Quality assurance in higher education is today the top priority of the policy agenda. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) was set up to accredit universities and Higher Education Institutions. NAAC accredits institutions and certifies for educational quality of the institution. Various aspects of higher education that should deliberate upon for achieving excellence are embedded in the following questions.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
1.1 Which of the following reforms will create better governance structures in State Universities:
Revamp the affiliating system Revamp the affiliating system
Ensure multi-stakeholder govern in g bodies Ensure multi-stakeholder govern in g bodies
Clearly defined roles for various governing bodies Greater accountability through transparency
Greater accountability through transparency Greater academic, administrative and financial autonomy
Greater academic, administrative and financial autonomy
The ability of institutions to charge appropriate fees from students who can afford to pay and at the same time having a means blind system for the needy students.
1.2 Which of the following reforms will create better governance structures in Centrally Funded institutions:
Changes in the composition of governing bodies such as having representation from industry, alumni and civil society etc. Changes in the composition of governing bodies such as having representation from industry, alumni and civil society etc.
Re-align the regulatory functioning in a way so as to promote autonomy of institutions, with accountability fixed Single over-arching regulatory authority?
Single over-arching regulatory authority?
1.3 Is it desirable to shift towards norm based and outcome based funding of public funded higher education institutions? if not why and If yes, why? Yes Linking funding with its use and the final outcome is very essential. It will bring discipline to spending and mandated results would ensure proper use of funds and productivity.
1.4 What can be done to empower IQAC for internal assessment and accreditation exercise? IQAC should be made more proactive by giving it powers to enforce quality initiatives. Advisory role of IQAC is inadequate.
1.5 What institutional measures need to be taken to attract, recruit and retain exceptionally qualified faculty and also keep the equity focus? Pay packet is the main issue; service conditions matter very much
1.6 What should be done to teachers who do not teach? Remove b) transfer c) counseling Counseling
1.7 Would you support if they are removed? Yes
1.8 Should the college Principal and the Govern in g body be given responsibility for expenditure, and be accountable for it? Yes
1.9 Should YC's appointment be based on Search & Selection Committee? Yes
1.10 Should VC’s appointment be based on Search & Selection Committee? Yes
1.11 Should faculty appointment Committee have Third Party presence as Appraiser who is to just to watch and give report? Yes
1.12 Should fees be enhanced to Rs.500/- p.m. when the expenditure is more than Rs.2000/- per person. This should become along with waiver for needy students. Yes
1.13 Should BoG I Governing body be empowered to take decisions with regard to expenditure on the fee collected? Yes
1.14 Should colleges be autonomous administratively and financially? Yes
1.15 Should colleges be allowed to frame their course work (Accred ited) within the NEP. Yes
1.16 Should teachers have probation for 5 years? Yes

The global ranking of universities is based on an assessment of the institutional performance in the areas of research and teaching, reputation of faculty members and others.  The Indian universities do not find a place in the top 200 positions in the global ranking of universities. There is need for effective way and strategies to remedy this situation.  The issues related to ranking and accreditation raises  several questions for  discussions.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
2.1 Should India focus its resources on research universities, including liberal arts and social sciences so as to improve the country's position in the global rankings? Yes. But Science should by no means lose attention.
2.2 Should not India develop its own ran king system relying on indicators more suitable to Indian situation as other ranking systems have heavy weight age for perception/subjective factors in which Indian Universities lose out. Yes these factors are important. But then, the idea is about world ranking. So, how the rest of the world looks at the new indigenously designed parameters is very important. Assessment is always from an outsiders perception
2.3 Accreditation has been made mandatory for all institutions (whether the institution is publicly funded or not)? I s this approach correct or not? Yes. Public, Private and Government all institutions should be brought under accreditation.
2.4 How should we facilitate the process of accreditation to make the process m ore objectively verifiable and transparent? Replace academicians past and present by professionals in the assessment process. This is the best way to overcome bias, prejudice and subjectivity.
2.5 Should we focus on programme accreditation or institutional accreditation or both? Both

The main objective of regulation in higher education is to meet the three objectives of equity, expansion and excellence. There is an urgent need to check if the existing regulations serve this purpose. The probes are as follows:

