The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has taken a step in the right direction by allowing private corporations with a turnover of Rs. 100 crore or more for the past three years to set up degree colleges. It will enhance educational standards. The corporate sector often complains of the inferior quality of engineers coming from such colleges; some of them are considered unemployable. At the same time there is a shortage of skilled manpower. If the private sector is allowed to develop necessary skills, the job market will expand with candidates who fill the bill. Despite a vast increase in the number of universities and colleges, educational needs are not properly met. A 2011 FICCI and Ernst & Young report concluded that most educational institutions in India were crippled by poor physical infrastructure, faculty shortages and outdated curricula. It applied to both public and private colleges. 62% universities and 90% colleges were rated average or below-average.
The authorities are not unaware of the shortcomings. Much discussion is on. The National Knowledge Commission headed by Sam Pitroda and the Yash Pal Committee produced comprehensive reports focusing on the malaise. Both asked for structural changes, amendment of the regulatory structure and grant of greater autonomy to colleges and universities in framing curricula. But the proposal has been put on hold in parliament. Former HRD Minister Kapil Sibal rolled out a 100 day plan of action in 2009 but that is gathering dust. The Foreign Educational Institutions Bill laid down stipulations for the entry of foreign universities. But this also has been hanging fire. The government should lose no time in passing such legislation.