'We Must Strengthen Our University System, Allow Foreign Institutions In'
An unusually taciturn HRD minister on the proposed 'super regulator' for universities and his plans to open the doors to foreign universities
In his first interview since taking charge of the human resources ministry,
admits he's "feeling the weight".
asks an unusually taciturn Sibal about the proposed 'super regulator' for universities and his plans to open the doors to foreign universities. Excerpts:
The president, in her address, has said that a Higher Education Commission or a 'super regulator' will be set up. What's your timeline?
As suggested by the National Knowledge Commission and the Yashpal committee, will there be three separate wings—academic, grants and accreditation—under the 'super regulator'?
Since taking charge, you have ordered a relook at deemed universities that have been accorded approval. In fact, in the last five years, approval has been granted for a large number of deemed universities. They have also been allowed to remove the "deemed to be" tag....
There appears to be no consensus over the Foreign Education Providers' Bill, permitting entry of foreign universities into the country.
Will foreign universities come within the purview of the proposed 'super regulator'?
What has been the progress so far on the Sachar Committee recommendations on minority education, such as more institutions in Muslim-dominated areas?
Can you elaborate?
What about the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, which has been pending?
The UGC has recently come up with a national eligibility test requirement for selection to the university faculty. This has put a question mark on the future of many temporary and ad hoc teachers.
Would you be looking at attracting more faculty members from overseas to bridge the current gaps?
What is the greatest challenge you see ahead of you?
Is consensus being built within the Congress on the way forward for the education sector?
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