The institution is committed to providing quality higher education encompassing capacity building for knowledge economy towards progress of rural populace particularly socio-economically disadvantaged groups with special focus on rural women. Rural women are provided with educational opportunities to become economically and socially equal. Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College was established (1997-98) in a rural environment, Kalapatti Village (recently included in Coimbatore corporation limit) with a motto of educating rural community (The future of India lies in its villages - Mahatma Gandhi). Majority of the students are from the rural belts of Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Nilgiris Districts and are from socio-economically disadvantaged in terms of education and women empowerment.
The faculty takes measures to orient the higher secondary students on the importance of higher education and the opportunities at our institution through various outreach programmes. This has resulted in 41% of students from rural backgrounds to secure admission during the accreditation period with 17% Scholarship and Fee Concession for economically-backward and wards of ex-servicemen. In addition, 157 Sports Scholarships was awarded for outstanding sports performers.
The rural students enter into a new unfamiliar environment with a little knowledge of college eco-system. Therefore, to welcome new students to Higher Education, introduce them to facilities and resources available within institution, Student Induction Programme (SIP) is conducted. This prepares them for smooth transition.
Students from vernacular medium find it difficult to communicate in English and Bridge Courses are organized by the Department of English for enhancing language competency. The 60/60 club provides training on conversing in English for 60 male and 60 female students. Other clubs like, Youngistan Club, Communication and Media club, Presentation club and Drama club improves communication, creativity and leadership skills. VERSANT Tool facilitates students to understand their level of English proficiency and acquire necessary Training. Students who develop communication skills are encouraged to undertake Business English Certificate (BEC) offered through Center for Language Learning.
Students perform inadequately due to various reasons like average cognitive abilities, language barriers, inability to articulate their understanding of the subject, etc. Different strategies like Personalized counselling, Bilingual teaching, I-Can Club, Peer teaching for curricular transaction is adopted to provide meaningful learning experiences for all levels of learners. Students are supported to take up part-time jobs in sister concerns and other organizations.
Advanced learners are provided with seed money to undertake pilot projects, guidance for higher education and competitive examinations. Value Added Courses are organized to develop soft/technical skills and to make students industry-ready. Awards and Recognitions encourage promising students to perform better in curricular and co-curricular activities.
Placement and Training Cell conducts rigorous activities to develop soft skills in students. Center for Competitive Examinations prepares students to take up state and central public service commission/bank examinations.
The Institution believes that rural upliftment and women empowerment can be achieved through education.
If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family.
There is no denying of the fact that the institution has made a noteworthy progress by empowering rural women by opening up higher education where 51% women students from rural background contribute to the total strength. Scholarship for Women by management and various government schemes encourages women to pursue higher education. Commuting services reach rural villages. Exclusive Hostel Facilities for women enables students from distant rural areas to pursue education. Mentoring and Counseling help students overcome barriers and to stay motivated. Women are educated on their social, legal and economic rights. Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell ensures safe environment for the students. Meritorious Alumni from rural background with a passion for teaching have been given opportunities and 15 faculty recruited out of whom 8 are women.
The institution’s march towards providing quality higher education to rural students has resulted in the following outcomes
Details of rural students during the Assessment Period
International : 1
National : 8
National : 4
Regional : 6
The state of happiness index is obtained from rural alumni through annual survey to understand their personal wellbeing
The other important distinctive features of the institution areas given in figure
