Date:05/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/07/05/stories/2009070550920400.htm

Back Upgradation of academic standards, quality is need of the hour

The 100-day agenda of the HRD Ministry mentions a law to regulate entry and operation of foreign educational providers that will let good foreign universities enter India. This would come as a boon to all those students who can’t afford to have education abroad. Most importantly, it will reduce brain drain as a large chunk of students travel abroad for international degrees.

Higher education in India is in dire need of upgradation of academic standards and quality. Even the so-called reputed institutions need to pay attention to quality systems adopted internationally. An active and even competitive interaction with foreign universities is desirable for awakening the Indian academia to take urgent measures that address the issues of curriculum design, faculty development and pedagogical methods, and not simply remain satisfied with internet connectivity and physical infrastructure.

Additional capacity needs to be created to ensure wide access to education, without compromising quality. This is possible only with a decentralised approach that gives room for international collaborations. The Licence-Permit Raj in education has to end.

Ashutosh Bhupatkar, Director,

Pearl School of Business