Rejuvenating state public universities
It duly acknowledged the significant role played by the SSPUs. SPUs are predominant in the university system of higher education. According to the All India Survey of Higher Education report, there are 445 SPUs as against only 53 central universities. By virtue of a policy shift at the Central and state levels, a new breed of institutions classified as deemed and private universities have mushroomed.
As per the AISHE report there are 81 private deemed Universities and 391 state private universities, forcing the pendulum to lean towards private participation. It is no secret that both the central and state governments have dumped the idea that education shall be a 'merit good' in precept and practice. It appears that it is the policy of the state governments to reduce the investment in higher education.
Despite the lukewarm treatment meted out to them, the mark of SPUs in the higher education sector remains indelible in terms of access to higher education, low-fee structure and supervision of the system.
As per the AISHE report 2021-22, SPUs account for 81 per cent of student enrolment, thereby shooting up the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) to the present level of 28.4 per cent. SPUs are also prime movers in maintaining Gender Parity Index (GPI) and enhancing the same from 0.87 in 2011-12 to 1.01 in 2021-22 for the entire nation.
However, despite such significance, SPUs are beset with insurmountable challenges and deep-rooted problems like acute shortage of faculty, inadequate infrastructure, comparatively inferior laboratories, insufficient grants and to cap it all n overwhelming political pressure.
The policy recommendations of NITI Aayog centred around four major challenges, including quality, funding, governance and employability.
The implementation roadmap is categorised into three time periods-short term (up to two years), medium term (2-5 years) and long term (over five years). It is quite laudable that Aayog has tried to identify the players responsible for implementing the roadmap. The irony of the situation is that none of the identified individuals is new to the system but integral to it.
Even then, they could not arrest the downfall of the PSUs. The ills besetting PSUs require a major surgery and not a 'pain balm treatment'.
An attempt is being made here to detail the major and serious issues faced by them and how infeasible are the recommendations of NITI Aayog team in this regard. I am also trying to offer a more direct and realistic implementation process towards ameliorating the plight of SPUs.
The first and foremost issue pertains to the acute shortage of faculty. As per one estimate, almost 50 per cent of the faculty positions in SPUs remain vacant. The entire activity is operated according to the whims and fancies of the state governments and mostly to the disadvantage of universities. We have come across instances wherein some state governments did not sanction a single faculty position, although new courses and programmes were incorporated into the curriculum. The common refrain of the authorities is 'budget' constraints. The recruitment processes of such institutes face litigation one too many, making it near impossible for the incumbent Vice-Chancellor to fill the vacancies during his three-year tenure.
The teaching deficiency is made good by the appointment of part-time, contract and guest faculty. The irony of the situation is that the average service of these temporary faculty is anywhere around 10-15 years; and many of them become ineligible, if the universities apply a cap on the age of entry into service. NITI Aayog puts the responsibility on the shoulders of the state government, but precious little progress is made on this front.
The second relates to lack of a sound base of research in terms of good quality infrastructure and trained faculty. Spending on research projects is miniscule, while the capability of these institutions to mobilise funds from agencies like DST, DBT, UGC, AICTE, other departments and ministries is dismal. This is exacerbated by the limited access to high-ranking quality journals.
To set the things right, the NITI Aayog called for formulation of a clear policy for research, allocation of funds for establishing research labs, boosting collaborations and the need to have more centres of excellence. But the sorry state-of-affairs is that those entrusted with this responsibility are in deep slumber.
The third factor relates to the complete absence of institution-industry interface in most SPUs. This needs to be stepped up to recognisable levels like the private institutions, which provide pre-placement training and long-term internships. Alternatively, SPUs can avail the opportunities provided through platforms like 'National Career Service' and AICTE's internship facility.
The fourth dimension relates to funding of SPUs. Compared to central universities, IITs and NITs, SPUs are totally dependent on block grants extended by the respective state governments or through self-finance courses. Projects and consultancy are quite unthinkable.
The final and fifth issue pertains to governance. At a time when universities were founded by princely states, the governing structures and funding were exemplary. The best example is the establishment of Osmania University by Nawab Osman Ali Khan in 1917. The iconic Arts College building remains a timeless architectural marvel.
In the given circumstances, it is the considered opinion of the author that measures be taken to categorise SPUs into teaching and research outfits with designated objectives and targets. As a matter of fact, this is also the prescription of the NEP, 2020.
The central government should take the lead by providing the necessary funding. It is time every HEI is allowed and provided with a congenial atmosphere to emerge as institutions of distinctive character and capable of creating their own USP and 'Brand Image'.
