HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
University Grants Commission (UGC)
Growth of the Higher Education System 6.1.1 At the beginning of the year 1991-92, the total student enrolment in Universities and Colleges was 44.25 lakh. This was 1.78 lakh more than the enrolment in the previous year. The enrolment in the University Departments was 7.32 lakh and that in the affiliated Colleges was 36.93 lakh. Enrolment in the Faculty of Arts constituted 40.4% of the total enrolment. In the faculties of Science and Commerce the percentage was 19.6 and 21.9 respectively. Enrolment at the first degree level was 38.99 lakh (88.1%) at the postgraduate level 4.20 lakh (9.5%); at the research level 0.49 lakh (1.1%) ; and at the diploma and certificate level 0.57 lakh (1.3%).
6.1.2 The number of teachers increased to 2.63 lakh during the year. Of these, 0.59 lakh were in the University Departments/University colleges and the rest in the affiliated colleges. Of 58,661 teachers in the Universities, 7,509 were Professors, 15,369 were Readers, 33,437 were Lecturers and 2,346 were Tutors/Demonstrators. In the affiliated colleges, the number of senior teachers was 28,421, the number of Lecturers was 1,67,047 and that of Tutors/Demonstrators was 8,996.
6.1.3 During 1991-92 two State Universities viz. , North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli were established, raising the total number of universities in the country to 148.
Higher Education among Women 6.1.4 The enrolment of women students at the beginning of 1991-92 was 14.37 lakh as against 13.67 lakh in the previous year. At the postgraduate level, the enrolment of women was 34.2 per cent of the total enrolment. The enrolment of women students was the highest in Kerala (53.0%) followed by Punjab (48.2%) Delhi (46.3%), Haryana (42.2%) Meghalaya/Nagaland/Mizoram (39.0%), Tamil Nadu (38.5%) and West Bengal/Tripura/Sikkim (38.4%). The enrolment of women was the lowest in Bihar (16.4%).
Programmes and Activities of the U.G.C. 6.1.5 Some of the major thrust areas pursued during the year were: Autonomous Colleges, Redesigning of Courses, Academic Staff College for Orientation of Teachers, Eligibility Test for recruitment of lecturers, Inter-University Centres and Consortiums, Distance Education. Fellowships/Scholarships, Special Assistance Programme, Committee on Strengthening of Infrastructure in Science and Technology (COSIST) programme, Adult Education and National Literacy Mission, Education for the Minorities, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, Handicapped and
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Women, Spread of Mass communication and Educational Technology network and Alternative models of management focussing on accountability, planning, funds and inter-relationship between University, State Government and UGC. A brief account of the efforts made by the UGC in respect of various schemes is given in the following paragraphs.
Autonomous Colleges 6.1.6 The U.G.C. continued its efforts to promote and encourage the concept of autonomy through its scheme of autonomous colleges. More colleges were granted autonomous status during the year, under report, thus bringing the total number of such colleges to 106 upto December, 1991.
Re-designing of Courses 6.1.7 The scheme of restructuring under-graduate courses in general education was introduced by the UGC with a view to making the first degree courses more relevant to environment and developmental needs of the community and linking education with work/field/practical experience and productivity. Several universities and colleges have introduced these courses. Further, in order to provide an impetus to the programme of redesigning of courses, the UGC has set up 30 Curriculum Development Centres (CDCs)-11 in Sciences and 18 in Humanities and Social Sciences and one in Vocational Education - upto December, 1991, to review the existing curricula with a view to modernising, preparing and developing new teaching and reading materials. Modal curricula from 27 centres were discussed at national level Workshops for circulation to universities. During the year, the UGC accepted the proposal for publication of CDC reports for wide circulation and sale through the Graphic Arts Centre, Delhi University, for which the Commission agreed to extend 50% subsidy towards the cost of publication. Meanwhile, the UGC has continued its assistance to 314 colleges which have been implementing College Science Improvement Programme (COSIP). Similarly, 784 colleges have been receiving assistance in respect of College Humanities and Social Sciences Improvement Programme (COHSSIP).
6.1.8 The UGC has agreed to the introduction of a three-year degree course in Physical Education, Health Education and Sports in universities and multi-faculty colleges. In the initial stages, only one college in each district having the basic minimum facilities viz. track and field gymnastic Yoga, conditioning unit etc. could be selected for the introduction of the course. Till December, 1991, six universities and 21 colleges have started the Course for which the Commission is providing financial assistance.
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Eighth Plan Guidelines for formulating Proposals for the Development Schemes of Universities
6.1.9 The UGC in the guidelines to Universities on the formulation of proposals for 8th plan advised them to develop linkage with agencies and institutions outside the university system, particularly those which are devoted to research and development in order to make University Education more meaningful. The universities would be encouraged to adopt the emerging areas in science and technology that have ample relevance to social and economic development like Electronic Science, Computer Science, Bio-technology, Oceanography and Environment and Energy Studies.
