Higher education institutions to get more academic freedom

Updated on: Thursday, October 01, 2009

Tiruvarur: The higher educational institutions will be provided with more academic freedom, the center will not interfere, said Kapil Sibal, the Union Minister of Human Resource Development.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Central University of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Sibal said universities will be provided freedom to devise courses and syllabi, transfer credits, adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, have alliances with national and global entities, and enter into joint ventures for financial autonomy.
The gross enrolment ratio in higher education at 12.4 per cent was quite too little for the country to carry on with its nine per cent growth rate.

The GER in developed countries ranges between 50 per cent and 70 per cent and the global average is 23 to 27 per cent. We need at least 35 per cent GER, he said.

He explained the underlying principle behind investing in intellectual capital through starting central universities, IIMs, IITs, and world-class universities throughout the country.
He described expansion, inclusion, and excellence as the three pillars of education.
Indicating that connectivity and infrastructure were absent in Tiruvarur, Mr. Sibal, however, provided confidence that the zeal of the State government would reflect in transforming the university into a modern temple of learning.

He assured that the Centre would provide the fullest support to put the university on a par with the best in the country and the world.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi wanted the HRD Minister to ensure 50 per cent for Home State Quota in Central institutions.

State Minister for Higher Education K. Ponmudy said Tamil Nadu was the only institution to obtain sanction for three Central institutions: the Central University of Tamil Nadu in Tiruvarur, the Indian Institute of Management in Tiruchi, and the World Class University for Coimbatore.
Mr. Ponmudy requested Mr. Sibal to speed up the process of establishing the World Class University, stating that the State government had already earmarked 500 acres for the purpose.

Higher education institutions to get more academic freedom

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