(The writer is a former Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Amitabh Kant calls Trump tariffs a ‘once-in-a-generation' chance, India's Agneepath moment to scale the tariff Deewaar
The United States has increased tariffs on Indian exports. Donald Trump cited India's trade practices and energy purchases from Russia as reasons. Amitabh Kant sees this as an opportunity for India to implement structural reforms. The tariffs, now at 50% on many goods, could affect Indian competitiveness in the US market. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Trump doubles tariffs on Indian goods to 50% Initial and additional tariffs take effect in August Senate bill proposes further penalties Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Key export sectors to be affected The recent escalation in US tariffs on Indian exports has been described by Amitabh Kant , former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, as a significant opportunity for India to pursue structural economic reforms . Calling the development a 'once in a generation opportunity,' Mr Kant urged policymakers to fully utilise the moment for long-term transformation. 'Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised,' he posted on X (formerly Twitter).US President Donald Trump has announced a steep increase in tariffs on Indian exports, raising them to 50% from the previously declared 25%. The move, which Mr Trump framed as a response to India's continued energy trade with Russia, has raised concerns over its impact on trade flows and several Indian 25% tariff initially announced on July 30 will take effect on August 7 at 9:30 am IST. An additional 25% levy will be implemented 21 days later, effectively doubling the tariff burden. On Truth Social, Mr Trump referred to India as a "friend" but criticised its trade policies and ongoing military and energy cooperation with Russia.'Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World,' Mr Trump stated. 'They have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country… and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China.'In addition to the executive action, a bill currently under consideration in the US Senate proposes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue buying oil from Russia and do not align with the US position on the Ukraine conflict. While the bill has not yet passed into law, it reflects growing bipartisan pressure to economically penalise nations maintaining strong trade ties with revised tariffs are expected to impact a broad range of Indian exports to the United States. Sectors facing the 50% duty include shrimps, organic chemicals, carpets, apparel, textiles, gems and jewellery, steel, aluminium, copper, machinery, and will face a 26% tariff, and petroleum products will be taxed at 6.9%. The increased tariffs are likely to raise costs for Indian exporters and reduce the competitiveness of their goods in the US market.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
"Once In A Generation Opportunity": Amitabh Kant On 50% US Tariff On India
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump doubled down on India with a 50 per cent tariff, an increase from the 25 per cent tariff announced last month, as a penalty for what he called New Delhi's continued buying of Russian oil. Amid concerns over how it could impact trade and domestic businesses, India's former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is looking at the hefty tariffs as "once in a generation opportunity". Mr Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, a think tank, believes Mr Trump has given India an opportunity to "take the next big leap" on reforms. He has urged to utilise the crisis fully. "Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised," Mr Kant wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised. — Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) August 6, 2025 Trump Tariffs On India On July 30, Mr Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on goods exported from India to the United States. Calling India a "friend" of the United States, Mr Trump also warned of a " penalty" for buying military equipment, and energy from Russia. In a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, Mr Trump wrote, "Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE - ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!" The penalty came in the form of an additional 25 per cent tariff announced by Mr Trump on Wednesday evening. While the initial duty comes into effect from today, August 7, 9:30 am IST, the additional levy will become effective after 21 days. How 50% Tariff Will Impact India Higher tariffs mean an increased cost of exports, which will make Indian goods costly in the US market. Barring a few, most of the Indian products exported to the US will carry 50 per cent or more tariffs. Shrimps, organic chemicals, carpets, apparel (both knitted and woven), textiles, gems and jewellery, steel, aluminium, copper, machinery and mechanical appliances and furniture and bedding will fetch at least 50 per cent tariffs. Vehicles will be subject to a 26 per cent tariff, and petroleum products will carry a 6.9 per cent tariff.
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Economic Times
Private sector may get SOPs in lagging states as govt firms up National Manufacturing Mission blueprint
Synopsis The government is planning to incentivize private sector investment in manufacturing, particularly in lagging states, and encourage the hiring of more women. The National Manufacturing Mission aims to increase manufacturing's GDP contribution to 25% by 2047. Niti Aayog is finalizing a roadmap that includes skill development and strict monitoring, fostering public-private partnerships to achieve these ambitious goals. iStock New Delhi: The government could incentivise the private sector to set up manufacturing units in laggard states as well as offer sops to hire more women on the shop floor as it firms up the blueprint for the National Manufacturing Mission, said officials privy to the discussions. The mission, announced in the budget for this financial year, is expected to have detailed medium-term and long-term targets, spanning five years and 10 years respectively, to help increase the share of manufacturing in the gross domestic product (GDP) to 25% by 2047 from 16-17% at present, they said. The Niti Aayog, the government's think tank, which is in the final stages of preparing a road map for the mission, is likely to propose creation of a pool of skilled workforce and a strict monitoring mechanism to oversee progress across identified said discussions are also on to put in place an overarching body with representatives from the Centre, states and the private sector to ensure all future initiatives in manufacturing are aligned with the government's vision to significantly boost the share of manufacturing in India. The idea is to leverage the expertise of the private sector to drive manufacturing in India, they said. 'The final round of consultations are being done by the Niti Aayog on what the remit and structure of the mission should be,' a senior government official told ET on condition of anonymity. The mission will emphasise a strong public-private partnership, with the private sector playing a lead role in policy interventions, implementation and monitoring, among others. According to the official, the mission is expected to focus on frontier technologies as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost India's share in global manufacturing and help the country become part of the international value chain in the identified sectors. Policy interventions across identified sectors could include reducing regulations and cost of compliance, besides offering sops, to build world-class manufacturing infrastructure, according to people in the know. Five-year and 10-year targets will be set for these sectors keeping in mind the domestic and global demand, and regular monitoring of these targets will be done at the highest level, they said. The government envisions manufacturing to account for 25% or $7.5 trillion by 2047, when the Indian economy is expected to be $30 trillion.
