Autonomy for Excellence in Higher Education in India

Abstract

The need for autonomy in higher education arises on the grounds of academic
expansion, excellence and innovation. The whole field of higher education in India is plagued by multiplicity of controls and interventions exercised by the government with the result that there is quantitative expansion without excellence and innovation. There are more than six authorities or bodies exercising controls on management education which has to play a crucial role in the growth and development of the country. The Draft New Education Policy of 2016 admits the need for autonomy in higher education. But it fails to identify suitable mechanisms for guaranteeing autonomy that is needed for transforming India by maintaining excellence in higher education. It is heartening to know that the Union Budget for 2017-18 recognizes the phenomenal significance of autonomy in the institutions imparting higher education. It goes without saying that the States should complement the efforts of the Central Government for what is absolutely needed for ensuring both excellence and innovation in higher education in the times to
come.