HIGHER EDUCATION

In the field of Higher education, the Government of India is responsible for the maintenance of the Central Universities-Aligarh, Banaras, Delhi and Vishvabharati. It is also responsible for the coordination and maintenance of standards in Higher education and it is for this purpose that the University Grants Commission was constituted in 1953. In addition to these constitutional obligations, the Government of India gives grants-in-aid to State Governments and voluntary organisations for the development of Higher education and operates several programmes of international cooperation for the development of Higher education in India. It also conducts significant pilot projects in Higher education of which the most important is that of Rural Institutes.

A. CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES

2. Aligarh Muslim University.

-In December 1959, the Executive Council of the Aligarh Muslim University set up an Enquiry Committee whose terms of reference were: (a) to enquire into the financial transactions of the University from 1951-52 to date with special reference to the audit objections relating to the accounts of these years and the steps, if any, taken by the University to meet these objections; (b) to enquire into the recruitment, appointment and promotion of the teaching and administrative staff of the University and the admission of students to the University since 1951-52 and to report on the same; (c) to suggest suitable measures of reform necessary for the efficient functioning of the University. The Committee consisted of Dr. G. C. Chatterjee (Chairman), Prof. A. R. Wadia, Shri Kartar Singh Malhotra and Shri R. P. Naik, joint Secretary, Ministry of Education (Secretary). Later on, two members, Shri P. N. Sapru and Shri M. A. Shahmiri were added to it. The Committee has recently submitted its report to 'the Aligarh Univer- sity.

3. Banaras Hindu University.

-Shri justice N. H. Bhagwati was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the' Banaras Hindu University vice Dr. V. S. Jha who resigned. Shri Bhagwati took over charge on April 16, 1960.

During the year under review,' the proposal for long term legislation in respect of the Banaras Hindu University was examined and the drafting of the Bill taken in hand.

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At the request of the Executive Council of the Banaras Hindu Uni- versity, the President was pleased to permit Shri justice K. T. Desai of the Gujarat High Court to conduct an enquiry into the purchase of U.P. Zamindari Abolition Compensation Bonds by the University. Justice Desai has completed the enquiry and submitted his report to the Executive Council of the University towards the end of October, 1960. The report has been accepted by the Executive Council.

4. Delhi University.

-During the course of the year, Dr. V. K. R. V. Rao resigned the Vice-Chancellorship of the University. Prof. N. K. Sidhanta, who was appointed by the Visitor in the resultant took over charge on October 8, 1960.

One more college for girls, the Pramila College, was started by the Daulat Ram Public Trust 'Education Society from the current academic session. Orders for the allotment of 14 acres of land in the University campus for the building, hostel and staff quarters, playground, etc. of this College have also been issued.

The Working Group appointed to study the problem of the expansion of the school and collegiate education in the city of Delhi during the next two decades submitted its report to the Government in June, 1960.

The administration of the Deshbandhu College, Kalkaji, was trans- ferred to the Ministry of Education from the Ministry of Rehabilitation towards the latter part of 1957-58. In 1958-59, this college was recognised by the University of Delhi as a constituent college and pursuant to this decision, it has been included in the 'grant-in-aid' list of the University Grants Commission with effect from 1958-59 and it receives grants from the Commission on the basis of the usual formula of grants applicable to such colleges. The balance of the deficit of the college is being met by the Central Government.

B. INSTITUTIONS OF ALL-INDIA. IMPORTANCE IN EDUCATION

5. Jamia Millia Islamia.

- The Ministry of Education assists the Jamia Millia Islamia on a deficit basis. Out of a provision of Rs. 5,20,000 made for the purpose in 1960-61, a sum of Rs. 3,90,000 has so far been released to the institution. The revised budget provision for the current year is Rs. 5,60,000 and that for 1961-62 is Rs. 5,80,000.

A proposal for formulating legislation in respect of this institution with a view to declaring it as an institution of national importance under Entry No. 63 of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution and for empowering it to confer or grant degrees is at present under consideration.

