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| EDUCATION TRIBUNE |
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Cost of privatisation
Civics in a new avatar
Campus Notes
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Cost of privatisation HIGHER education in India is passing through a very crucial phase. The broad issues to be addressed include, inter alia, accessibility, quality, equity, affordability, inclusiveness, funding and regulation, which require a cohesive and integrated approach for solutions. The policy to be formulated should keep in view the broad objectives of inclusive and sustained growth. The model for promotion of higher education should be developed in the backdrop of socio-economic conditions prevailing in society. Indiscriminate reliance on any imported/external model or model based on generalisations should be avoided. In India, the thrust on privatisation in higher education started in the early 90s under the LPG (liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation) policy, and various means were adopted by the states to pull their hands away from arena of higher education. The form of withdrawal included the phasing out of grants, ban on recruitments and non-review of manpower requirements. As various states declared higher education a “non-merit” area, private players, commercial entities, education hawks and fly-by-night operators started the process of bargain hunting under the changed scenario. It inevitably led to the clamour for starting self-financing courses (even in public/aided institutions), establishment of self-financing institutions, getting “deemed-to-be” university status and creating private universities through state legislation. The process got further boost as the educationists and policy makers, who advocated privatisation in the market-driven system of higher education, ignored the prevailing socio-economic conditions in the country and got themselves trapped in generalisations. There is no denying the fact that privatisation leads to competition and brings efficiency, qualitative improvement and cost reduction, but this happens under some optimum perfectly competitive conditions. Today, various types of imperfections exist in the higher education system, including lack of uniformity in products, i.e., various courses/degrees being offered by educational institutions; conflicting objectives of providers (profit maximisation, maximisation of social benefits, prestige maximisation of the institution); wide heterogeneities among consumers (students) with regard to purchasing power; lack of knowledge about the providers; and price and quality of the product. Moreover, market forces do not address the vital issue of “equity” and “fair distribution of benefits” to the poor, have not’s and marginalised sections of society. In this regard, the observations made by a full Bench of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court deserve attention. The Bench asserted: “There is no absolute right to establish institutions involving higher cost of education and limiting education only to students, who can pay higher fee. Primarily, education is service to society, where earning is secondary or incidental. High fee will be inconsistent with such an aim and will force a student to adopt a commercial approach.” The Bench added that the policy of enhancing accessibility of higher education to poorer sections and adoption of “social oriented approach” in this direction would be consistent with the directive principles of the state. Given the prevailing socio-economic conditions, the market-driven cost of education is likely to push the poor out of the ambit of higher education. The socio-economic conditions, as they exist, clearly reveal that a good chunk of people live below poverty line and suffer from malnutrition and starvation. The latest Planning Commission data has put the people below poverty line at 32 per cent. Therefore, if market forces are allowed to act an arbitrator of resource allocation or a determinant of price/cost of higher education, it may not only lead to the wrong allocation of resources but also clash with the national agenda of “inclusive growth”. Moreover, higher education is not a purely “private good” which gives benefits to its consumer only, it is partially a “public or social good”, as the benefits also accrue to society at large. Hence, there is a strong case for the state intervention through direct investment, revamping of existing grant-in-aid system and devising appropriate regulatory mechanism for private operators. The existing grant-in-aid system needs to be strengthened as it takes care of the national agenda of increasing accessibility of higher education to marginalised sections. Moreover, the cost of establishing new institutions of higher learning is likely to be significantly higher, as compared to additional or marginal cost of upgrading or improving the existing institutions. As regards appropriate regulatory mechanism for granting nod to private operators, the regulator should take into account the need for a private institution/university in a particular area; the issues pertaining to “social inclusion”, affordability, equity and quality; accountability towards society; protecting the interests of stakeholders; and the background of operators. However, this requires an efficient and transparent regulatory mechanism with persons above the board at the helm of affairs. In Punjab, the entire higher education system is going haywire due to stagnant direct investment for growth and upgradation of the institutions of higher learning, limping grant-in-aid system, non-review of sanctioned posts since 1981 in case of government-aided colleges, and ban on recruitments. In the absence of any clear-cut policy directive and transparent regulatory mechanism, the void created by the withdrawal of the state is being filled up by private/commercial operators in an arbitrary way, leading to the serious distortions in the system. Such a policy is likely to make higher education a commodity for the rich and elite. The writer is Associate Professor at DAV College, Amritsar |