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
3.1 Has the present system of regulation stifled the growth of our institutions? Would it be better to reduce the number of regulatory bodies and/or should they undergo massive restructuring so as to function effectively. Please examine in detail. Yes. Institutions suffer when too many regulatory bodies are simultaneously at work. Though restructuring would help. Care should be taken not to put old wine in new bottle. It is better to have single line of authority flowing from top to bottom, duly assisted by federal units at the regional and local levels.
3.2 How do we ensure accountability measures while granting autonomy to institutions of higher education? Autonomy should be a natural process of academic ripening duly recognized by accreditation institutions in the normal process. It should not be unlearned as a separate exercise.
3.3 Are the existing regulations sufficient and how to enforce regulations? The existing regulations are more than enough, enforcement is just a matter of intent!
3.4 How autonomous should the regulatory bodies be? They should be absolutely free of external interference and be autonomous.
3.5 Should inspectorate function be discharged by accreditors? No, they should be separate.
3.6 Should systems be put online for accreditation and video graphic evidence be accumulated by regular for ascertaining what ran kin g to be given to which institution? Yes, it will be more transparent that way.
3.7 What are the anomalies/challenges thrown to education sector by private sector which converts education into a profit making enterprise at the cost of students and academics? Educations should not be a for profit business. It can neither be totally, philanthropic. The best mode to run educational institutions is social business mode.

Applicable to universities.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
4.1 How the Central universities will be able to play a pace settings role? By setting an example for the rest.
4.2 What steps need to be taken to transform these institutions into centers of excellence? Make then truly autonomous.
4.3 How to promote autonomy and institutional level initiatives to support regional level development efforts? By setting up a campus-society co-ordination body
4.4 How can CFl's do hand holding for educational institutions in and around their local areas? With their intellectual capital. Human resource and infrastructure. CFl’s can support, local institutions in the local areas.
4.5 Suggest ways how CFl's can help to promote and spread academic excellence? By sharing their expertise and knowledge by way of extension and outreach
4.6 Should Central institutions be connected with community and school s close by to improve the quality of their life Yes! Absolutely!
4.7 Should their work and quality of teaching and research be connected to community? Yes
4.8 How do we set performance standards for CFI to ensure financial probity and administrative and academic excellence? By way of suitable modifications in the existing regulations.
4.9 How can we increase the GER in Central Universities from the current level of 2% to 10%? By setting up income of them

Applicable to universities.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
5.1 How can the state universities be strengthened 111 terms of infrastructure, academic support and provision of qualified teachers? Not Applicable
5.2 How can research be promoted among the faculty members teaching in the state universities?
5.3 I s it a good idea to decide on universities on the basis of number of affiliated colleges?
5.4 Will transparent and competitive appointment process help the State universities
5.5 Is it better to giving autonomy to colleges?
5.6 I s it desirable that monthly fee should be increased with waiver for needy students?
5.7 Should Governing body be an empowered body to take decision s with regard to expenditure on the fee collected and remitted into corpus fund?
5.8 Should administrative & financial autonomy be given to the colleges?
5.9 Should colleges be given academic autonomy for creating courses?
5.10 Should fees be increased and colleges be allowed to retain to improve infrastructure?
5.11 Should contract teachers be replaced by permanent teachers?
5.12 Should teachers be removed when they do not perform?

Vocational education aims to develop  ski l led  manpower  through  diversified  courses  to  enhance  the employability skills of  the  workforce.  Hence  the  need  for  aligning  and  developing  skill  courses  within National Skill Qualification  Framework. The modalities of structuring skill courses need a serious thought.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
6.1 At what level of education should skill be introduced? Very early. May be primary level onwards.
6.2 Should not skill be introduced in higher education? Skill should be part of Higher Education
6.3 What efforts should be made to introduce need based employable skill courses? Job oriented courses should be the choice for those who look out for employment from the skills acquired therefrom.
6.4 I n what ways, bridge between general a vocational courses should be established to enhance employability of the educated? Specialized knowledge is mandated by vocational courses. As for as possible general vocational education should not be mixed up.
6.5 What institutional mechanisms should be established to make provision for certification of skill s already in the informal sector? May be skill clarification councils be set up at different levels.
6.6 I n what ways, linkages should be established between educational and industries to promote skill based education. It should be in the form of a give and take agreement. Industries would train the students; institution would provide skilled manpower to industries.
6.7 What guidance and counseling should be provided to the prospective youth for opting skill based courses? They should be told that skill based courses are better options to make a living out of them as compound to conventional courses.
6.8 Should not Associate Degrees be introduced in the Community Colleges as in the U.S.A.? Associate degrees are a worthy choice.
6.9 Should not higher education allow entry at any stage and temporary exit at the end of any semester? Yes; it should
6.10 Should regular course enable modules of skill which will increase employability? Yes; very much

