Authorities of North Bengal University here are planning to introduce courses and carry out awareness programmes in association with Unicef on social and environmental issues.

On Monday, vice-chancellor Omprakash Mishra, along with some others, held a meeting with the team of Unicef where discussions were held about prospective courses.

“It has been primarily decided that courses on disaster management, climate change, child protection, and development journalism can be introduced in the varsity’s curriculum. Also, NBU and Unicef will conduct joint awareness campaigns on issues like human trafficking, child marriage, child rights, health and hygiene, and waste management, especially in tea garden areas,” said Mishra.

Along with Mishra, heads of departments like Himalayan studies, women’s studies, lifelong learning and extension, and mass communication, the dean of arts, commerce and law, and the director of research and development cell of the varsity were present at the meeting.

“We spoke on some important issues at the meeting. This part of the state is vulnerable to natural calamities. Also, three international borders are located near this area, which is also known to be a corridor for human trafficking,” Mishra added.

MD Mahiuddin, the head of Unicef in Bengal who headed the visiting team, echoed the VC.

“North Bengal is a corridor for human trafficking. Also, child marriage is very common in this area. We will be happy to tie up with NBU in all possible areas,” he said.

At the meeting, five areas of collaboration between NBU and Unicef were identified, which would be revealed once the proposals are prepared.

“Our departments, in consultation with Unicef domain experts, will come up with proposals in three weeks. We are keen to materialise the agreement with the Unicef in six weeks,” said the VC.