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Cut college links with universities: HRD panel

A high-powered committee set up by the ministry of human resource development has recommended phasing out the system of affiliation of colleges and institutes.

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A high-powered committee set up by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) has recommended phasing out the system of affiliation of colleges and institutes.

It has, instead, suggested that reputed colleges be elevated to the status of independent universities.

The panel, formed to evolve a comprehensive policy for autonomy to central educational institutions, has said in a report submitted to HRD minister Kapil Sibal that the present system of affiliation of colleges to central or state universities has led to falling academic standards.

“It is not conducive. Given the need for increasing the number of universities, it is only appropriate that established colleges with good track record are elevated to the status of universities in a phased manner, giving them time to organise themselves for new challenges,” the committee headed by professor Madhava Menon said.

It also suggested that in certain states, clusters of institutions may jointly be provided the status of a university or at least granted autonomy in academic and administrative matters.

The recommendations come at a time when about 44 deemed-to-be-universities are set to be derecognised by University Grants Commission for unsatisfactory academic standards.

Colleges and institutions offering degree courses need to be at present affiliated to state or central universities, mainly for the purpose of examination and degrees.

Sibal said an independent body that can conduct examinations for these institutions can be the way ahead. According to him, this would help institutions, particularly technical ones, to become independent and concentrate on research.

“There is a need for a paradigm shift in structure of knowledge. Good quality institutions should be free from the system of affiliation. Why can’t we have autonomous colleges? This can be done by having a separate body to conduct examinations for all educational institutions,” Sibal said.

Educational institutions should be free from affiliations to universities, which are using them to make money, and have the freedom to think differently, he said.

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