Structural Reforms for NEP 2020

The Hindu     16th February 2021     Save    

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.