Conventional education alone cannot meet the needs and aspiration s of higher education. Distance education system is emerging as an important means to cater to the increasing demand for higher education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have recently received a great deal of public attention. The MOOCs provide free access to cutting edge courses that could d rive down the cost of university-level education.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
7.1 Should open courseware and MOOCs supplement / complement learning in colleges and Universities? Yes
7.2 Do the Colleges and Universities in your State have connectivity either through the NMEICT if NKN? Yes
7.3 Would you suggest promoting MOOCs or Specific online courses? If yes, could you suggest in which disciplines online courses would be useful in your State. Humanities & Management
7.4 What Impediments are likely for implementing online courses and how can they be resolved? Practical oriented courses may not suit to online courses. Can’t say how this can be solved.
7.5 To what extent MOOCs substitute for traditional based face to face teaching learning process? To some extent.
7.6 What are the constraints to access MOOC courses in rural areas? Reach & access itself.
7.7 How MOOCs can help expanding the learning opportunities or improve quality of the existing courses? There is no constraint of physical factors. Virtual methods always have an edge over traditional methods.
7.8 Should DTH facility by given to student for anytime learning. Yes
7.9 Should on-line testing should account for 20% of the grading. 50% would be better

Today technology is all pervasive and it influences all domains of our daily life. The National Mission on Education through  Information  and  Communication  Technology  (NM EICT)  leverages  the  potential  of ICT in teach in g and learning processes. Future should witness the integration of technology in teaching and  learning to keep pace with the changing times. This involves a host of supporting issues.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
8.1 Do students and faculty understand the need and potential of TEL, if so how they wish to integrate it for optimal use. Yes. They do. They want TEL to cover all aspects of teaching and learning.
8.2 Are the necessary infrastructure available for transacting education through technology? No
8.3 Has NPTEL, e-content of NMEICT or any other electronic content been used by institutions and if so what are the advantages and disadvantages Yes it is being used, Advantages: 1. e-content and NPTEL cater mostly to the Science faculty and a few Humanities. 2. The institution also uses the e-content and lectures found on the U-tube exhaustively. 3. Some of the faculty members are on the ‘slide share’, where they borrow slides from national and international collaborators. Disadvantages: 1. The entry to Colleges at formal education may be reduced drastically as some students may prefer to acquire knowledge rather than qualifications. 2. The lack of adequate infrastructure resources has not enabled all the class room to be compatible with receiving e-content. 3. Many faculty members need to be educated in the application of ICT in education. 4. The cost of ICT resources is major hurdle in acquiring these resources.
8.4 Please list specifically how TEL can help colleges and universities in the educational instruction and research Technology enabled learning can cut through the barriers of having physical space and time. Lecture modules can be useful to students beyond the class room hours and beyond the campus also.
8.5 Share any best practices, if any. The best practices followed by us are: 1. All the assignments are in the electronic form 2. Technology enabled class room are used to bring upon content beyond the university syllabus. 3. U-Tube lectures scholars of international acclaim are shown in the class rooms. 4. e-content creation and its recording is made in the video format. This is used by some of the faculty members. 5. Students are actively encouraged to use the e-resources through adequate systems.
8.6 Should Skill development courses be technologically enabled? Yes
8.7 Should Teachers training be mad e partly on-l i ne? yes
8.8 What should be the time 1i ne for introduction of skill development courses- Example: (Suppose the State has 500 colleges) Can we have 50 - by 2015 Academic Session, I00 by 2016, 300 - by 2017, 500 - by 2018. One year time would be sufficient to bring all Colleges under the purview of skill development.

Higher  education  expansion  in  India  is  also  accompanied  by  disparities  between   regions and groups. Ensuring access to higher education is critical to mobilising greater participation thereby increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER). Planning for the removal of disparities requires a well targeted approach.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
9.1 How can we address the issue of skewed access to higher education which will reduce existing regional disparities and why have existing schemes failed to resolve these gaps. Access to higher education is always a problem for the masses. This can be solved by setting up more and more Higher Education institutions away from the cities, near the villages.
9.2 How to target the disadvantaged groups in the rural areas and among economically poor households? 1.Make education afford able by reducing the cost, 2.Provide scholarships - more scholarships and of higher value. 3. Finance first generation learners’ higher education cost through state spending. 4. Provide hostel and transportation facilities.
9.3 Would incentive systems will be successful to attract students from disadvantaged groups in the deprived regions and how? Yes. There are strong economic reasons in keeping education out of the reach of disadvantaged groups.
9.4 Would targeting of states with low enrolment and changing criteria for fund allocation be helpful? Targeting students is essential. Changing the criteria for fund allocation also may help.
9.5 How do you ad dress the regional backwardness in education? Choose any one of the following: 1. Create more colleges 2. Strengthen the existing colleges 3. Create more polytechnics 4. Strengthen existing polytechnics Strengthen existing Colleges while creating more of them.
9.6 Is RUSA adequate to address the regional disparity issue? RUSA is a comprehensive idea; but may not be sufficient by itself.
9.7 What measures can be taken to give special emphasis on tribal belts, hilly area and E? Open more vocational institutions; incentive enrollment through special recruitment opportunities for the students of the areas mentioned.
9.8 Any new avenues of knowledge for coastal belts? Region specific thrust to higher education, should apply to coastal belts PM’s ‘Sagor Mala’ is a revolutionary idea.

