An urgent call for fixing the flawsin higher Education to rebuild quality

Higher education is more than a pathway to employment-it is indeed a transformative journey that shapes the intellectual, economic, and cultural trajectory of a nation.

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It develops skilled professionals, sparks innovation, cultivates human capital, and prepares individuals to meet global challenges with competence and character. Yet, in India-and particularly in Punjab-this critical sector is facing a crisis of quality. Despite a steady rise in the number of educational institutions, academic standards, research output, and global competitiveness have declined.

A robust higher education system must do more than confer degrees; it must nurture visionaryleaders who contribute to nation-building and social progress. Countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and South Korea have become global leaders not only through industrial advancements but also through long-term investments in education, research, and technology. Their success rests on a foundation of academic vision, strong governance, merit-based recruitment, and a thriving culture of inquiry. They produce critical thinkers, attract international collaboration, and graduate individuals who drive inclusive development.

India today boasts a robust higher education system comprising over 1,100 universities, including 56 central universities, more than 460 state universities, around 430 private universities, and over 125 deemed-to-be universities. The country is also home to 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), globally recognized for their excellence in science, technology, and engineering.