Today India possesses the largest higher education standards worldwide and ranks 2nd in enrolment of students. Undoubtedly, there has been a consistent growth in number of student enrolment and institutions over past 6 decades. However, we yet lag behind from rest of the world with a low GER (Gross enrolment ratio) of less than 20% in higher education, unacceptably low in comparison with our competitors and partners, 84% in US, 59% in UK, 55% in Japan and 28% in China as per Shashi Tharoor, the Minister of State for Higher Education.
The higher education standards are yet lagging by numerous problems like low GER (gross enrolment ratio). In order to address the challenges the government has proposed various initiatives in the areas of equity, expansion, excellence, funding, governance, implementation and monitoring.
Even an increase in enrolment of students by 11% in higher education courses and growth in number of institutions by 9% in past decade haven't helped India in improving higher education scenario as per a report which was prepared by Planning Commission, Ficci.
Introduction of several bills
Several bills were even introduced to improve the transparency together with quality in higher education during the plan period. The bill aims to consolidate various regulations and improve transparency by creating single super regulator.
Education will be most essential driver for our country's social, political and economic transformation. A well- educated country equipped with relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes is required for social along with economic development in 21st century.
Correlation among GER and economic
Global experiences states a positive correlation in between economic growth and GER in a country and points to the requirement for a minimal of 30% GER in higher education to ensure sustainability in economic growth. To meet the above minimum need, there has to be keen improvement in quantity along with quality of higher education's institutions. This requires a focus on research, faculty as well as a significant investment.
Universal extension of education
The reach of education should be now extended universally to all citizens without any exceptions. This expansion should be accompanied by adherence to standards of quality in research and teaching both. Education system must be aligned closely with necessity of our globalizing economy for adaptable and skilled workforce.
Key Features
- Specifying standards, norms and requirements for academic quality.
- Authorizing institutions to present awards.
- Enablement of policy stability and simplification of regulatory environment
- Promotion of innovation as well as autonomy in higher education
Problems lying with education standards
The biggest issue which lies with education standards of India is lack of complete as well as proper knowledge. Students aren't getting proper information and guidance to equip themselves with help of right skills. Internet now has got more effective, mass media services have expanded too, however all these technologies seems as they are out of reach for India's higher education standards
A world-class higher education standard is an essential pre-requisite for India to strengthen its competitiveness in order to sustain its growth.