For an inclusive higher education efforts should be made to eliminate gender disparities and to significantly reduce urban-rural, inter-regional and inter-social group disparities. The new education policy shall aim at complete elimination of this gap, the strategies which will have to be worked out.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
10.1 What further steps should be taken up to enhance participation of SC, ST and Minority groups in post - Secondary higher and technical education to reap the demographic dividend? Children’s education is still not able to attract the groups in questions because it can hardly be considered as an investment to them. Participation would certainly increase with their overall growth and prosperity. It will be difficult to separate education from the overall deprivation.
10.2 How should women's participation and performance in higher education be incentivized by providing safe and secure environment within and outside the institutional campus? ‘Safety and security’ is the real issues. Campuses and approaches to campuses are still infested with evils. That again depends upon the overall law and order environs of the society,
10.3 What are the possible ways of formalizing traditional works into the higher education? Since most of the minorities are involved in traditional works. Not sure; However consolidating main stream learning itself would ratify the need. Traditional works can stand by.
10.4 How affirmative action intervention s should be revitalized to make them efficient and effective? Identification of traditional works to be prescribed shall be chosen only after carrying out a local study to the effect of feasibility of such proposals. Action interventions can be done only after the basic requirement is fulfilled.
10.5 How to ensure that students from deprived classes who pass out from school, join colleges and complete studies? The option to dropout shall be ceased unless there are very strong approved social issues.
10.6 How to ensure that girls join colleges or polytechnic? Treat them on par or more with boys.
10.7 What improves girls' participation? a)Hostel b) Scholarship c) Assurance of safety All the three: Hostel, Scholarship and Assurance of safety
10.8 Does introduction of earning while learning courses improve chances of girls joining college? Yes, to some extent; but earning should not be over emphasized if making them learn in a priority.
10.9 How to bridge the Gender Gaps - Put them in descending order in terms of priority. Mention I if it is priority I. a)Get girls to school by providing hostels. b)Give them scholarship to find accommodation c)Give them computing devices & connectivity to get over quality problem of teaching. d)Give them skill training so that they can earn while learning. e)Make flexible entry and exit. c)Give them computing devices & connectivity to get over quality problem of teaching. d)Give them skill training so that they can earn while learning. a)Get girls to school by providing hostels. b)Give them scholarship to find accommodation e)Make flexible entry and exit.

The role of institutions of higher education in societal development is becoming increasingly  significant. I n recent years, higher education has isolated itself from the society and there is a need to re­ establish   and   strengthen   higher   education’s   close   linkages   with   the society.   The   Higher   Education Institutions need to foster social responsibility and engage in community outreach programmes.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
11.1 I n what ways, India should prioritize higher education agenda to enhance local engagement by the universities? Universities should emphasise as local needs of the region while giving formal education. Anything that is cut off from the local needs will not sustain; universalisation should take place, after graduating step by step staring from the roots.
11.2 What efforts should be made to promote R & D activities in higher education, which helps regional manufacturing sectors? R & D can be integrated to curriculum to serve manufacturing sectors without much difficulty.
11.3 In what ways, existing educational institutions should be revitalized to play vita l role in solving the skill requirements to meet the regional and local labor markets? Make skill development an integral part of learning; No learning without Land on experience
11.4 Please share some working examples of community engagement by institutions of higher learn ing Existing National Service Scheme and its outreach. Arts and Crafts Agriculture and related auxiliary industries in support of agriculture. Maintaining community assets such as water distribution system, cable service, waste disposal, social forestry etc. and providing services as weather forecasting, maintaining parks and library and so on.
11.5 While pursuing the reeducation, how can students can contribute to their community, village? By way of actions leading to social awareness. Health education, sports, yoga and a host of many areas which are less burdensome which capable of being headed by students.
11.6 What do students feel that while doing their studies, they can contribute? Students feel that they can plays constructive roles in many ways. It should be channelized properly. But bigger challenge would be that of silencing the vested interest which does not grow with societal engagement of students.
11.7 After being employed - how d o they contribute (Their idea) The some areas they showed interest in while studying will continue to be the attraction for students even after being employed. This is the social premium emanating from the society motivated educated youth who are employed.
11.8 Teachers should be assessed by a)Community b)Students c)Parents d)By al l of them All of them: Community, Students and Parents
11.9 What is corrective action for them? a)Remove b)Retrain c)Do not lift probation d)Deny promotion e)1,2 & 3 together f)2,3 & 4 together g)1,2,3,4 together (7) 1,2,3,4 together
11.10 Is not community welfare an essential part of higher education, especially in rural areas?

