Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Q4. Reforming technical education in India must focus on equity, employability, and governance, not merely expanding infrastructure. Analyse in the context of the MERITE scheme. Also outline measures to ensure its long-term effectiveness. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Based on the Union Cabinet’s August 2025 approval of the MERITE scheme, which shifts focus in technical education reform from infrastructure to equity, employability, and governance, aligning with NEP-2020 goals.Key demand of the question
The question requires analysing why reforms in technical education must address inclusivity, skill relevance, and governance efficiency, explaining how the MERITE scheme addresses these aspects, and suggesting policy measures to ensure its sustained impact.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly introduce the context of MERITE within India’s technical education reform agenda and the need for reforms beyond infrastructure.Body
- Need for reforms – Outline the persistent challenges of access, skill mismatch, and governance deficits.
- MERITE’s role in addressing these – Highlight scheme interventions on equity, employability, and institutional quality.
- Measures for sustained impact – Suggest targeted, outcome-linked, and collaborative strategies.
Conclusion
Close with a forward-looking statement on integrating MERITE’s principles into long-term higher education policy for inclusive and competitive growth.
