The rapid proliferation of private universities in Gujarat has triggered alarm among education stakeholders, who are now demanding immediate government intervention to establish a robust regulatory framework. The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh has formally appealed to the state's new education minister, highlighting a critical governance vacuum that threatens the quality and transparency of higher education.
Regulatory Vacuum and Mounting Concerns
The teaching association has pointed out that despite a significant surge in the number of private universities, there exists no formal state-level mechanism to supervise their operations. This expansion, while increasing access, has unfolded without systematic oversight of crucial aspects like admission procedures, fee structures, academic standards, and examination systems. The memorandum stresses that the situation has reached a tipping point, with a large segment of Class 12 graduates now enrolling in these institutions.
Sources indicate that the autonomy exercised by many private universities in setting fees and admission norms has led to irregularities. These practices, the association argues, not only affect students within those institutions but also have a ripple effect, disrupting the functioning of government universities. The absence of a level playing field and standardized governance is a primary concern.
Key Demands for Systemic Reform
The association's submission outlines a series of urgent reforms. The foremost demand is the immediate formation of a high-level regulatory committee dedicated to overseeing private universities. This committee would be tasked with bringing much-needed accountability and transparency to the sector.
Another significant gap identified is the incomplete implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is nearing its fifth anniversary. The association has urged the government to constitute a dedicated panel to ensure the policy is fully and effectively enforced across the state's higher education landscape.
The memorandum also highlights several other critical issues:
- The lack of finalized statutory regulations (statutes) in several universities, which hampers administrative and academic decision-making.
- The need to bring private universities under the jurisdiction of the existing fee regulatory committee to prevent arbitrary fee hikes.
- The creation of a separate cell to monitor and ensure the quality of PhD programmes.
- Reforms in teacher recruitment, promotions, pension schemes, and qualifications.
- The mandatory appointment of university ombudsmen to address grievances.
- Improvements in hostel facilities and the establishment of student development cells.
An Urgent Call to Avert Disorder
The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh has issued a stark warning, emphasising that without prompt and strong regulatory mechanisms, the higher education ecosystem in Gujarat risks descending into chaos. The call for action is framed as essential to protect student interests, maintain academic integrity, and ensure that the state's educational growth is both qualitative and sustainable. The ball is now in the government's court to respond to these pressing concerns and establish a framework that can keep pace with the sector's rapid expansion.