The quality of instruction depends on the quality of teachers. The qualification levels and pedagogical experience they have certainly influences the teaching  learning  processes  and  learning  outcomes.  The length of academic preparation, the level and depth of understanding of   subject matter and the extent of pedagogical skills a teacher possesses decide the learning outcomes in an instin1tion. To train and develop best teachers is a crucial need of the hour. The parameters that should see an improvement in this process should be thought out carefully.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
12.1 What strategies can be in place to attract the best from the university sector to teaching profession? By package, service conditions, freedom of operation, career prospects etc. would attract best of the talents to teaching profession.
12.2 How could support system for research and academic development be provided? Concession in teaching rooms, access to labs, library and other research facilities within the College, financial grants to support innovation etc. would encourage academia to participate in research and development.
12.3 What incentives could be provided to promote research among teachers of higher education institutions? The points covered under (12.2) above can as well act as incentives.
12.4 Whether the scheme of National Mission on Teachers & Teaching is adequate or should it be enhanced with some additional features and what are they? Adequate; the need is of proper implementation
12.5 What percentage of academic leadership training should be online? 25%
12.6 What percentage of Pedagogical training should be online? 20%
12.7 What percentage of Professional course train in g - should be online? 10%
12.8 What is the role of industry experts as teachers? To introduce students to real life situations experts from industries are always better alternative to pure and only academic staff.
12.9 Is not Academic leadership course essential for all Y C's and principal s? Not just essential; it is a incest who made mandatory for them
12.10 How can teachers be given exposure on a timely or constant basis to new knowledge being developed world wide in their domain? By means of centrally organized special discourses held through experts in respective disciplines. By means of an academic self appraisal report which can be reviewed by a panel of experts. Suggestions for proper updation should come from this panel.
12.11 Is not counseling an essential role of teachers also?

The student support system in a university requires good Infrastructure such as common room and recreation facilities and counseling centers, facilities for Student Grievance Redress, student assistance in terms of financial need s-loans on entry, short-term loans, innovation funds/award s and others. Several schemes of financial assistance are being implemented at Central and State levels. What kind of changes will improve the quality of learning and increases the GER deserves critical thinking.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
13.1 Should there be differential income slabs for existing student financial assistance schemes? Yes
13.2 Apart from affirmative scholarship, a need based scholarship should be linked up to what kind of earning per family: 1) Rs. I lakh & below 2) Rs. I lakh to 1.5 lakh 3) Rs.1 .5 lakh to 2 lakh 4) Rs.2 lakh to 2.5 lakh Rs.2 lakh to 2.5 lakh
13.3 Has the interest loan subsidy scheme helped the poorest of poor in accessing higher education? If not, what changes need to be effected? Yes
13.4 Open Universities have student support services at local levels, how can local bodies and other similar agencies help to improve services offered at these centres? Either by joining hands with existing university bodies or by introducing new facilities useful for students.
13.5 What type of infrastructural facilities to be provided to enhance interaction among students and make them a more inclusive group? Good canteen and food courts; sports, games and entertainment facilities, clubs and round tables, lawns, gardens and open spaces, will enable mixing up.
13.6 What type of support wil1 enhance learning opportunities for students especially from disadvantaged groups? Can support be inter l inked with skill education? Learning also takes place in informal occasions. If thoughtfully done student support can also lead to skill development. Eg. Working for Student Self Help can lead a student into social business at a later date.
13.7 Will universal soft loan scheme help students as universal scholarship is not possible? Yes. Loans can be a good alternative for scholarships.
13.8 I s interest subsidy of 5% adequate? Lesser than %, better it is
13.9 Do you agree that it is not possible to give scholarship to everyone, however meritorious students should not be denied access to higher education. Yes
13.10 What is the minimum percentage it should be l inked upto. Graduation: 1)Below 60% 2)Minimum 60% 3)Minimum 65% 4)Minimum 70% 5)Minimum 75% Post Graduation: 1)Minimum 50% 2)Minimum 55% 3)Minimum 60% 4) Minimum 65% Graduation = 60% Post Graduation = 60%

