The Hindu Business Line : Inspiring education

That the Government has embarked on reforms in higher education so early in its term is indeed creditable. While the number of graduates, across castes communities and economic groups has undeniably gone up, there has also been an alarming decline in quality of education manifest in mushrooming colleges that have earned the unfortunate sobriquet of ‘degree shops’. The fate of once venerable institutions of higher learning across the country underscores one of t he central dilemmas of higher education in a country such as ours with its multitude of competing claims: gaining access for an expanding population without compromising on standards of excellence.

Decades ago policymakers decided the best way to tackle this dilemma was to regulate higher education through para-statal bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) that have proved more capable in the spread of mass education than in upholding quality. Not before time therefore, the Yash Pal Committee’s report submitted last week suggests the various regulatory bodies governing higher education be replaced by one regulatory authority that it terms Commission for Higher Education and Research (CHER). Just how the proposed agency will differ from the UGC that oversees the working of some 300 universities including funding, fees and salaries remains to be seen. If the Human Resources Development Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, is serious about transforming the university system as a crucible of higher learning and research — as good as the IITs and IIMs — then he will have to sharply define the CHER’s jurisdiction. Circumstances have radically changed and India needs not more but better universities. To this end, state funding that drives existing universities and their numerous affiliated colleges must compete with private funding for universities that may want to remain single institutions — again like the IIMs or IITs. Faculty pay structures must reflect merit because teachers are not potatoes in a sack; by the same token student fees must also be set free. What the Commission must ensure is transparency in all student charges and the most punitive action against unethical practices like capitation fees. The state for its part must concentrate on grants for needy and merit students and focus its resources on universities that promote quality teaching and research.

India’s large corporate sector has to pitch in; not just in inspiring centres such as the Birla Institute of Technology and Science at Pilani or the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai but through grants and endowments for university departments and students; North Block must encourage the trend through tax breaks. Time was when a single university produced two prime ministers, two education ministers not to mention civil servants, poets and artists. Anyone remember Allahabad University?

Related Stories:
Sibal wants Class 10 board exams to be optional
The politics of education
Deemed University concept needs right direction