Mukherjee told the fourth convocation of Lalit Narayan Mithila University here that it is necessary for universities in the country to build linkages and collaborations with premier institutions in India and abroad.
"Over 70 per cent of Indians will be of working age in 2025. Our young demography is an asset and we should prepare this population for their future role by giving them a solid foundation," he said.
"For this, increasing the availability of accessible and affordable higher education and providing training in vocational skills is a key requirement," Mukherjee told the gathering of students and teachers at the University.
Noting that the a National Innovation Council has been set up to prepare a roadmap of innovation in India, Mukherjee said, "The process of setting up State Innovation Councils in each state and Sectoral Innovation Councils aligned to Central Ministries in underway."
The President said that academic reforms will be prioritised and strengthening of research activity in universities by establishing mutually-reinforcing linkages in teaching and research will be undertaken in the 12th Five Year Plan.
"Government of India in its approach to the 12th Five Year Plan will continue with the three-fold strategy of expansion in equity and excellence for higher education. It has identified revitalisation of the State Universities and colleges as a critical component of the plan," he said.
"Government is proposing pilot projects of Innovation in Universities giving them considerable autonomy and freedom and supplementing these with the creation of centre for excellence in universities," he said.
