Need to Revisit Our Old University Acts, Says Former UGC Chairman
Expressing his concern on the low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India, former Chairman of University Grants Commission, Mr. Ved Prakash said that the access to higher education is low in India as compared to other countries
Expressing his concern on the low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India, former Chairman of University Grants Commission, Mr. Ved Prakash said that the access to higher education is low in India as compared to other countries. He suggested that there is a need to revisit our old University Acts, ordinances and statutes.
Addressing the gathering at the 23rd convocation ceremony of Nirma University, Mr. Ved Prakash indicated that they discussed various amendments that are necessary with respect to Acts of various universities. The emerging concerns in higher education can only be addressed if amendments are made to these Acts.
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He was of the opinion that the Acts of UGC are very old and outdated. For instance, UGC Act, 1956 has not gone undergone any changes since then. The education scenario has undergone various changes and transformation due to national and international developments. Therefore, there is a need to revisit the Acts, ordinances and statutes.
Speaking about the Gross Enrollment Ratio of India, Mr. Prakash expressed that the average GER of India is low than the average GER of the world. The current average GER of India is 24 percent and the average GER of the world is 27 percent. Most of the youth in India from age group 18-23 years are not getting access to higher education.
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He expressed that the government must set up more educational institutions in those areas where institutional density is less than the national average. The government should also increase the intake capacity of existing institutions.