The Lok Sabha has addressed issues such as low enrollment in marginalized regions and complaints about poor UGC norms and discrimination in private colleges, but many concerns still lack answers. This information came from an answer provided to Parliament by the ministry about ongoing problems in India’s higher education sector. Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, provided these details.
Low enrollments expose poor UGC norms
One major concern is the consistently low Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in states like Bihar and Assam. The AISHE 2022-23 (provisional) report shows that the GER in India is 29.5%, with 27.3% for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 23.5% for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The female GER stands at 19.9% in Bihar and 17.8% in Assam. Both figures are higher for females than for males in these states, yet they fall far short of the national average. In some rural areas, less than 5% of females have completed higher education, as noted in the parliamentary discussion.
Low education standards, high fees complaints arise
The government’s response also highlighted concerns about the quality of private institutions, which have rapidly increased in number across the country. According to them, private universities created by state laws and must follow UGC rules; however, management remains the responsibility of the state. Complaints about low standards, high fees, and administrative issues sent to the respective universities or state governments for proper action.
The Ministry additionally reported receiving complaints about caste-based discrimination and harassment in private institutions. These grievances addressed under the UGC (Prevention of Caste-Based Discrimination) Regulations, 2012. Institutions must provide grievance redress mechanisms for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD students. Every complaint forwarded to the relevant university for their response and report.
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