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6. Gurukul Kangri and Indian School of International Studies.

-The two Committees constituted by the Government of India to consider the desirability of empowering these two institutions by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees in respect of courses of study conducted by them have submitted their reports which are now under the consideration of the Government of India.

7. Strengthening of Institutions of Higher Learning of All-India Importance.

-A scheme for giving financial assistance to all-India institutions of higher learning is being drafted. In that connection an Advisory Committee has been set up with two items of reference: (i) to assist in the selection of institutions for grants under the scheme; and (ii) to advise on the schemes formulated by the institutions for assistance. During the year under report, the Advisory Committee held two meetings. The Committee has already recommended the names of a certain number of institutions for being considered for financial assistance under the scheme. The cases of these institutions are, being examined.

8. A provision of Rs. 10 lakhs has been included in the budget estimates for 1961-62 for this scheme. A jubilee grant of Rs. 1 lakh has. already been approved for each of the Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya and the Jamia Millia Islamia out of the budget provision under this scheme.

C. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

9. During the year under review, Dr. C. D. Deshmukh retired from the Chairmanship of the Commission on attaining the age of 65. Dr. V. S. Krishna, the Vice-Chancellor of the Andhra University, took over charge of the post with effect from 14th January, 1961.

10. out of the budget provision of Rs. 7,15,61,000 for grant-in- aid to the University Grants Commission for 1960-61 (excluding grants for three-year degree course plan) a sum of. Rs. 5,89,96,664.67 has so far been placed at the disposal of the Commission. In the revised estimates, a provision of Rs. 7,38,74,000 has been tentatively made. For 1961-62 a provision of Rs. 12,39,80,000 has been proposed. This includes Rs. 1,84,00,000 for technical education. The latter has to be adjusted against the Third Plan ceilings of the Ministry of S. R. & C. A. concerned with technical education.

11. The entire work relating to the implementation of the scheme of the three-year degree course has been transferred to the University Grants Commission with effect from 1st April 1960. For this purpose, a sum of Rs. 70,00,000 has been provided for in the revised estimates for 1960-61. Amounts are being released to the Commission for the

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implementation of the scheme, both in government and non-government colleges as and when the Commission sends in its requirements.

D.DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN WITH EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE

12. In the field of Higher education, a number of important development projects have been taken up with external assistance. These include: (a) Home Science education and research; (b) Public Administration Centre at Lucknow University; (c) the introduction of general education programme in selected Indian universities; (d) the Australian gift of reference books under the Colombo Plan; (e) Indo- United States Agreement for financing an educational exchange programme; and (f) India Wheat Loan Educational Exchange Programme. Brief notes on the progress of these projects during the year under review are given below.

(a) Home Science Education and Research.

-The project for assistance to Home Science Education and Research under the Indo-U.S. Technical Cooperation Programme continued to progress during 1960-61. Out of the nine American technicians who had taken up their assign- ments in the institutions selected as regional demonstration centres under the project, one had to leave for the U.S.A. on grounds of health. The replacement has since been obtained and is assisting the Regional Demonstration Centre at Madras. As regards training facilities provided for under the project, four Indian Home Science administrators were selected for an observation tour for three months and four Indian Home Science teachers, for higher studies/training for twelve months in the U.S.A. The administrators/teachers left for the U.S.A. in two batches in September, 1960. Supplies envisaged under the Agreement (books worth $ 8,700 and equipment worth $ 32,000) continued to be received by the beneficiary institutions. The cost of the commodities (C.I.E. value), customs duty and incidental charges and local costs of technicians are reflected in Government of India accounts and for that purpose a total provision of Rs. 1,75,300 has been made in the budget estimates of 1960-61 and Rs. 1,58,400 have been provided in the budget estimates for 1961-62.

A Home Science conference was held in New Delhi in April 1960 to review and evaluate the accomplishments under the Programme, to plan for the most effective use of the remaining period of this Programme which is in the terminal phase and to consider the future development of Home Science in India. The conference also considered the findings of a survey, conducted by the Home Science technicians. which aimed

24 at assessing the existing facilities for Home Science education and research in India.

