New Delhi, Dec 15 (JKNS): Professor Parikshat Singh Manhas on Monday formally assumed charge as Director of the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), New Delhi, taking over leadership of one of the country’s most important institutions in the field of higher education broadcasting and digital learning.
The Consortium for Educational Communication, an inter-university centre of the University Grants Commission (UGC), plays a pivotal role in strengthening higher education through technology-enabled learning. CEC is responsible for the conceptualisation, production and dissemination of 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 made available through various online and digital platforms, ensuring equitable access to quality learning material for students across the country, including those in remote and underserved areas.
Beyond broadcasting, CEC actively collaborates with universities, colleges and subject experts to support the development of online courses, e-learning modules and innovative digital teaching tools. It plays an important role in promoting blended learning models, which integrate traditional classroom instruction with digital resources, in line with national education reforms and the evolving needs of learners in the digital era.
Professor Parikshat Singh Manhas is a distinguished academician and experienced education administrator with decades of experience in academic planning, institutional governance and education policy implementation. He earlier served in Jammu and Kashmir as Chairman of the J&K Board of School Education (BOSE), where he was instrumental in initiatives aimed at improving examination systems, enhancing transparency, strengthening academic standards and modernising administrative processes. His leadership at BOSE was widely acknowledged for reinforcing institutional credibility and efficiency.
The appointment of Professor Manhas is expected to further strengthen CEC’s mandate of expanding access to quality higher education through technology. Educationists believe that his experience in managing complex education systems and his understanding of 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 a strong emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility and innovation in line with national priorities. (JKNS)
