's efforts in various aspects of education and its commitment to excellence.