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Civics in a new avatar WITH the new steps being taken by the CBSE, the education system in India is being overhauled to enable the students to exigencies of the competitive world. Rightly so, for one needs to be aware of one’s surrounding, irrespective of being in the arts, medical, commerce or non-medical stream. Civics is one subject that has included diverse topics relevant to the present times. Along with the content, the name has also been redefined. Now, it is known as ‘Social and Political Life’, which is far more comprehensive. So, issues like equality and struggle for the same are taught with examples and short stories. Pranjal, a Class XII student, says, “The change in the subject matter is effective, because it has made us aware of our surroundings. There are certain words which were often used casually but after reading about the caste system, for example, we have realised that they are derogatory and go against the dignity of an individual, so we abstain from using such words. We have also been taught the legal implications of using such words. So, it is now a fine mixture where we learn practical things.” Women and their role in various spheres and understanding the media and advertising world are now part of the curriculum along with the study of the political systems of different countries as well as that of India. It is essential that children learn the working of the government, as it is the latter that provides us with amenities like hospitals, parks, roads, etc. Social and political life now includes topics like ‘Role of Government in Health’. Topics like advertising are interesting because advertisements have become a part of our lives, with kids watching television for a major part of the day. Today, the media has the power to rake up various relevant issues. So, understanding the media and its role is a necessity for these impressionable minds at this juncture. This course content has managed to sensitise children who are now more aware about female foeticide and its repercussions. This kind of education is an investment for the future because these kids would grow with these values and not be biased towards the ‘son’ syndrome. Besides these issues, a peep into the markets of today paves way for initiating the students to put on their thinking caps to realise the effort that goes into producing a product. Ms Poonam, who teaches Social Studies at St. Johns High School, Chandigarh, comments, “The subject Civics, with all the changes, has become more relevant today. What we were taught as students was more of by way of rote unlike today, where the subject has to be understood as it pertains to our immediate surroundings. Students take interest in the topics being taught because these interest to them. They are familiar with issues like female foeticide and injustice that is meted out to the certain sections of society as they read such things in the newspaper or hear about such issues. Thus, the information is more general but more relevant and interesting which is useful in extra-curricular activities like debates, declamation and quiz.” All these changes help students to start analysing their surroundings. They develop empathy which is necessary in today’s world where dignity of an individual has to be respected, whether it is a peon or maid. Words like ‘prejudice’ are explained well along with ways of handling them. Adding these practical things has only added to the theoretical knowledge that was being taught to students. Changing the name as well as the content is a positive step towards producing enlightened citizens of tomorrow. |
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Campus Notes THE university has decided not to charge any tuition fee for BA
(Honours School in Punjabi), MA (Hons) in Punjabi and MPhil (Punjabi) courses. While the BA
(Hons) course is being run by the School of Punjabi Studies on the main campus here, the MA
(Hons) as well as MPhil (Punjabi) courses will be run by the Punjabi Department at its Regional Campus,
Ladhewali, Jalandhar. A helpline has also been set up at the Punjabi Department in Amritsar for the online submission of forms for admission to these courses. Dr P. S.
Sidhu, Head of the School of Punjabi Studies, said the process of online submission of forms for admission would continue till June 15 for BA
(Hons) and up to June 30 for MA (Hons) in Punjabi courses. He said candidates interested in joining MPhil (Punjabi) course could submit their application forms online from July 5 to 22. The entrance test will be held jointly for both the places for MPhil (Punjabi) on July 30 on the school premises in
Amritsar, while counselling will also be held at the same venue on August 4, he said. On the main campus, two courses - Computer Application in Punjabi and Knowledge of Shahmukhi Script - had also been included in MA
(Hons) in Punjabi, he said.
Seats increased
The Council of Architecture
(COA), New Delhi, has increased the number of seats from 40 to 80 from the current academic session 2011-12 in the B.Arch course run by the Architecture Department of Guru Nanak Dev University. Dr Karamjit Singh
Chahal, head of the department, said the official approval from the COA was received recently.
