Kerala’s Higher Education department, through its State Level Quality Assurance Cell (SLQAC), has introduced an inspiring new initiative: ZEST. Standing for ‘Zeal-pool for Excellence Synergy and Transformation,’ this program is designed to inject fresh energy and dedicated volunteerism into the higher education sector, all with the goal of significantly boosting quality standards.
These vibrant ZEST groups, also known as ‘Quality Action Collectives,’ will be established within every educational institution. Each group will comprise a diverse mix of stakeholders, including current students, faculty members, retired teachers, non-teaching staff, proud alumni, supportive parents, and influential community leaders who share a passion for academic excellence.
Official reports indicate these innovative cells will roll out across Kerala in stages. They are envisioned as dynamic hubs of ‘thoughts and vibrancy,’ complementing the existing Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at each institution. ZEST’s core mission is twofold: to foster new ideas and provide volunteer support. They will serve as a crucial platform for identifying institutional needs, brainstorming innovative solutions, and offering practical suggestions directly to the IQAC. Furthermore, ZEST groups will actively engage in grassroots volunteer services for various quality improvement projects, strengthening the IQAC’s efforts and ensuring community engagement activities are both effective and meaningful.
Beyond direct involvement, ZEST members will be instrumental in gathering valuable insights. They’ll conduct micro-surveys, collect essential data, and facilitate case studies within their institutions and surrounding communities. This grassroots intelligence is anticipated to significantly enhance the SLQAC’s capacity for informed and effective policy planning.
The ZEST program was officially launched by Higher Education Minister R. Bindu. During a recent ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram, she proudly presented certificates to the participating ‘ZEST institutions’ and acknowledged their committed volunteer teams, made up of enthusiastic students and dedicated teachers.
To kickstart this ambitious project, a pilot ZEST group, comprising 60 individuals, has been formed from several prominent colleges in Thiruvananthapuram. These include University College, Government Arts College, Government College for Women, MG College, and the Department of Sociology at Kerala University, setting a precedent for future rollouts.
In addition to the ZEST launch, the ceremony also celebrated academic excellence. Minister R. Bindu honored 22 colleges that recently achieved an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Furthermore, 145 other institutions were recognized for attaining high accreditation grades in the preceding month, underscoring a broader commitment to quality.