Cultural  integration  is a form  of cultural  exchange  in  which  one group  assumes  the beliefs, practices  and rituals of another group without  sacrificing the  characteristics  of  its own  culture.  We need to locate language education programmes in a multilingual perspective. What is  critical is that curriculum makers, textbook writers, teachers and parents appreciate the importance of multilingual ism, which sensitizes the learners to the cultural and linguistic diversity around them and encourages them to use it as a resource for their progress and overall growth. Languages are repositories of rich cultural traditions and knowledge systems and every effort needs to be made to resuscitate and rejuvenate them.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
14.1 Should Universities include foundation courses on cultural integration Yes
14.2 How can inter-linkages between education , culture and language be brought about in H E institutions By way of an inclusive policy and by not forcing any of these on students.
14.3 How do we encourage cultural exchange between students especially in situation s they belong to different language groups and regions? Through various clubs and cultural for a this can be achieved
14.4 Do you think that development of regional and national lndological centers help preserve the vast repertoire of languages of various regions? May be
14.5 Should Indology Studies be a part of curriculum? May be
14.6 How can cultural integration take place through language? In fact, language is the best means for cultural integration
14.7 Should al l universities have essential language departments with focus on dying or extinct languages? Partially yes. More departments would not be sufficient for saving languages

Expansion, inclusion and rapid  improvement  in  quality throughout higher and  technical education system by way of enhancing public spending, encouraging private partnership and  initiating long-overdue reforms form the core of various initiatives for higher education. Further, PPP, besides   meeting the wide resource gaps, can also serve as an instrument for resource-use efficiency, improvement in service delivery and promotion of excellence. While public private partnerships in  higher education have been pursued as a strategy, not many have shown successful results.  Hence,  the  PPP  model s  need  to  be  revisited  so as to allow  more  meaningful  collaborations.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
15.1 Why has PPP model s not been so effective in education sector It is not a pure business proposition. So, the revenue generation doesn’t take place on strict commercial lines. There is also an element of service sense in this. Therefore, there is reluctance on the part of private investment to make it to education sector.
15.2 Can there be more role for the private sector except providing ancillary services In fact, the private sector should be proactive and more forthcoming to take over all segments of education. Since sustainability is in issue, the private sector should enjoy reasonable freedom to charge for the cost of education.
15.3 Would you suggest changes in the "not for profit" policy with safeguards for better PPP Arrangements Is PPP only relevant to technical/ professional education and not for general education Yes. Not for profit does not make economic sense. At last, it should be allowed under social business, if not pure business.
15.4 Is PPP Only relevant to technical / Professional education and not for general education It should be relevant to all factors of academic or at least we should attempt to make it so.
15.5 Are there good working models of PPP in higher education which can be replicated Yes, IIIT, Bangalore International Institute for Information Technology
15.6 What should be done in partnership with Private Sector? i ) Construction of buildings ii) Maintenance of Building iii) Maintenance of College iv) Maintenance of Labs v) 1 & 2 both vi) 1 & 3 both vii) 1 & 4 both 1 and 3; preferably all of them
15.7 What changes among the following is acceptable? (You can tick more than I ) 1.)Management of the facility. 2.)Takeover of the colleges by Trusts/Corporate entities under CSR 3.)Corporate to open colleges/ universities as non-profits. 4.)Private sector brings in best professors/adjunct professors – sits in the Governing body. All of them (4 Nos.)

Public funding has its own limitations  and  constraints in  a  diverse and  vast  nation  leading to  resources being spread thinly if the objective of massive expansion i n  enrolment with equity is to be fulfilled. The future of financing education cannot be merely an extension of the present but has to be shaped by new realities, such as the expected massive growth in enrolment to promote  the  demographic  dividend,  new mechanisms in cost-sharing that reduces burden on the student and at the same time does not solely rely on the Government as provide

