Context: A report on the “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 in Higher Education” was presented by the Parliament Standing Committee on Education.
The report of the Parliament Standing Committee evaluated the progress that has been done thus far in assessing the National Education Policy’s (NEP) implementation in higher education.
Members of State governments, Union Ministries, universities, and other interested parties were consulted by the panel.
Main Points Addressed
- Strict Discipline Separation: The research raised issues with the strict discipline division that exists in higher education. It brought attention to the necessity of using more interdisciplinary strategies to promote creativity and innovation.
- Limited Access in Disadvantaged places: One major obstacle was found to be the limited availability of higher education in socioeconomically disadvantaged places. The significance of tackling this matter was underscored in the report in order to mitigate educational inequalities.
- Language of Instruction: The report pointed out that local languages are not sufficiently taught in higher education institutions. This language barrier may make it more difficult for students from different linguistic origins to be inclusive and accessible.
- Faculty Shortage: There have been concerns expressed about the lack of faculty in higher education. This shortfall may have an effect on the standard of instruction and impede research projects.
- Institutional Autonomy: The necessity of more institutional autonomy was stressed in the report. It emphasized how crucial it is for colleges and universities to be free to decide how best to advance intellectual achievement.
- Research Focus: The panelists emphasized the need for higher education institutions to place a greater emphasis on research. This concentration on research has the potential to foster creativity and intellectual development.
- Regulatory System: It was said that the current regulatory structure was ineffectual. The report included recommendations for changes to guarantee effective leadership and good standards in postsecondary education.
- Undergraduate Education Standards: The research identified gaps in undergraduate education standards. It emphasized how crucial it is to improve the standard of foundational education in order to better prepare pupils.
The committee offered a number of suggestions, such as:
- Funding for SEDGs: In order to alleviate educational inequities, the report suggested setting aside a sufficient amount of money expressly for the education of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). Sufficient financial means are necessary to offer fair chances.
- SEDG Enrollment Objectives: It was suggested to set specific goals for raising the SEDGs’ Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education. The objective of this program was to guarantee equal access to higher education and to improve their representation.
- Gender Balance: The research recommended actions to improve gender balance in higher education institution admissions in order to advance gender equity and inclusivity. This encourages equal access to education for people of all genders.
- More financial support and scholarships for SEDGs should be offered in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs), according to the committee’s recommendation. This measure was deemed crucial in mitigating the financial obstacles that impede educational accessibility.
- Curriculum and Admissions Procedures Must Be More Inclusive: The report stressed the need for more inclusive curriculum and admissions procedures to meet the varied backgrounds and skill levels of students. This guarantees that instruction meets each student’s unique needs.
- Focus on Employability: The report acknowledged the significance of graduates’ employability and recommended that programs place more of an emphasis on industry relevance and practical skills. This facilitates students’ seamless entry into the workforce.
- Courses taught in Regional and Bilingual Languages: The research suggested creating more degree courses taught in regional languages and bilingually in order to increase accessibility and accommodate linguistic diversity. As a result, education is more widely available and culturally appropriate.
- Support for Students with Physical Disabilities in the Infrastructure: The committee suggested particular infrastructure measures to assist students with physical disabilities. In order to guarantee that higher education institutions are inclusive of all students, regardless of physical limitations, this entails making campuses and facilities accessible.
- Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Regulations: The report emphasized how all anti-harassment and non-discrimination laws must be strictly enforced. This guarantees that all students can learn in environments free from harassment and discrimination, and that they are safe, courteous, and supportive of their academic development.
Finance
- Increasing HEFA’s efficacy: The committee made recommendations for raising HEFA’s (the Higher Education Financing Agency) efficacy and impact. The HEFA must be operated as efficiently as possible because it is essential to the financing of higher education institutions.
- broadening financing Sources: The report suggested broadening financing sources to lessen reliance on government grants. To achieve this diversification, collaborations with international financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, and private sector organizations would need to be investigated. These kinds of partnerships can support innovation and financial stability in the higher education sector.
- Interest Rate Modifications: The committee emphasized how crucial it is to examine and modify the interest rates on loans made available by HEFA. The intention was to increase the competitiveness and affordability of these loans for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), hence facilitating simpler financing for educational programs and initiatives.
System of Multiple Entry Multiple Exit (MEME)
- MEME implementation concerns: The committee voiced concerns regarding the use of the MEME system in Indian educational institutions. MEME offers flexibility by enabling students to enter and leave degree programs at different points.
- Effectiveness in Western Institutions: The committee questioned the applicability of MEME in India, despite the fact that it has proven successful in Western educational institutions. The complexity of the Indian higher education system may make the Western model difficult to adapt.
- Difficulties with Implementation: Potential issues with MEME were brought up in the report, namely with regard to projecting student arrivals and departures. The pupil-teacher ratio may be upset by this unpredictability, which would make it difficult for institutions to properly plan and deploy resources.
- Possible Repercussions: Based on the committee’s concerns, it appears that implementing the MEME system in India may provide real difficulties in terms of allocating resources and guaranteeing continuity of education.