Sandeep, Amanjoyti best campers
Sandeep Kaur of Hindu Kanya College,
Kapurthala, was adjudged the best camper, while Amanjoyti Kaur of BBK DAV College,
Amritsar, was declared the second best camper during an eight-day Youth Hiking and Tracking Camp for Girls organised by Guru Nanak Dev University that concluded at Dalhousie at the University Students Holiday Home recently. The team of SBDSM Khalsa College,
Domeli, was declared the best disciplined team, while SRSPM College,
Niari, adjudged the second best disciplined team. As many as 82 students from nine colleges affiliated to the university participated in the camp. The campers went trekking to
Kalatop, Dainkund, Lakkar Mandi, Panchpula, Dalhousie and Khajjiar. A cultural programme was also presented by the students on the occasion. — Contributed by G. S. Paul
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Agriculture Central Institute of
Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Mumbai 400061 (Mah)
(Deemed University ICAR) All India Competitive
Exams for Admission to PhD Eligibility: BFSc
& MFSc (4+2 years) / BSc & MSc (OGPA 7.5 out of 10) / DFSc for
candidates holding a Bachelors degree in Biological Sc with two years
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in Tool & Die Making (4 years) 3) Post Diploma in
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For 1: Class 10 (with Science & Maths, 60%). Selection: Entrance Test: 17 July 2011; Interview Application Form: Download from website. Details: Employment News (04 – 10 June 2011) / Website Application Deadline: 02 July 2011 Hotel Mgmt Jaypee Palace Hotel
& Convention Centre, Fatehabad Road, Agra 282003 (UP) Graduate Hospitality Proficiency Programme Eligibility:
10+2 (55%). Selection: English Writing Skills; GD; Personal Interviews Application Form: Send Rs 750/- by DD favouring "Jaypee Hotels Limited" payable at Agra at above address / Download from website. Details: Website Application Deadline: 20 June 2011 Lakhya Bharti International Institute of Hotel Management (LBIIHM) B-98, Pushpanjali Enclave, Outer Ring Road, Pitampura, Delhi-110034 Website: www.lbiihm.com MSc in Hotel Management (2 yrs) Eligibility: Graduation BSc in Hotel Management (3 yrs) Eligibility: 10+2 (any stream) Selection: Through personal interview Application Form: Rs 400 in Cash or Rs 450 by courier Details: Website Application Deadline: 30th July, 2011 IT Birla Institute of
Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi 835215 (Jhar) MCA (5
years, Integrated) Eligibility:
Class 12 (60%, best of 3 with English) Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline: 30 June 2011 Law National Law Institute
University, Kerwa Dam Road, Bhopal 462044 (MP) 1) PhD programme: Law
/ Intellectual Property Right (Full Time) Eligibility:
For 1: LLM (55%) Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 17 July 2011 Management School of Communication
& Management Studies, Prathap Nagar, Muttom, Aluva, Cochin 683106
(Ker) PG Diploma in Management (2 years, FT) Selection: MAT / CAT Application Form: Send Rs 950/- by DD favouring "SCMS-Cochin" to the Director of Admissions at the above address / Download from website. Details:
Website Indian Institute of Materials Management, SCO 19-B, 2nd Floor, Swastik Vihar, Mansa Devi Complex, Panchkula 134113 (Har) 1) Graduate Diploma in Materials Mgmt (2 years, Full Time / Distance) 2) PG Diploma in Materials Mgmt (3 years, Distance) Eligibility: For
1: Diploma in Engg / any degree; 2 years work experience Selection: Entrance Test: 03 July 2011 Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline: 30 June 2011 University of Delhi, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Pitampura, New Delhi 110088 www.sggscc.com PG Diploma in International Marketing Selection: Entrance Test: 03 July 2011, GD & Interview Application Form: Send Rs 850/- by DD favouring "Principal, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce", payable at Punjab and Sind Bank, Delhi at the above address / Download from website Details: Website Application Deadline: 02 July 2011 Indian Institute of
Foreign Trade, B 21, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016
(Deemed University) Executive PG Diploma in International Business / Industrial Marketing / Capital & Financial Markets Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 06 July 2011 Punjabi University,
Patiala 147002 (Punj) Integrated MBA (Applied / Financial Markets) 5 years Eligibility: 10+2 (50%) Application Form & Details: Website Mass Comm Kurukshetra University,
Institute of Mass Communication and Media Technology, Kurukshetra
136119 (Har) 1) BA Mass
Communication (3 years) Eligibility: For 1 & 2: 10+2 (50%). For 3 & 4: Bachelors degree (50%) Selection: Admission Test: 03 July 2011 Application Form: Send Rs. 650/- by DD favouring "Registrar, Kurukshetra University," payable at Kurukshetra at the above address / Download from website. Details: Website Application Deadline: 30 June 2011 University of Delhi, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Pitampura, New Delhi 110088 www.sggscc.com PG Diploma in Business Journalism & Corporate Communication Selection: Entrance Test: 03 July 2011, GD & Interview Application Form: Send Rs 850/- by DD favouring "Principal, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce", payable at Punjab and Sind Bank, Delhi at the above address / Download from website Details: Website Application Deadline: 02 July 2011 Medicine Lady Hardinge Medical
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Commission (UGC), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002 (M/o
Minority Affairs, GoI) Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students for pursuing studies leading to MPhil / PhD (Full Time) in Sciences, Engg & Tech, Humanities & Social Sc Eligibility: Candidate should belong to monitory community (Muslims / Christian / Sikhs / Buddhists / Parsis) with admission or registration in a full time PhD / MPhil course Fellowship: For
all streams of research: Rs 16,000/- pm for two years and Rs
18,000/- for remaining period. Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 30 June 2011 Department for the
Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/ Minority, IInd Floor, B-Block, Vikas Bhawan, I.P.
