Revamping Higher Education in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Education system is considered as the backbone of any nation and higher education is particularly important for the growth of nation as it is a powerful instrument to build knowledge based society. The higher education in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone massive transformation with tremendous increase in number of institutions. Erroneously it is also looked upon as a lucrative business by some private players at the cost of its quality even in some crucial areas like medical education and engineering. The curriculum, teaching-learning and evaluation methods require revisions. The prevailing system is more oriented in generating educated unemployed youth rather than producing skilled manpower. The proportion of contractual lecturers is very high across all institutions of UT. Both technology and infrastructure in education require upgradation. The recruitment policies are not fool proof. Only the standard certification may be given credits for Career Advancement Scheme in higher education. Several institutions are marred with inefficient and corrupt administrators. There is no mechanism in place to seek feedback of educational administrators. The focus must shift from establishing more institutions to their consistent performance. The National Education Policy 2020 is to be implemented in its true spirit with focus to create vibrant multidisciplinary institutions.