India has long recognized the importance of tertiary and technical education. With over 330 universities and 18,000 colleges, it has one of the largest systems of higher learning in the world, with substantial private provision in professional education. However, it caters to only 11 percent of the 18-23 age group – the school leaving workforce- which is far below OECD norms.
Some of India's higher education institutions are of world class quality. However, the majority of them suffer from problems of limited capacity, poor quality and relevance. They also suffer from a lack of public funding. They face a shortage of qualified teachers, and are unable to attract and retain qualified faculty. Research and innovation are confined to a handful of universities/ institutions. All this affects the quality of education provided by them.
World Bank Assistance
Technical/Engineering Education
During the past decade or so, the Government has requested the World Bank to help improve the quality of technical education imparted in many of its public institutions, making it the largest partner in the modernization and upgradation of technical education in the country. Over the years, World Bank projects have helped train some 25,000 students each year in over 200 areas of high technology.
Projects:
The recently closed Third Technician Education Project, for US$ 70 million, supported the establishment/up-gradation of polytechnics in six remote states of North East India, Jammu & Kashmir and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in keeping with the economic needs of each state.
Nine new polytechnics have been established and the quality of the twelve existing institutions has been strengthened. Curricula of all existing programs have been revised and 50 new programs added, keeping in mind the requirements of industry. Faculty and staff have been trained, giving them exposure to international institutions.
There has been a significant increase in student enrollment, including of rural youth, women, and students from Scheduled Tribes. The two polytechnics in the Andaman and Nicobar islands rendered commendable service in providing emergency assistance to people affected by the tsunami in the islands.
The Technical/Engineering Education Quality Improvement Project for US$ 250 million primarily supports reforms in 128 competitively selected engineering institutions in 13 states to promote excellence and the production of high-quality professional manpower to meet the demands of its fast growing economy.
World Bank Analysis and Research
The World Bank is currently conducting a study to contribute to the debate regarding how India can address the skills shortages and reduce unemployment among its higher education graduates.
RSS