Institutions of Eminence

Insights Mind maps

General Studies-2; Topic: Development of social sector services related to education

1) Introduction  Six higher education institutions, including IISc, Bengaluru, IIT at Mumbai and Delhi, and the proposed Jio Institute have been named Institutions of Eminence (IoE) by the Centre.  The Jio Institute in Maharashtra has been chosen in the greenfield category among three private institutions; the Manipal Academy of Higher Education and BITS, Pilani, being the other two.  An empowered committee, under former Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami, recommended these institutions.

2) Highlights  The Centre plans to offer 10 government and 10 private institutions the status of Institution of Eminence to enable them to break into the world’s top 500 in a decade and into the top 100 after that.  These institutions will be permitted to admit 30% foreign students with no restrictions on fees charged from them.  Hire foreign faculty to the tune of 25% of the total faculty.  Enter into academic collaborations with the top 500 global universities without UGC approval.  They will also have full flexibility in evolving curricula and syllabi.  The public institutions will get assistance of up to ₹1000 crore over five years.

3) Background  In India even after liberalisation in 1990s, there was no liberation of higher education from government control.  People complained about the lack of autonomy and bureaucratic interference.  There were some 17 bodies controlling each and every realm of higher education.  The country was incapable of producing many things it desired.  We could not produce the necessary defence equipments.  Half of India’s students were pursuing courses in the liberal arts and sciences. But they lacked the ability to scientifically analyse Indian society.  We depended heavily on research done by scholars based in western universities.  Many Indian universities and colleges produced a few high achieving individuals.  Under these circumstances, many think that selecting Institution of Eminence is the bold step taken by the government to grant swaraj to universities.

4) Advantages  Institution of Eminence tag frees universities from government interference.  This will enable them to be free from regulations of the AICTE, UGC, or the Higher Education Commission of India that is set to replace the UGC.  The institutes of eminence will have added funds for the state-run institutions, and more collaboration opportunities with top global universities.  It can transform the higher education sector and strengthen the foundations of a knowledge economy.  The universities can fully focus on their students, faculty, research and social outreach. www.insightsonindia.com Page 1 www.insightsias.com Insights Mind maps

 For knowledge to translate into a wealthy society, we need to create a conducive knowledge ecosystem. Institutions of higher education help in creating such an ecosystem.

5) Criticism  The deserving public ones that missed out are IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, Delhi University, Jadhavpur University and Anna University.  IIT Madras is ranked second under National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).  Lack of representation of institutions in social sciences and humanities.  Jio Institute at the moment, is just a proposal on paper, was selected under the greenfield category.  There are many deserving private universities and private green field university applicants that did not make into the list.  The private institutes selected are not eligible for government funding.  The top 10 universities in the world spend annually an average of Rs 5,800 crore each on research alone.  The selected institutes are free to decide on fees that might not be affordable to meritorious students from lower strata.

6) Dismal State of Higher Education  Universities are still characterized by impractical learning, out-of-touch faculty, exorbitant fees (in private universities) and diminishing employment.  Rote learning and standardised examinations.  Most Indian graduates are unemployable. NASSCOM estimates that only 20% of graduates of engineering colleges in India are employable in IT companies.  Research in both the sciences and the humanities is generally below par.  Even elite Indian universities do not make it to the very top of global listings.  Extreme faculty shortage. 30 to 50% of faculty positions are vacant in many institutions.  Deficiencies in the matters of library books, laboratory facilities, computer and broadband internet, classrooms and buildings, etc.  Politicians have entered into the business of higher education in a big way, turning colleges into lucrative degree-giving factories.  The rise of IT sector and engineering education in India has led students into linear path without giving them a chance to explore and discover their passions.

7) Way Forward  Universities are always places of the future –the future is shaped in its crucibles, classrooms and conversations.  For any development in higher education to bear fruit, it will have to be supported by the strengthening of primary education. China succeeded in this.  Universities, teachers and students need to create more forums for interaction with the wider world.  It is such interaction that would lead to generation of workable ideas and workable courses that can generate wealth.  Internships for students, work on real world problems and building databases of knowledge that could be useful for artificial intelligence.  Universities need to set up structures to encourage people willing and able to devote their time to real world problems and to improving productivity. www.insightsonindia.com Page 2 www.insightsias.com Insights Mind maps

 We need to invest far more in the capacity building of teachers than we do.  Funding can be sourced from Special cess, CSR, alumina fund, easy loans from banks, progressive fee structure etc.  Link major R&D centres of country with government colleges in all states, to encourage inclusion of students in research initiatives in the country  Ensure ease in movement of personnel between universities and industry.  The apprenticeship system in Germany has produced great results is the existence of a curriculum developed by educational institutions in collaboration with business groups and with employees.