Karnataka on 2nd August got the green light from the State’s Higher Education Council on its state education policy. It comes with newer recommendations prepared by the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. These reforms include monitoring of fixation of fees, employing technology-enabled learning and boosting research-based activities.
“The important recommendations in the policy need to be implemented. We have decided to constitute subcommittees of experts who will look at the implementation of these recommendations,” quoting Higher Education Minister G.T. Deve Gowda who also added that the policy agenda was tabled in the council.
One of the more important approved reforms is that of the required maintenance of an academic performance index of teachers. This will also gauge the professional development of the teachers.
While the majority power for fixing the fees will be in the hands of the institutions, the recommendations also outline the level of monitoring the government is permitted to do, i.e. in extreme cases, it will be forced to intervene:
“While the quantum of fees should be left to the institutions, the government should have the right to monitor and intervene in extreme situations.”
Another reform centered on technology will make it compulsory to create an e-content repository where educational material can be posted for the benefit of students as well as faculty members.
In the long run, the reforms aim to increase funding in the higher education system. They are also being encouraged to form international ties with organizations such as the World Bank by networking with their alumni resources.