The buck stops where? Accountability in Higher Education

The recent governmental step in re recognizing 44 deemed universities is a step in the right direction as it highlights the institutional and quality of education issues in Higher education. However, these universities have 1,19,363 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, there are 2,124 students pursuing research at M.Phil. and PhD levels and another estimated 74,808 students pursuing distance education programs. Of the 44 re recognized universities, 41 have several constituent institutions under them. The step spells uncertainty for nearly two lakh students who are enrolled with these institutions.

The HRD ministry has assured that the affected students would be taken care of. The ministry's task force has recommended that institutions not found fit for deemed university status "revert to status quo ante as an affiliated college of the state university of jurisdiction so that students would be able to complete their ongoing courses and obtain degree from the affiliating university." While these safeguards have been recommended, the students are nonetheless likely to go through a phase of uncertainty as they move from one university to another.

In this context, it is important to ensure that accountability is fixed for such irresponsible acts. Education institutions as well as the authorities in charge of proving deemed status should be brought under scanner and tried. It about people’s money (often a life time’s saving spent in the education of the children), it is also about the future of so many students. The matter should just not be allowed to rest.  

For more discussion on this topic click on http://www.csopartners.org.in/blog

- Ipsita Basu