LUCKNOW, May 12 -- After improving the rankings of state universities over the past few years, the higher education department is now focusing on helping degree colleges secure national and international rankings. Workshops are being organised for principals and faculty members to guide them on achieving NAAC accreditation and improving institutional standards. Addressing a press conference on Monday, higher education minister Yogendra Upadhyay said the government's focus would no longer remain limited to universities. He said colleges were being trained to strengthen research culture, digital education, infrastructure and student amenities to improve their rankings. The minister added that emphasis was also being placed on increasing student enrolment, implementing NEP-based curricula and promoting employment-oriented education. Upadhyay said Uttar Pradesh's higher education system had undergone major transformation in recent years. Earlier, most universities in the state were graded 'B' or 'B+' by NAAC, with none in the 'A' category. htc...