Quality Focus in Higher Professional Education

QUALITY FOCUS IN HIGHER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

 Post-liberalization, there has been a significant expansion in Higher Education. The number of Universities, Colleges &  Students  all present us a very impressive statistics. It was requirement of the Nation and we have made a good beginning. However, in this numerical expansion – certain very important dimensions of Higher Education have taken a back seat, unintentionally. With the exception of just a few, Quality of Higher Education Institutions ( HEIs ) leaves much to be desired. Relevance of the offered Programs in most of our HEIs has not fully served the interests of the students. After all, what use is an Institution, if it does not serve the interests and meet the expectations of students !  If students are not served, whom are we serving; certainly NOT the Nation. Also, if our Education System does not arrest the social evils amongst the graduates, least I can say is that Education has served its intent only partially.

Also, the  unprecedented expansion in Higher Education has been only in some select fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Management, Architecture, Pharmacy, etc.  It is also clearly visible that most of this expansion is by Private or Self Financed Institutions, whether Colleges or Universities. It is a fact that per unit cost of such quality Professional Education is far higher than the paying capacity of average Indian Family.  Under the situation and with practically no support from the State, the quality of such Education is a real challenge. In my views, even “Make in India”, will be meaningful only if superimposed with Quality Professional Education and blended with “Innovate India”. However, it requires a judicious balance and adequate importance to Creativity, Innovative Ideas & Positive Attitude. That emphasis only can ensure what is absolutely necessary today.