Overview of India's Higher Education System and Reforms
The expansion of India's higher education system has been significant, yet regulatory mechanisms have not kept pace, resulting in complexities and inefficiencies. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to address these issues by fostering a holistic and socially relevant education system.
The Need for Reform
- India's higher education includes over 1,000 universities and numerous institutions, impacting crores of learners.
- Current regulation involves multiple statutory bodies with overlapping mandates, leading to excessive approvals and compliance requirements that detract from teaching, research, and innovation.
- The NEP 2020 calls for a "light but tight" framework that emphasizes transparency and standards while minimizing procedural burdens.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025
- Aims to unify and modernize the regulatory architecture by creating an apex body, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan.
- Proposes the establishment of three councils for regulation, accreditation, and standards to improve credibility and reduce conflicts of interest.
- Seeks to repeal three key Acts to bring higher education institutions under a single framework for standard-setting and oversight.
- Envisions a technology-enabled single-window system to enhance transparency and accountability.
Expected Outcomes
- Youth Empowerment: Streamlined regulations can expand access to quality education and improve Gross Enrolment Ratios.
- Global Best Practices: Adoption of global benchmarks can enhance international credibility without compromising Indian priorities.
- Modernized Governance: Transparency and minimalistic regulation can foster a culture of integrity and excellence.
Overall, the Bill seeks to align standards, regulation, and accreditation into a coherent system, building citizens capable of contributing effectively to society, as envisioned by the ancient poet Tiruvalluvar.
