Measures needed for Higher Education in India

  • Restructure or merge different higher education regulators (UGC, AICTE, NCTE etc.) to ensure effective coordination.
  • Amend UGC Act to give legislative backing to regulatory structure.
  • Allow foreign institutions to operate joint degree programmes with Indian institutions.
  • Link University grants to performance.
  • Select Vice-Chancellors of universities through a transparent & objective process.
  • Broaden the scope of Massive Open Online Course (MOOCs) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to provide access to quality educationbeyond geographical boundaries.
  • All central universities should develop strategic plans for getting into the top 500 global universities rankings in the next 10 years.
  • Funding to these institutions should be linked to performance and outcomesthrough the MHRD and newly constituted Higher Education Funding Agency.
  • The goals of the higher education, for that matter any education system of any country is expansion with inclusion, ensuring quality and relevant education.
  • To meet these challenges, there is a need for policyto identify the jet issues involved, to build up on the earlier policies, and to take a step ahead.