Structural Reforms for NEP 2020

Context: The emphasis of New Education Policy (NEP) should be on restructuring the governing bodies for universities and autonomous colleges.

Structural reforms suggested for NEP 2020: regarding governing bodies in higher education.

• Revise the system of appointments: from the evicting system of nomination, which is marred with indulging in unethical practices to gain favour. (A Syndicate system)
  • Change the structure of Board of Management: It should consist of vice-chancellors, members of industry, the alumni and eminent public intellectuals.
  • Restructure search committee: by drawing an eminent former vice-chancellor or academician of proven integrity and administrative capability for the post of chairman.
  • Create transparent procedures: By Inviting application through advertisements and formal appointment based on merit.
• Bring in accountability of faculty: by create an institutional structure of ‘academic audit’:
  • Mandating faculty to showcase their annual plans for research and innovative modes of teaching.
  • Evaluating their annual self-appraisal reports by external peers
• Overcome faculty shortage: to end reliance on guest faculty.
• Improve the higher education ecosystem: By encouraging excellence in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and social contribution. NEP’s recommendations in this direction -
  • Four-year courses with re-entry and exit option;
  • One or two-year postgraduate courses;
  • Academic Bank of Credit for credit transfers.