(b) Public Administration Centre at Lucknow University, Lucknow.3

The project for assistance to the Public Administration Centre at the Lucknow University under the Indo-U.S. Technical Cooperation Programme continued during 1960-61 in so far as the supply of library materials was concerned. The final contribution date was extended up to 15th July, 1960 due to unforeseen delays in the procurement of equipment. The supply of books is expected to be completed before December, 1960. As the cost of commodities is reflected in the Government of India accounts, a provision of Rs. 20,000 was made for it in the revised estimates for 1960-61.

(c) Introduction of General Education Programme in Selected Indian Universities

-This programme, which had been drawn up in 1959-60 with a grant from the Ford Foundation spread over a period of three years, continued to make progress during 1960-61. The second instalment of $ 25,000 out of the total grant of $ 50,000 was received. Grants were sanctioned to the six Universities of Andhra. Sri Venkateswara, Osmania, Bihar, Poona and Mysore. A provision of Rs. 40,000 has been proposed in the revised estimates for 1960-61 and of Rs. 79,000 in the budget estimates for 1961-62.

(d) Gift of Australian Reference Books under the Colombo Plan.

The Government of Australia made gifts of reference books on Australia to the Indian universities/libraries/institutions for reference purposes. As the cost of these books is to be reflected in Government of India accounts, a provision of Rs. 61,400 has been made in the revised estimates for 1960-61 for making the necessary adjustments.

(e) Indo-U.S. Agreement for financing an Education Exchange Programme.

-Under the programme for 1960-61 administered by the U.S. Educational Foundation in India, 99 students, 20 teachers and 13 uni- versity professors and research scholars were sent from India to the U.S.A. and nine students and 27 professors came to India from the U.S.A. The programme will continue during 1961-62. Under the Agreement, the Government of India makes a grant to the U.S. Educational Foundation in India for the taxes and duties paid by it and its American grantees in India who are exempted from the payment of such taxes. For this purpose a provision of Rs. 4,66,600 hag been made in the revised estimates for 1960-61 and another Rs. 5 lakhs has been provided in the budget estimates for 1961-62.

(f) India Wheat Loan Education Exchange Programme.

-The budget for the fifth and, last year of the India Wheat Loan Educational Pro-

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gramme has been finalised. The allocation of funds for the various aspects of the programme are as follows: 

             Books for Universities                                   $168,550
             Scientific equipment for universities                    $175,000
             Exchange of persons between India and the U.S.A.         $168,550
             Administration                                           $105,128
After the allocations have been made as above an uncommitted balance of $238,214 would be left. This is proposed to be spent in the following way: 
    
        
             Books                                                     $50,000
             Scientific equipment                                      $75,000
             Administration for fiscal year 1961                      $100,000

The remaining amount will be used to cover any administrative costs that might arise beyond June 1961.

During the year, five librarians were sent to the U.S.A. to study library techniques for a period of five months and in exchange, one librarian has come to India. Three curriculum scientists were also sent to the U.S.A. for a period of three months. The two astronomers of Nizamiah Observatory who were in the United States have been granted an extension of eight months. The other aspects of the programme of the exchange, of personnel and books and scientific equipment are also being implemented.

E. OTHER IMPORTANT PROJECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

13. Rehabilitation Grant to the Punjab University.

-Under the Second Five-Year Plan a sum of Rs. 65 lakhs was originally set apart by the Ministry of Rehabilitation, for a grant to the Punjab University for its rehabilitation programmes. This project was transferred to this Ministry towards the end of 1957 along with the Plan allocation. An ad hoc grant of Rs. 25 lakhs was sanctioned in 1958-59 to the University, as a special case, pending a full assessment of its actual needs. A Visiting Committee which was appointed to assess the needs of the University recommended that the balance of the rehabilitation grant, viz., Rs. 40 lakhs should be made available to the University to enable it to complete the works already taken up or envisaged subject to certain conditions. A further sum of Rs. 25 lakhs was, therefore, released to the university in 1959-60. The balance of Rs. 15,00,000 may be released during the current financial year.

