Arunachal’s education scene can benefit by the presence of private universities who are capable of providing quality education with a good campus ambience. A synergistic relationship between the government and private universities is possible and if balanced can be helpful for the laggard education sector. Private Universities with good infrastructure, competent faculty and other academic amenities can supplement the government colleges’ intake of student numbers. Having good educational campuses, will especially help youths who are financially constrained to travel outside the state to receive higher education.

However, there is a need to keep an eye on the mushrooming and functioning of private universities which lately have gained negative publicity for questionable conduct. Several institutions have been smeared by fake degree controversy and other issues. While it is unfair to demonise private universities, it also warrants that the state government keeps its eyes open on their operations as they are highly profit oriented. There is need for monitoring exorbitant course fees and quality of education.

Taking serious note of the malpractices in private universities, University Grants Commission (UGC) is mulling the idea to bring private universities under its ambit. But at present, private universities are a state subject with minimal interference from the UGC. Arunachal currently has seven private universities and government must focus on quality of education in private universities rather than allowing mushrooming of more private universities in the state.

The Arunachal government must govern the private universities in terms of designing curriculum, specifying qualifications for teachers and infrastructure to ensure quality education for students. It must also check issue of fake degrees and keep a close watch on the notoriety gained by private varsities in making PhD the 'easiest degree' to get.

Being profit-driven is not necessarily a bad thing; it is a huge motivator. The moot point for the government is to ensure the balance between profit and quality. 

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List