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
16.1 What are the innovative ways of financing HE? Labs and research facilities, Library and Books, Sports infrastructure, Outreach programs and service activities, Promotion of social harmony and Goodwill, Fee subsidies, Scholarships.
16.2 When States not able to increase their share of funding education and how can the situation be remedied? Inviting private participation
16.3 How can Corporate sector participation help mitigate problem s of financing higher education and what are the ways that they can participate? Companies are rich with resources. So, the assurance from corporate sector insists confidence in the minds of public
16.4 I s it desirable to have a variable Student fee structure? Yes, No harm
16.5 Any other suggestions that can resolve issues of financing higher education Computarisation and cost reduction, Collaboration between institutions, Sharing and exchange of resources etc. can be tried.
16.6 Should all educational loans provide interest subsidy of 5% and moratorium of I year? Interest subsidy is the right thing to do. Moratorium duration may be increased.
16.7 If additional education is taken, should it provide rolling moratorium and additional loan? Yes
16.8 Should each institution should cover 1 % meritorious students and 1% needy students not covered by any scholarship by Alumni contribution, fund raising. The percentage 5 to 10 would be better
16.9 Should each institution raise Alumni fund and local contribution. Yes

Globalization has resulted in greater cross border higher education. It may be good to adopt  a selective purposive approach by identifying a few high quality select institutions abroad and invite them to come to India, to  share  teaching  and  research  with  Indian  students and  faculty.  The Indian institution s may be provided additional required  support  in this regard , to facilitate,  inter alia, student and faculty exchanges. Indian  universities with  sizeable number  of foreign  students also need to be supported with additional resources to have good residential facilities for foreign students.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
17.1 Please suggest strategies for cross border higher education. Education services come under GATS and administered by WTO. GATS aims at progressively and systematically promote freer trade in service by removing many of the existing barriers. Therefore, India should make use of this opportunity to sell education abroad as much as inviting foreign providers to India. It should try to acquire greater global competence while pushing its expertise in given areas like yoga, spirituality etc. across the global market.
17.2 How can we encourage foreign education providers? By way of facilitating transfer of credits, simplification visa rules for easy mobility of professionals, bringing in appropriate educational policy reforms inviting foreign universities to open their shops in the country, encouraging partnership and tie ups etc.
17.3 Can improving infrastructural facilities on university campuses such as student facilitation centres, international student's hostels, faculty guest houses help to attract more foreign students? Yes; quality infrastructure would attract international students to India.
17.4 Suggest changes in the student faculty exchange programmes and institutional/research collaborations. The present student and faculty exchange programmes are skewed in favour of destination countries. So also research collaborations. Improvement in quality and standards is the only solution for the long run.
17.5 Suggest ways by which educational services can be exported. India can export educational services through following methods. a.) Tele education and distance learning b.) Exchange programs and twining arrangements c.) Set up overseas campuses and franchising d.) Workout visiting alignment abroad Realistically speaking, India has every opportunity to develop into a regional hub for exporting higher education services.
17.6 Do they have adequate ranking and diversity etc.? The foreign providers should be allowed to operate in the country only after fulfilling quality assurance and global accreditation.
17.7 Which universities should try to get international students in 5 years time NAAC ‘A’ Grade universities can be tried in the first phase.
17.8 Should these universities get Global Initiative in Academic Network (GIA ) scholars/teachers? Initiative i n Academic Network (GIA) scholars /teachers? Yes they should be subjected to Global Initiative in Academic Network (GIAN)

India represents a typical case of over-supply of higher education  graduates on the one hand  and  non-availability  of prospective  employees  in  the production  sector.  Employability  of the graduates is often quoted as one of the biggest challenges the  country faces  today.  The huge gap between the  supply of educated and also employable human resource and its demand by labor market  in the country  is indeed an early warning signal.  This gap is almost 50% for most of the high growth tech sectors in the country. Industry academia linkages are essential to meet both the ends of increasing employability quotient as well  as research  needs.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
18.1 Should higher education institutions be oriented to impart skills required by the industry? Yes
18.2 How can institutions of higher education link with industry to change study programmes and improve employability of its graduates? By setting the curriculum to the requirement of the industry. This can be done by inviting industry representation in the academic basis.
18.3 How can Industry academia linkages help for start ups and entrepreneurial ventures. The expertise of industries would enable the academic students by way of industry academic linkages
18.4 How can Industry orient students to develop entrepreneurial skills? By creating opportunities to learn by doing the students can be oriented to develop entrepreneurial skills. Students should undergo practicals at the work spot. Internship should start at a very early stage, say in the beginning itself. Industries can setup incubation centres and entrepreneurship development cells in the institutions.
18.5 Should Industry representatives be included in the governing bodies of Universities/ colleges? Yes
18.6 How can industry help in framing industry relevant courses for enhancing student employability? Courses can certainly be tailor made industrial requirements, if the industry is involved in formulating courses programs and their syllabus.
18.7 How can Region and sector specific distinct skill profiles and Institutional Profiles be created and matched? It is not difficult to match skill profiles with institutional profiles if care is taken to design it that way in the beginning itself.
18.8 How can we ensure that Agriculture and traditional arts and crafts industry/sector are not ignored? It will automatically happen I agriculture and traditional arts and crafts are made attractive to students by enhancing these sectors to be professionally absorbable. These are time tested occupations which are going to last goodwill bounce back sooner or later. But, for this to happen these sectors would need policy support from the Government.