14. Medium of Instruction in Universities.

-The question as to the, most suitable medium of instruction for Indian universities has been engaging the attention of educationists for some time. The University

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Education Commission favoured the adoption of the regional languages, with the option to use the federal language, as the medium of instruc- tion. This question has been considered also by the Central Advisory Board of Education, the Inter-University Board and the University Grants Commission, who have recommended a planned approach to the problem.

The University Grants Commission has been requested by the Government of India to examine the problem of medium of instruction and to take all possible measures for assisting the universities in the task of introducing the regional languages as medium at the university stage. In pursuance of the resolution passed by the U.G.C. at its meeting held in June 1958, the Commission appointed a Working Group to study the question of adopting the Indian languages as media of instruction in the universities. The Working Group has since submitted its report which is expected to be considered by the U.G.C. shortly-

15. Establishment of New Universities.

-A suggestion has been made, to the State Governments by the Government of India that, since the establishment of new universities has a direct bearing on the maintenance of proper academic standards, it would be a helpful practice to establish that all proposals connected with the establishment of a new university might be referred sufficiently in advance to the Union Ministry of Education who would seek the advice of the University Grants Commission and communicate the same to the State Government concerned. The State Governments have been further requested to give due consideration to the suggestions made by the Commission while formulating proposals for the creation of new universities.

During the period under report, the following universities have come into being or have been reorganised under Acts of State Legislatures: 

        
                      West Bengal        (1)  University at Burdwan
                                         (2)  University at Kalyani                   
        
                      Bihar              (1)  Ranchi University, Ranchi, 
                                         (2) Bhagalpur University Bhagalpur
                                         (3) Bihar University, Muzaffarpur
                                         (4) Patna University, Patna

16. Publication of Foreign Textbooks at Lower Prices.

-It has been increasingly realised that one of the handicaps suffered by the students and teachers in colleges and universities is the high cost of textbooks and reference books in English. In order to overcome this difficulty, efforts are being made to produce (or make available) books at reasonable prim, by arrangement with foreign publishers.

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The Ministry of Education set up an inter-ministerial committee and through its help, it has been possible to compile lists of books which could be considered for publication on basic sciences, humanities, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences, and engineering and technology. Efforts are being made to evolve a scheme for developing the project in all its aspects. For this purpose, a Board has been set up, to utilise PL 480 funds for the cheap publication of the American books in India. in so far as the U.K. books are concerned, some selected books are being, printed in the U.K. and would soon be made available in India at cheaper prices under a subsidy given by the Government of the U.K.

17. Model Legislation.-

It is proposed to frame a model legislation for universities in India. Necessary action in this regard is expected to be initiated in consultation with the authorities concerned as soon as practicable.

F.RURAL HIGHER EDUCATION

18. The Rural Institutes which were started in 1956 entered the fifth year of their existence. There are at present 11 such institutes located in nine States and in the Union Territory of Delhi.

19. Rs. 30,27,370 in grants and Rs. 1,60,733 for stipends were, released to the Rural Institutes during the period 1st January to the 8th December 1960.

20. Examinations and Employment.

-The National Council for Rural Higher Education conducted final examinations in April 1960. 401 candidates were declared successful. 146 candidates found employment up to November 1960, in various fields.

21. Sanitary Inspectors' Course.

-In accordance with the pattern of education laid down by the Committee on Rural Higher Education and in consultation with the Ministry of Health, it has been decided to introduce Sanitary Inspectors' course of one year's duration in Rural Institutes at Gandhigram and Udaipur on an experimental basis.' For this purpose, the Ford Foundation has placed at the disposal of the Rural Institutes in February 1960, a grant of $158,500 for starting the course. The grant includes expenditure to be incurred on the construction of tuitional buildings, hostels and fittings, staff quarters, equipment and supplies for office and laboratory. On the recurring side, it will include expenditure on payment of salaries to the staff, etc.

