The recent interpretation by the UGC (University Grants Commission) of education survey data as proof of "inclusivity, opportunity, and progress in Indian academic spaces" has elicited conflicting reactions. This analysis comes after the Union Ministry of Education released the AISHE (All India Survey of Higher Education) 2021–2022, which indicated a slight increase in enrolment in higher education overall. The UGC also saw an increase in the number of students from minority groups, including SC, ST, and OBC pupils, which it considers to be a noteworthy accomplishment.
However, critics from opposition party student organizations and experts contest these findings, claiming that the expansion in the private sector is primarily responsible for the enrollment growth rate, which is reasonable, if not exceptional.
Statement of UGC Chairman, Prof. @mamidala90 on AISHE report 2021-22.#UGC #HigherEducation #Education #Students pic.twitter.com/aaEeLrw9Sy— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) January 27, 2024
Officials on the survey report
According to UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar, there is a "rapidly increasing female enrolment" trend across all social levels, indicating a significant change in the accessibility of higher education for female students. He believes that programs like focused scholarships, female-only hostels, and flexible scheduling have played a crucial role in creating this inclusive atmosphere.
Professor Furqan Qamar of Jamia Millia Islamia an expert in education calls attention to the decline in Muslim student enrollment in 2020–21. Although he is relieved that enrollment is up this year, he is nonetheless concerned that there aren't as many Muslim students enrolled in postsecondary education as there were in 2019–20.
Student organizations such as the Left-wing outfit SFI argue that the data is unimpressive. They explain the rise in enrollment as the result of growth that was expected from the prior academic year. The general secretary of SFI, Mayukh Biswas, lists the NEP (National Education Policy) closure of numerous institutions, the rise in student suicide cases, and the suspension of scholarships for underprivileged students as only a few of the issues motivating his organization's criticism.
In the meantime, AISHE has underlined that the student organization ABVP is grateful for the inclusive movement in higher education. However, Yagywalkya Shukla, the general secretary of ABVP, stated that to raise the standard of higher education overall, the organization calls for improved facilities, curricula, and alignment with contemporary educational demands.
Image Source: The Hindu
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