Public universities on the brink, urgent reforms needed: Mahamaitri

The recent press release by Janandolana Mahamaitri, highlighting the precarious state of public universities and advocating for urgent reforms, including the establishment of a new Higher Education Commission, brings to the forefront a critical issue facing India's future. This call underscores deep-seated challenges within the nation's higher education system, which, despite its vast scale, often struggles with quality, access, and relevance.

**Background Context and the 'Brink' Scenario:**

India boasts one of the largest higher education systems globally, with a significant portion comprising public universities. These institutions, historically envisioned as pillars of knowledge, research, and social mobility, are indeed facing severe strains. The 'on the brink' description by Janandolana Mahamaitri reflects widely acknowledged issues: chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, a severe shortage of qualified faculty (with many positions lying vacant for years), outdated curricula that fail to meet industry demands, and governance challenges marked by excessive bureaucratic control and a lack of autonomy. Many public universities struggle to attract top talent, retain experienced faculty, and offer cutting-edge research opportunities, leading to a decline in their global rankings and overall academic standing. The financial crunch often forces these institutions to rely heavily on student fees, sometimes compromising accessibility for economically weaker sections.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

Janandolana Mahamaitri, likely a civil society organization or an advocacy group focused on public welfare and governance, has issued a press release calling for immediate intervention. Their key demand is the establishment of a new Higher Education Commission to safeguard the future of universities. The primary stakeholders involved include the public universities themselves (represented by Vice-Chancellors, faculty, and students), the central government (through the Ministry of Education and its regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission - UGC), state governments (which largely fund and govern state universities), and civil society organizations like Janandolana Mahamaitri. The private sector is also an indirect stakeholder, as it relies on these institutions for skilled manpower and often competes with them for resources and talent.

**Historical Context and Policy Evolution:**

India's higher education system has a rich history, with institutions like Nalanda and Taxila historically being centers of global learning. Post-independence, the Radhakrishnan Commission (1948-49) laid the groundwork for university education, leading to the establishment of the UGC in 1956 through the UGC Act, 1956, to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of university education. Subsequent reforms, including the Kothari Commission (1964-66), emphasized quality and access. However, rapid expansion without commensurate resource allocation led to the current challenges. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the latest comprehensive attempt to overhaul the education sector, specifically recommending the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as a single overarching 'umbrella' body for higher education, replacing existing multiple regulators including the UGC and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to ensure light but tight regulation, promote academic freedom, and enhance quality.

**Significance for India:**

The state of public universities is profoundly significant for India. Education, particularly higher education, is crucial for realizing India's demographic dividend, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and ensuring social equity. A robust higher education system produces skilled professionals for various sectors, fuels research and development, and strengthens India's position on the global stage. Conversely, a failing system leads to unemployment, brain drain, and a widening skill gap, hindering national progress and exacerbating social inequalities. The call for reforms is thus not merely academic; it is an imperative for India's long-term prosperity and global competitiveness.

**Constitutional Provisions and Policy Framework:**

Education falls under the **Concurrent List** of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, following the **42nd Amendment Act of 1976**. This means both the Central and State governments can legislate on education, leading to a shared responsibility. Directive Principles of State Policy, such as **Article 41** (Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases), **Article 45** (Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years), and **Article 46** (Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections), guide the state's role in promoting education. The proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) under NEP 2020 aims to streamline regulatory functions, separating them into four verticals: National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) for regulation, National Accreditation Council (NAC) for accreditation, Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) for funding, and General Education Council (GEC) for academic standards. This framework seeks to address the current fragmentation and inefficiency.

**Future Implications:**

The call for a new Higher Education Commission, aligning with the spirit of NEP 2020, suggests a potential paradigm shift in how higher education is governed and funded. If implemented effectively, such a body could rationalize funding, promote greater autonomy for institutions, incentivize quality research, standardize accreditation processes, and foster a more dynamic and responsive academic environment. However, challenges remain in terms of political will, ensuring adequate funding, overcoming bureaucratic inertia, and balancing autonomy with accountability. The success of any reform will depend on a holistic approach that addresses governance, funding, faculty development, curriculum modernization, and the overall ecosystem of research and innovation.