The Union HRD Ministry is amending its ways to construct a system which is more autonomous. In order to encourage minimal regulation, the “underperforming” educational institutions, despite a UGC-backed mentoring programme, might be asked to shut down or collaborate with other universities to improve their performance. Union Minister Arun Jaitley had announced a reconstruction of the UGC and several other education reforms in the budget speech last month.
“It is being considered that an audit be conducted of all the educational institutions and varsities, and they be classified into three broad categories depending upon their performance on a range of parameters,” they said.
The categories will include “outstanding” institutions, institutions with “scope for improvement” and “underperforming” institutions. The universities falling in the first category will receive grants and more autonomy. This will gradually decrease with the second and the third choice.
“The varsities and institutions identified in the third category will be directed to the UGC to mentor them. However, if they fail to do so, the HRD Ministry is likely to consider their closure or merger with other institutions,” they said.
