"In order to compete with the other developed states in the country, we will have to impart quality education to students in universities and colleges. For this, NAAC assessment is important,'' said Tripathi. He then directed the officials to ensure that all government colleges in the state conduct the NAAC assessment at the earliest.

He further said that in future a college's affiliation will depend on whether it has undergone NAAC assessment or not. "The NAAC assessment will decide the affiliation of a college. All new colleges will have to carry out the NAAC assessment within the next two years,'' said Tripathi.

Emphasizing on the establishment of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) in all educational institutions, the minister said that all government, aided and self-finance institutions should establish IQAC and review it monthly for better functioning of the college. On the occasion, higher education secretary, Avnish Awasthi said:  The Internal Quality and Assurance Cell will be reviewed in all institutions in the third week of January. '' For this, he directed higher education officials to take immediate steps to ensure establishment of IQAC in colleges.

The meeting also discussed about the vacant posts in the universities and colleges. Expressing concern over the same, Tripathi instructed the UP Higher Education Service Commission to fix a date for the written test for the appointment of 3,000 teachers at the earliest. He also directed the higher education director to ensure that 800 vacant posts in government colleges are filled up.

Taking a look at the development work of 36 degree colleges, the higher education minister directed the officials to expedite the work and finish it within a month. He then asked the concerned agency to hand over the complete building to him. Present on the occasion were special secretary, Anita Mishra and AK Singh, joint director, JD Mishra, all regional higher education officers, and others.

Source: TOI