Nature of Discussions on Higher Education in India

A preliminary exploration of articles in Economics and Political Weekly

Intent

To explore

• developmental context of higher education in India

• the role of universities in inclusive innovation and development

To understand

• general research interest in these themes...

...in the mainstream

• By looking at these thoughts through EPW’s lens

Questions

What is the nature of discussion/areas of concern in the higher education discourse in India today?

Are there any thoughts on

• visualizing the developmental role of higher education in India?

• social innovations in Indian higher education?

• on collaborations with civil society and non-formal education spaces?

How?

Several Indian journals on education brought out by NCERT, NUEPA, IIE, AIU, etc.

EPW read by academics, practitioners and policy makers

EPW digital archives available readily

A preliminary, qualitative exploration of EPW articles from 1999-2011

Keywords: “higher education”, “universities”, “colleges”, “university”, “college”

Overview

1999-2011

175+ articles

Cross cutting themes

Recurring themes

On governance & regulation

• Concerns on affiliation model

• Voices for autonomy

• Leadership

On societal relevance of curriculum

• Synergy between theory and praxis

• Not mere intellectual exercises

• Contextualization of syllabus

• Fend off vested interests

Recurring themes (contd.)

On teaching and research

• Lack of creativity in academics

• More concerned with professional interests

• Alternatives to motivate/recruit teachers

On financing higher education

• Voices for/against LPG

• Alternatives

Affirmative action and social inclusion

• Secondary status of women

• Voices for/against reservation

• Alternative frameworks

Preliminary findings...

Academics want better rankings, stronger political commitment, better leadership, offer alternatives, technocratic solutions, etc.

Not much discussion in EPW about the development role of universities

No clear themes to engage with societal issues by collaborating with civil society/non-formal spaces

Future opportunities..

Increase keywords, expand to more journals, education archives (CED), etc.

Systematic, bibliometric analysis possible

Build upon existing work to further research on universities and intermediaries collaboration for socially inclusive innovations

Engage/expand ideas for the research network