The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has recommended improvements to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and NAAC in the Department of Higher Education’s 371st report. The report outlines recommendations including enhanced transparency in autonomous institutions, UGC recognition for HIAL, an increase in JRF stipends, pension reforms, and administrative improvements within ICSSR and ICHR. This initiative aims to bolster quality and reliability within the higher education sector.
Higher Education Reforms: Led by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh, the Parliamentary Standing Committee presented the Department of Higher Education’s 371st report, which includes recommendations to strengthen NTA and NAAC, grant UGC recognition to HIAL, increase JRF stipends, and implement administrative reforms in ICSSR and ICHR. This undertaking is intended to ensure the quality and transparency of higher education, benefiting students and educators alike.
The Need for Improvements in NTA and NAAC
The Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report emphasizes the need to bolster the internal capabilities of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Expressing concerns regarding NTA’s performance in recent examinations, the committee advised promoting pen-and-paper mode examinations. Furthermore, it recommended issuing a white paper addressing irregularities found within the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and outlining corrective measures for the institution.
The committee stated that enhancing the credibility and transparency of autonomous institutions like NTA and NAAC is crucial. This step is vital for improving the quality of higher education and strengthening the trust of students and educators.
UGC Recognition and JRF Enhancements
The report recommends granting UGC recognition to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), operated by Sonam Wangchuk in Ladakh. The committee highlighted the institution’s positive impact on local communities and its significant contribution to the Indian knowledge tradition.
Additionally, the report suggests increasing the amount of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) stipends provided by autonomous institutions and implementing salary, vacancy, and promotion improvements within research institutions like ICSSR and ICHR. The committee also proposed the implementation of a Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for both teachers and non-teaching staff.
Autonomy and Administrative Reforms
The report advocates for the Auroville Foundation to adopt a participatory decision-making process within its governance system, ensuring the institution’s autonomy. Furthermore, it advised sending the UGC’s draft regulations from January 2025 to the Central Educational Advisory Committee (CABE) for review.
The committee also suggested that all vacancies within ICSSR institutions be filled promptly and that appointments be made to top positions. It also recommended an investigation into irregularities within ICHR.