Estate, New Delhi 110002 Pre-Matric Scholarship
for 2011-12 (Fresh/Renewal) Eligibility: Students enrolled in Class I-X from Govt/Aided/recognized private schools, score not less than 50% in the previous class. Family income should not exceed Rs. 1 lakh Scholarship:
For 1: Class I to V: Hosteller: Nill, Day Scholar Rs 100/-
pm Application Form: Online
Application / collect from the above address D/o Welfare of SC/ ST /
OBC / Minorities, IInd Floor, B Block, Vikas Bhawan, IP Estate, New
Delhi 110002 Post-Matric Merit Scholarship for Minorities 2011-12 (Fresh/Renewal) (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi & Buddhist, pursuing higher education from Class 11 upto PhD; Technical & Vocational Courses of Class 11 and 12) Eligibility: Class 11 to PhD students (50%); Family income not exceeding 2 lakh pa Application Form & Details: Website definitely Application Deadline: 22 August 2011 London Metropolitan
University, Liaison Office (Delhi), Office No. 711, 7th
Floor, Ashoka Estate, 24, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
110001 Mahatma Gandhi
Scholarship Eligibility: Students
with excellent academic record who wish to undertake PG programme at
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IELTS Band of overall 7.5 Scholarship: Tuition fee waived for one student and reduced to 50% for two others. Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline: 30 June 2011 Sciences – Biological Indian Institute of
Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500607 (AP) Advanced Course in Bioinformatics (24 weeks) Eligibility: BTech (Comp / Chemical / Biotech Engg) / MBBS / MD / BVSc & AH / BPharma / MSc / MCA / MTech / PhD (in related field) Selection: Entrance Test: 24 July 2011 Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 03 July 2011 Sciences – Social Pandit Deendayal
Petroleum University, School of Liberal Studies, Raisan, Gandhinagar
382007 (Guj) (promoted by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd) MA in Public Admin / Political Sc with International Relations / English Literature Eligibility: Bachelors degree in any discipline Selection: Entrance Test: 25 June 2011 Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 15 June 2011 University of Delhi,
Delhi School of Social Work, D/o Social Work, 3 University Road, Delhi
110007 MA in Social Work Eligibility: Bachelors degree (55%) / BA (Hons) in Social Work (50%) Selection: Written Test: 27 June ’11; GD & Interview Application Form: Send Rs 450/- by DD favouring "Registrar, University of Delhi", payable at Delhi to the above address / Download from website. Details: Employment News (04 – 10 June 2011) / Website Application Deadline: 20 June 2011 Delhi Institute of
Heritage Research & Management, 18 A, Satsang Vihar Marg, Qutub
Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067(Affiliated to GGSIPU) Master in Archaeology
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Haryana, Mahendergarh, Govt. BEd College Building, Narnaul (Har) 1) MPhil in English
/ Economics / Political Sc / Hindi Selection: For 1 & 2: Entrance Test: 17 July 2011, Interview For 3, 4, 5 & 6: Entrance Test: 17 July 2011 Application Form & Details: Website Application Deadline: 24 June 2011 IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New
Delhi 110068 A) On-Campus Full
Time Programmes: 6) BA in Applied Sign
Language Studies / BPP for deaf studies Selection: For A: Entrance Test: 19 July 2011 Application Form & Details: Website. Application Deadline:
For A: 30 June 2011 Kurukshetra University,
Kurukshetra 136119 (Har) 1) MA: Ancient
Indian History / Culture & Archaeology / Economics / English /
Education / Fine Arts (Painting & Applied Art) / History / Hindi /
Music (Vocal & Instrumental) / Political Science / Punjabi /
Philosophy / Psychology / Public Administration / Sanskrit / Sociology
/ Social Work / Women’s Studies / Defence & Strategic Studies /
MFA / MPEd. 6) Certificate: Effective
Communication Skills / French / German / Yoga / Urdu. Selection: Entrance Test: For 1, 2, 3 & 4: Between 01 July 2011 – 07 July 2011 Details: Website. Application Deadline:
For MA, MSc & MCom: 24 June 2011 Vocational National Vocational
Training Institute for Women, D 1, Sector 1, Noida 201301 (UP) (M/o
Labour & Employment, Directorate General Employment &
Training, GoI) Short Term Courses: Eligibility: For 1: 10+2 / Diploma in Engg from any polytechnic after Class 10 For 2: 10+2
with proficiency in English Application Deadline: 07 July 2011 Pervin Malhotra, Director, Career Guidance India (CARING) (www.careerguidanceindia.com)
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HIGHER education in India is passing through a very crucial phase. The broad issues to be addressed include, inter alia, accessibility, quality, equity, affordability, inclusiveness, funding and regulation, which require a cohesive and integrated approach for solutions.