National Knowledge Commission has recommended a number of systematic reforms in its report, which was submitted in January 2007 under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda. Some of the recommendations have far reaching implications and need systematic understanding. Some of the recommendations are pertaining to the structural level i.e. Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education (IRAHE), National Universities, Clusters of Affiliated colleges (autonomous) as Universities and more accreditation agencies, and others are guidelines for enhancement of quality in higher education and the need to enter competitive market etc.

As stated by the National Knowledge Commission, higher education has made a significant contribution to economic and social development in India. Majority of the population just do not have access to higher education. What is more, the quality of higher education in most of the institutions demands much to be desired.

Quality is relative. The Dictionary defines that quality is ‘Degree of Excellence’. The quality of higher education depends on a wide range of factors. The present National seminar will provide an opportunity to review, reflect and feed back on the recommendations of the knowledge commission by the experts for enhancement of quality in higher education.

Theme “Implementations of National Knowledge Commission’s Recommendations on Enhancement of Quality Education”
Objectives
To create awareness on the recommendations of Knowledge Commission Report on various factors which influence the quality of Higher Education
To assess the present situation and to find out the gap between the knowledge Commission’s expectations and reality
To construct a platform for the realizations of knowledge commission’s reports
To identify the role of stake holders in enhancing quality in Higher education
c. Discussion Themes (as per NKC Report)
Accountability: The quality of higher education depends on a wide range of factors. The higher education system must provide for accountability vis-à-vis the outside world and create accountability within the system. Accountability of universities must not be confused with control of the state. Institutional mechanisms, based on checks and balances, constitute the most effective system for this purpose The essential objective of accountability to society must be to empower students to take decisions rather than simply increase the power of the state. Stipulated performance criteria or inspections are forms of control. We need to create systems that enable students, or their parents, to choose between and assess colleges.

Competition: The supply constraint on higher education is an impediment to accountability. When students have relatively few choices, institutions have greater power over them. An expansion of higher education, which provides students with choices and creates competition between institutions, is going to be vital in enhancing accountability. Such competition between institutions within India is, of course, essential. But the significance of competition from outside India, more qualitative than quantitative, must not be underestimated. For this purpose, the Knowledge commission suggested to formulate appropriate policies for the entry of foreign institutions into India and the promotion of Indian institutions abroad.

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