22. T.C.M. Aid.

-Under the T.C.M. assistance programme for the Rural Institutes which started in 1957, 20 teachers from the Rural Institutes were sent in June 1959 to the U.S.A. for one. year's training in Extension and Rural Higher Education. The services of Dr. Luther M. Ambrose for two years have also been obtained.

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23. Seminars and Training.

-During 1961-62, equipment worth $30,000 and the services of four short term consultants will be made available by the T.C.M. It is also proposed to send the Directors of the Rural Institutes on a short term study and observation tour abroad. In July 1960 the fourth Inter-State Seminar was held in Bhopal. In December 1960, a training course of teachers of the Rural Institutes was organised in the Rural Institute, Amravati.

24. Recognition of Diplomas.

-The State Governments of Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh. Madras, and jammu and Kashmir have recognised the Diploma in Civil and Rural Engineering for the purpose of recruitment to subordinate posts and services under them. The State Governments of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have also recognised this Diploma in Rural Services as equivalent to the first degree of a university for purposes of employment.

The matter of recognition is being pursued with the remaining State Governments.

Proposals for the Third Five-Year Plan.-During the Third Plan period schemes for the development of Higher education have been included in the Central sector as mentioned below.

(1) Correspondence Courses and Evening Colleges.

-The enrolment in universities is likely to increase from 9 lakhs to 13 lakhs by 1965-66. In order to provide for this increased number, the Government of India, besides expanding facilities for collegiate education, has proposed to institute Correspondence Courses and Evening Colleges in order to relieve the rush in colleges and also to provide facilities for higher education to some of those who have either been denied admission to universities or who cannot afford to continue their education as full time students. For this purpose a provision of Rs. 2 lakhs has been made in the budget estimates for 1961-62.

(2) Rural Higher Education.

-At present there are 11 Rural Institutes in eight States. During the Third Plan it is proposed to start a few -new institutes in regions where there is come. The following courses are proposed to be introduced in the Rural Institutes where the demand exists and considered to be suitable for their introduction:-

(a) Three-Year Diploma Course in Rural Services;

(b) Three-Year Diploma Course in Rural and Civil Engineering,

(c) Certificate Course in Agriculture:

(d) Health Course;

(e) Teachers' Training Diploma Course;

(f) Teachers' Training Certificate Course; and

(g) Post-Graduate Course in Community Development.

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(3) Assistance to All-India Institutions of Higher Learning and Inter University Board.

-The Ministry of Education has formulated a scheme to help selected institutions working at post- matriculation level and run by voluntary organisations at least for ten years on an all-India basis for improving and extending their activities.

(4) National Institutes for Women.

-The National Council for women's education while surveying the position of the education of girls and women recommended that a National Institute for Women at post-Secondary or university level be set up to train women for positions of high level leadership and responsibility in every walk of life. The proposal is being considered by a committee set up for the purpose.

(5) Assistance to Publication of University Textbooks.

-In addition to the steps described earlier under the sub-heading, "16. Publication of Foreign Books" in this chapter, there may, however, be some other titles requiring assistance. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Education in consultation with the University Grants Commission may have to help Indian publishers to produce cheap editions of foreign textbooks, textbooks by Indian authors and translations of foreign textbooks. A provision of Rs. 3 lakhs has been proposed for this purpose under the Third Five-Year Plan.

(6) Educational Conferences, Exchange of Professors and Delegations etc.

-An exchange of delegations of professors as well as conferences would help in mutual understanding and offer opportunities to subject-specialists to get together and exchange information and opinion. The Ministry of Education already has in hand proposals for the exchange of university professors with the U.S.S.R.. Germany and other countries. Under the agreements, it is proposed to exchange Indian professors/ Readers with professors/Readers of these countries.

H. MISCELLANEOUS

Inter-University Board of India.-A provision of Rs. 32,000 has been included in the estimates for 1960-61 and it has been retained in the revised estimates. The same provision has been included in the budget estimates for 1961-62.