6.1.10 These guidelines envision consolidation of the existing programmes. The offering of new specialised courses or opening of new departments might be contemplated with an interdisciplinary approach which could be sustained by the existing facilities within the developed universities. In the case of developing universities, opening of new departments would be determined by overall needs for such departments within the state or region as a whole after taking into account similar facilities available else-where in the region and studying the manpower needs.
6.1.11 The guidelines further urge the universities to provide teaching aids to all departments and to produce course-packages, in major disciplines on video tapes for teachers and students to enable them to keep pace with advances in their fields of specialisation and also in the methodology of teaching. The universities have also been advised to improve the common facilities for students including counseling services and linkages with appropriate employment agencies.
6.1.12 The pattern of UGC assistance to universities for development of under-graduate and postgraduate teaching and research facilities under the institutional development schemes during the Eighth Plan has been modified Universities would now be provided with 100 per cent assistance in respect of library building and women's hostel while for other buildings like laboratories, class-rooms, central workshop, green house, glass house, animal house, guest house, boys' hostel, teachers' hostel, staff quarters, canteen building, visiting faculty complex, etc., and establishment/improvement of university presses, health centres and improvement of facilities in existing hostels, 75 per cent financial assistance would be extended by the Commission as against previous 75% and 50% respectively. Universities could now receive 75% assistance for campus development including road development, water supply and electricity. There was no provision for such assistance during the Seventh Plan period.
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Guidelines for formulating proposals for the Eighth Plan Development Schemes of colleges
6.1.13 The UGC's policy for the development of colleges during the Eighth Plan has four main planks viz. (a) improvement of standards and quality of education, (b) removal of disparities and regional imbalances in higher educational facilities, (c) restructuring and diversification of courses and (d) granting of autonomous status to deserving colleges.
6.1.14 To achieve these objectives, the Commission would provide assistance to colleges which fulfil minimum eligibility conditions and have the necessary viability and potential and are striving for better standards to enable them to meet their basic needs like books and journals including strengthening of book banks, basic scientific equipment needed for proper instruction at undergraduate level, construction of buildings, teaching and technical staff, remedial courses for students belonging to the weaker sections of society, extension programme, examination reforms and participation of teachers in academic conferences, workshops/seminars in India. With a view to removing disparities and regional imbalances, assistance would also be provided to the colleges catering to the needs of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Students and for intensive development of colleges situated in backward/rural border areas.
Improvement in Efficiency 6.1.15 The UGC has sanctioned computer facilities to 110 universities upto December, 1991. In addition, the Commission provided assistance to 1216 colleges upto this period for installing computer facilities. Besides using these facilities for training and research, they can be used for maintenance of student records, accounts and other data required for administration and management.
Teacher-Recruitment, Training and Performance Evaluation 6.1.16 During the year, the UGC conducted the qualifying test for determining the eligibility for lecturership and for award of Junior Research Fellowship in Humanities and Social Sciences. Similar test in science subjects was conducted jointly by the UGC and CSIR. Under the Academic Staff Orientation Scheme for orientation of newly recruited and in-service college and university lecturers, the Academic Staff Colleges identified by the commission organised 156 orientation programmes covering 4601 teachers. Similarly, 308 refresher courses were organised for in-service teachers covering 8,369 teachers. While deciding the Annual Plan of the Department of Education for 1990-91 at a meeting held in the Planning Commission in January, 1990, it was decided that before institutionalising the ASC Scheme in the 8th plan, the UGC should undertake comprehensive review of the Scheme. Accordingly, a review of the programme was carried out by a committee appointed by the Commission during 1990-91.
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6.1.17 The Committee submitted its Report in February, 1991. Pending detailed consideration of the Report by the Commission, it was decided to further extend assistance to universities on adhoc basis upto 31st March, 1992 on the existing pattern.
Special Assistance Programmes 6.1.18 The UGC continued to provide assistance to 41 Centres of Advanced Study and 109 Departments of Special Assistance in Science, Engineering and Technology upto December 1991. In Humanities and Social Science 16 Centres of Advanced Study and 101 Departments of Special Assistance were assisted. In addition, 47 Departmental Research Support Projects in science and 22 in Humanities and Social Sciences are under implementation. The Commission derecognised a number of departments as their performance was not found to be of the requisite standard as assessed by expert committees.
COSIST Programme 6.1.19 one hundred and eleven departments have been assisted under the Scheme of Strengthening Infrastructure in Science and Technology Education and Research till December, 1991.
