High on Education

Intent on making the state a knowledge hub by 2011, Himachal is trying to ensure quality by allowing in private investors. Also, vocational courses have been permitted in existing colleges, computer labs will be set up in all 450 higher secondary schools and a polytechnic college in every district. There is also a plan to make the colleges in Shimla and Dharamsala more competitive.

The passing of a Model Private Universities Act last year has paved the way for more investments. While a private university, JP University for Information Technology, has been set up by a leading industrial group, three new promoters, Amity, Chitkara and ICFAI, have entered the fray.

Though availability of level land is a problem, the state8217;s urban development agency, HIMUDA, has been entrusted with developing 92 acres of land at Baddi, which is proposed to be an education hub. More than 30 groups, including Amity and Chitkara, are keen to set up private universities and institutes here. The proximity to Chandigarh wil ensure good guest faculty. 8220;They will be free to design their own courses and get good staff,8221; says P. Mitra, principal secretary, education.

Despite the inroads in higher education, many doubt the success of the vision. 8220;Unless staff is brought from outside instead of taking local people, the standard will not be at par with that in other cities,8221; says S.N. Joshi, a writer. The state may yet prove him wrong.