Check Profiteering, But Let Not Quality Suffer

Commercialisation of higher education for profiteering must be checked, but not at the cost of quality education…

- Dr S.S.Mantha

In 2017, Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament, moved a bill to provide for regulation of fee in higher educational institutions with a view to make higher education accessible to all. Objectives mentioned for moving such a Bill seem to be valid. However, it must be discussed in a larger context. India is one of the few countries to have relatively younger workforce. To benefit from this demographic dividend, it is important to invest in its youth and to make them more productive. Imparting of higher education and skills acquired through it are necessary for progress of a developing nation. The Bill further adds that commercialisation of higher education with the motive of profiteering must be checked. True to the last word, but what is the reality? A Bill, if passed, applies equally to all facets of higher education including technical. Without being judgemental on all higher education, let us analyse just one facet, that of technical education.

India’s higher education structure

India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, primarily dominated by private players who account for 90% of the total institutes and 85% of total enrolment of students, at least in technical education. The numbers are about 65% in rest of higher education. The higher education sector in India has a three-tier structure comprising the university, college and course. This forms a vital link with the regulatory structure, and with accreditation agencies playing a key role in maintaining quality and standards. With very little regulatory control within the private education, not only the numbers of students, but the fees charged too, have risen disproportionately which probably is the larger concern. Profiteering and racketeering must certainly be checked. Good among them must not, however, be punished.