Super-Conductivity Programme 6.1.20 A Standing Committee helps in implementing the Super- Conductivity programme effectively in the university system. The Committee reviewed the activities under the programme at a meeting held in February 1991. It expressed satisfaction about the progress of the programme and appreciated the notable achievements both in basic research and in the applications of superconductivity. As far as quantitative academic output is concerned it has been found quite cost-effective. Some institutions have come up as centres of excellence in their specific areas. They have developed active groups and have organised necessary activities as envisaged in original proposals. The programme has generated a positive impact on the university system for collaborative approaches to R & D and educational activities.
6.1.21 The Committee was of the view that a Zero Budget unregistered consortium of universities may be established for effectively implementing the programme and overseen its activities. This could facilitate complementary use of facilities and expertise among various institutions working in this field. A Coordination Committee has been constituted to look after the proposed Consortium.
Alternative Models of Management 6.1.22 During the year, the report of the Gnanam Committee, together with recommendations on the report by the UGC, was submitted to the Department of Education. The Committee was
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appointed as a sequel to the "Programme of Action of the National Policy on Education (1986), to review the management pattern including the structure, roles and responsibilities of the various universities/bodies in the light of the new demands on the university system. Major recommendations of the Committee pertain to the Concept of Management Pattern of Universities particularly with a participatory approach and greater decentralisation. it also emphasised on aspects like university autonomy, accountability, planning, funds and inter-relationship between the University, State Government and the UGC. The recommendations also defines the powers and functions of various functionaries/authorities and bodies in the university system.
6.1.23 The report was placed in the CABE meeting held in March 1991. The CABE, considering the far-reaching repercussions of this report, desired that a CABE Committee may be constituted to examine the report. Accordingly, a CABE Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Karsan Das Soneri, Education Minister, Gujarat was constituted to examine the Gnanam Committee Report.
Common facilities and Services 6.1.24 Modern computer-based information/documentation centres have already been set up at Bangalore, Bombay and Baroda. These centres have improved accessibility of the teachers and students for information and have provided necessary bibliographic support to them alongwith making available the latest documentation in the respective disciplines. In addition, the UGC has set up inter-university centres in different areas with the object of providing national research facilities within the university system. During the year, an Inter- university Consortium for Educational Communication was also conceived as a project mode of the Nuclear Science Centre to coordinate, streamline and strengthen the activities of various departments of Communication in the universities, the Education Media Research Centres (EMRCs) and the Audio Visual Research Centres (AVRCs). During the year, a Radar Centre was set up at the Sri Venkateswara University as a important national facility to take advantage of the mesosphere, Stratosphere and Troposphere (MST) Radar System coming up near Tirupati. These centres are in addition to the Nuclear Science Centre, Inter-University Centre in Astronomy and Astrophysics, Poona, Inter-University Consortium, Indore and Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University.
Media and Educational Technology 6.1.25 The UGC has taken the initiative in utilising the time slot allotted to higher education by televising "Countrywide Classroom". The Commission had earlier provided colour television sets to colleges in phases during the Seventh Plan period. A perspective plan for the UGC INSAT Project has been formulated in which projections will be made for future INSAT time requirement in higher education. The Commission is at present supporting Seven EMRCs at the University of Poona, Gujarat University (Ahmedabad) , Central Institute of English and
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Foreign Languages (Hyderabad), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Jodhpur University, Madurai Kamraj University and the St. Xavier's College (Calcutta). Seven AVRCs at University of Roorkee; Osmania University; Anna University, Madras; Kashmir University, Srinagar; Manipur University, Imphal; Punjab University, Patiala and Devi Ahilya University (Indore) are being supported for training of personnel and production of software. six more media centres in different States are envisaged to be set up during the Eighth Plan period. Upto December, 1991, 2382 programmes were produced by different media centres. Sourcewise, nearly 85 per cent of the programmes telecast were Indian while the remaining were from foreign sources.
Adult, Continuing and Extension Education Programmes 6.1.26 The UGC is providing assistance to universities for promoting programmes of adult education and extension, eradication of illiteracy, continuing education, population education and planning forums. Assistance for these programmes is being provided by the Commission on a package basis. The position of the programmes approved upto December, 1991 as per the new guidelines (1988) is given below.
a) No. of Universities involved - 93
b) No. of colleges involved - 1284
c) No. of adult Education Centres - 17940
through Universities & Colleges
d) Mass Programme for Functional - 93
Literacy Universities +
1284 Colleges
e) Population Education through
i) Population Education Clubs in - 1286
Universities & Colleges
ii) Population Education acti- - 16780
vities at the Adult
Education Centres
f) Continuing Education Programmes - 794
g) Jan Shikshan Nilayams - 1096