Fundament of national development
The independence of India in 1947 brought along with the liberation a new conviction. A conviction of self-reliance, national development in every aspect and to know the world and its applications through education. This gospel from the very beginning is deemed as the real cause behind the saga of higher education in India. But credit must be given to the Indian governments who have spent bounteously in this sphere.
Though in the decade of 50s the development was slow but there were lofty dreams, which led to the foundation of internationally acclaimed institutions. This feature has its own significance not only in India but also in any country that aspires to prosper. These institutions meant for higher education are able to render the country benefits of the modern society. For all these in the succeeding decades there had been a surge of institutions dealing with different aspects and subjects of the same society.
Only in the last few years this number has increased manifold. Not only the government but also the private sector has also come up and presented a good number of reputed institutions in several sectors. These include Engineering, Management, Retailing, Hospitality, Journalism & Public Relations and much more. All of these are striving for a better future of India with the production of finest candidates.
Till this the picture seemed to be ideal. But it has also brought to the fore a horde of problems. No longer the institutes that were once considered as emblems of finest education are able to retain their standards. Though newer institutions are coming up in good speeds but they are nowhere to gratify the intensifying demand. On the contrary many of them, even the private ones, have become centers of political intrigues and are becoming easy preys for more disasters.
Besides most of the private educational institutions of higher education are sponsored by corporate groups. For this reason they remain profit oriented and this has led to the increase in number of students on every year. The result is that the ratio between students and teachers is inversely proportional and the education system is the greatest casualty.
Furthermore it is essential to strengthen the primary and secondary education systems in India. The government must concentrate on and ensure this. The disparity between the urban and rural students is widening. This checks the growth or flow of meritorious students from rural society to the realm of higher education. This is neither desirable nor should be allowed to persist.
The essence and prospect of higher education in India depends on the curtailment of this.
