Economic Survey on University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulation

The recent Economic Survey critiques the University Grants Commission's (UGC) stringent regulatory framework, highlighting its misalignment with the "light but tight" regulatory model proposed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Arguments

• The current UGC regulations include over 50 mandates on various aspects of education and research.
• The survey argues for institutional autonomy, urging institutions with established reputations to innovate and create novel frameworks beneficial to society.
• It emphasizes the need to embrace diversity and harness the creativity of faculty and students.

Concerns with Current Framework

• The survey points out that the regulations, while intended to standardize and ensure consistency, may not be essential for institutions already known for their quality.
• The survey suggests that the implementation of NEP in higher education is hindered by regulations that, although labeled voluntary, function as mandatory.

Recommendations

• Compliance with UGC norms should be explicitly stated as voluntary beyond the minimum accreditation requirements, as institutions naturally aim to signal their credibility.
• India's higher education sector's diversity necessitates tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Institutions should publicize their non-compliance with regulatory norms transparently, underlining accountability driven by market forces such as faculty, students, and academic partnerships.

Future Directions

The survey suggests a transition towards a more liberal regulatory framework with the establishment of a new Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), as recommended in NEP, echoing calls for reform by various expert committees.