The progress of the nation depends on its sustained growth of education and research in science and technology. The process of scientific attitude and creative thinking should begin from the earliest stage of school education. Indian universities are more teaching centered. There is need for teachers and students to perform more and more research work and of better quality.

The UGC scheme of assisting teachers, research  workers, and  laboratory technicians is inadequate and  needs to be up-scaled and  re-strategized. At the institutional level, there is a  need to l in k teaching with research. The government needs to invest in faculty  development  and provide incentives for research , promote collaborative efforts between institutions in  research

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
19.1 I n what ways, aptitude for research and innovation should be developed in students and faculty members? First, a research cell headed by a qualified staff member should be set up in each College. It should execute the task of educating students and staff about research and its role in education. Small projects can be tried as pilot study by involving students and teacher alike. Then independent projects can be encouraged. Good research projects should, then be recognized and suitably rewarded.
19.2 What measures are needed to develop research capabilities of teachers and students? Workshops and special sessions as research methodology should be prescribed to students and teachers. It can also be made part of the curriculum for students. Teacher should be encouraged to write research papers. This will empower them.
19.3 I n what ways, research agenda should be prioritized at the higher education level? No teaching should end with mere lectures. Students should be encouraged to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The institution should make research an integral part of academic goals.
19.4 How private agencies can be encouraged and motivated to invest fund s in university research and innovation activities? By agreeing to pass on the rights of original work to the investors, they can be attracted towards funding of research projects. They can also be recognized for their academic involvement as an incentive to them.
19.5 Which of the following Strategies need to pursued for promoting research & innovation a.) Outcome based research financing. b.)Liberal research grants for both social sciences and basic sciences. c.)Setting up Incubation Centers with Seed Money to do innovative research d.)Research leading to creation of intellectual property. e.)Setting up Research Parks in central educational institutions. f.) Joint appointments of faculty - enabling researchers to teach and teachers to engage in research g.)Inter-disciplinary research - Institutions must come together for creating new knowledge at the intersections of existing disciplines. All of these can be tried either separately or together and in varying degrees as strategies for promoting research and innovation.
19.6 How can we make India become a favoured destination for R& D projects. How can we explore getting grants from abroad for R & D? Once research culture becomes part of our system, a great deal of confidence will be evoked. Than grants would flow. But it is a long hard journey. However, a start shall be made.
19.7 Do we need to reconsider setting up Innovation Universities? With them, all universities should qualify themselves as innovation universities.

A knowledge economy is the ability to create and disseminate knowledge and use it for economic growth and improved standard of living. It is for this reason that educated youth in the age group 18-24 years is an important index of knowledge economy for reaping the benefits of knowledge. The knowledge may be produced and used by countries which can attract talent. Emerging global labour market has enabled easier access to expertise, skills and knowledge embedded in professionals, on the one hand and produced threats of growing brain drain and loss of advanced human capital.

Sl.No Questionnaire Answer
20.1 How can we retain our soft power in the global comity of nations? Our soft power comes from a blend India’s traditional knowledge compiled with its ICT power. A state like Karnataka exports Rs. 2 lakh crore with software in one financial year. But then, more intensive innovation and adopting latent knowledge to solve core issue of daily life can ensure sustain India’s position in the world.
20.2 How the higher education institutions position themselves to produce new knowledge and use it to the best advantage of the country? Knowledge creation and its application is always to country’s advantage. Education institutions are the breeding growth for knowledge creation. To make it applied knowledge vigorous exercises are called for. The country needs to take up this in to a movement to have a lasting impact. The best example is Digital India week presently observed in the country. A huge investment of 4 lakh crores with a capacity to generate 18 lakh jobs is the instant outcome of this idea.
20.3 How do we map continuous/ upcoming new knowledge across the world in all spheres of Education and at what stage and how should they be integrated to our syllabus? Mere praising the quantum of created across the world is not going to help us as much. They should be carefully studied and right ones are to be accepted and adopted. Indian problems need Indian solutions. Let knowledge flew from all directions but they need not set into our syllabus indiscreetly. India should first look up to its own indigenous knowledge.