Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar UGC Chairman Discusses Higher Education Reforms & Challenges
Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), is a distinguished academician and adminstrator. With a robust academic background, including an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras, and post-doctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, Dr. Jagadish has made significant contributions to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. As the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 2016 to 2022, he implemented several reforms to enhance the institution’s academic and administrative framework.
Dr. Kumar’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in promoting innovation, interdisciplinary research, and quality education, making him a respected figure in both academic and administrative circles. Under his leadership, (UGC) is rolling out reforms in higher education, including four- year undergraduate degrees, an academic bank of credits, and degrees with multiple entries and exits based on Education Policy (NEP). In an exclusive interview with Indraneel Pulijala of Neo Science Hub, Dr Jagadesh Kumar delves into critical issues, including the NEP’s opposition, the funding challenges faced by universities, and the imperative to elevate the quality of PhD programs.
Given the ongoing development of State Education Policies (SEPs) by several states, what is the extent of flexibility offered by the NEP in terms of states’ adoption of specific provisions? Could states potentially opt out of certain NEP reforms?
The NEP promotes a collaborative approach to higher education reform, recognizing the diverse needs and contexts of different states. While the NEP offers flexibility in the implementation of certain reforms, such as four-year undergraduate programs, it’s essential for all states to align with the core principles of the policy to ensure a cohesive and quality-driven higher education system. By embracing the UGC reforms, states can provide their students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the 21st century.
Some states are hesitant to fully adopt the UGC reforms based on the NEP, especially since they are drafting their own State Education Policies (SEPs). Can states opt out of certain NEP provisions?
We are taking a collaborative approach to NEP implementation. For instance, four-year undergraduate programs are optional and flexible. All states are encouraged to adopt the UGC reforms to ensure the best outcomes for students.
UGC previously provided funding for universities, including new faculty positions. The discontinuation of this support has been cited as a major factor contributing to the financial difficulties faced by many state universities. Is there a plan to address the funding gap and support struggling state universities?
The UGC’s primary mandate is to maintain standards in higher education. Until 2017, it provided funding through various schemes. However, with the shift to a new planning model and the establishment of Niti Aayog, many of these schemes have been discontinued. Currently, we are focused on reimbursing schemes initiated before 2017.
State governments bear the primary responsibility for the salaries, pensions, and infrastructure of state universities. For research infrastructure, the National Research Foundation (NRF) offers central schemes.
To ensure their sustainability, state universities should explore collaborations with industry to diversify their funding sources. We encourage universities to actively pursue such partnerships.
How many foreign universities have expressed interest in setting up campuses in India?
We have received numerous applications from foreign universities interested in setting up campuses in India. Several universities from countries like the UK and Australia have shown significant interest. The University of Southampton has already established a campus in Delhi, and we anticipate more such collaborations in the near future.
How does the UGC plan to improve the quality of PhD programs, particularly given the persistent issue of plagiarism?
Plagiarism remains a significant concern in PhD research. The UGC is committed to improving the quality of PhD programs by ensuring universities adhere to strict admission criteria, conduct rigorous entrance exams and interviews, monitor student progress closely, and encourage the publication of research in high-quality journals or the development of innovative products. We have identified instances of universities awarding PhD degrees for substandard work and short durations. To address this issue, we have formed expert committees to investigate such universities and take appropriate action, including debarring them from offering PhD programs if they are found to have violated UGC regulations.
What is the current progress on the development of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and what is the deadline for institutions to complete the necessary steps?
The development of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is progressing steadily. Many institutions have already initiated the process of onboarding students, with some achieving up to 70% completion. All institutions are required to generate unique IDs for students, upload academic transcripts and certificates, and link them to these unique IDs by the December 31st deadline. This digital platform will empower students by providing them with accessible digital transcripts, eliminating the need for physical certificates.
