Javadekar hints at greater autonomy for higher education institutions

"We will come out with many more schemes, because I believe (when) colleges become more autonomous, they get more freedom to give more quality education."

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar Friday indicated that the government is considering giving more autonomy to colleges and institutions of higher learning so that they have greater freedom to impart better education. “We will come out with many more schemes, because I believe (when) colleges become more autonomous, they get more freedom to give more quality education,” Javadekar said.

Asked during a TV interview if more autonomy would be granted to higher education institutions with him at the helm at HRD, Javadekar responded, saying “that is the programme”.

The HRD minister, who recently took charge of the ministry from Smriti Irani, however, added since that Parliament is in session, he cannot make policy announcements. “I believe for higher education the main challenge is creating capcity and providing quality education,” Javadekar told Karan Thapar of India Today TV, adding that there will be a marked difference in improving the standards.

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Asked about the role of regulators like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Javadekar said he was reviewing various issues for understanding. When asked if these reviews could lead to changes, he said “change is a constant thing.”

The HRD Minister also said that while currently bright Indian students go abroad to countries like the US for higher education, the government’s aim is to make quality education available here.

He was asked whether he was sure that the government would be able to improve the education scenario in the remaining three years of Modi dispensation’s tenure. “We are not here for three years. The (remnant of) first term is of three years,” Javadekar said, claiming that under Modi’s leadership there will be a marked difference in the functioning of government schools.

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