After an eight-year journey, including a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the Ministry of Education is gearing up to recommence the fourth phase of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN). This international initiative aims at importing eminent scholars worldwide to instruct at Indian academic institutions.
Understanding the Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN)
The Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) is a flagship scheme by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. Its genesis came about in 2015, designed to promote collaboration and enhance educational and research quality in Indian academic institutions. The core goal is to afford students and faculty members the chance to engage with top-notch academic and industry professionals globally.
The eligibility requirements for involvement in the GIAN initiative are as follows: faculty members from Indian higher education institutions and scientists and entrepreneurs from abroad. The GIAN courses should be tailored to suit the Indian context, providing exposure to the latest developments in the field and offering practical training to participants.
Status Quo of the GIAN Scheme
Since the establishment of the GIAN program, the Central Government has funneled a considerable ₹126 crore towards supporting foreign faculty. These funds cover travel costs and honorariums for teaching. It’s worth noting that each foreign faculty member garners USD 8,000 (~ ₹7 lakh) for a week-long course, and USD 12,000 (~ ₹12 lakh) for a two-week course.
Distribution of GIAN Courses Among Educational Institutions
Of the delivered courses so far, 39% were held on Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) campuses, followed by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) campuses. The spread also included State Universities, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), management institutes, Central universities, and All India Council of Technical Education’s engineering colleges.
Geographical Diversity and Future Plans of GIAN
The majority of visiting scholars, tallying up to 41.4%, were from the USA, followed by specialists from the UK, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Nordic countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and others. The Ministry of Education plans to broaden the program’s reach through promoting video recording of lectures and inaugurating an online consortium.
Examination Questions Related to GIAN in UPSC Civil Services
The understanding of GIAN is essential for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In 2012, a question asked which provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education, with options ranging from Directive Principles of State Policy to the Seventh Schedule. The correct answer was all the options (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). In 2020, one of the essay questions asked about the digital initiatives in India contributing to the educational system in the country, and in 2021, the examination included a topic on Population Education and the measures to achieve its objectives in India.