Higher education has to be taken to next level to make India a knowledge economy. But quality of HE is an issue and that need quick redressal. The major steps that can be taken to transform Higher education are:
- Implementation: Implementation of reforms as pointed out by TSR Subramanian Committee.
- Autonomy: Reforming or replacing UGC, MCI, AICTE and other centralized authorities to make them more adaptable to changing circumstances as is proposed recently replacing UGC by a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).
- Finance: Increasing budgetary allocation to at least 6-7% of GDP.
- Curriculum: Periodic assessment of curriculum and compulsory changes after due consultation with stake holders like market forces and educational experts.
- Teaching: Increasing quality of teachers with periodic assessment and filling up of vacancies in teaching profession.
- Foreign institution: Allowing setting up of foreign institutions in India and granting full autonomy in conducting courses of their choices.
- Industry-academic tie-ups: High profile companies can tie up with institute and transfer technology and knowledge.
- Courses: Short duration courses, online courses etc. have to be offered by higher institution and recognized duly.