New Delhi, March 19: The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) on Thursday took exception to the way the government appointed Vice Chancellors for 15 new Central Universities in the country.
"We do not agree with the way vice chancellors have been
appointed. We have also expressed concern over certain
provisions of the Central Universities Bill," NKC chairman Sam
Pitroda told reporters here.
The government on February 28 appointed vice chancellors
for 15 new central universities which have been created under
the Central Universities Bill 2009.
The NKC had earlier held that the Central Universities
Bill 2008 vests "overwhelming control" with the government and
demanded reformulation of the legislation with provision of
more autonomy for the institutions.
The NKC, set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with
the mandate to suggest measures for transforming India into a
knowledge society, had said it was alarmed by provisions of
the Bill which poses a danger to the autonomy and excellence
in higher education in the country.
The NKC, which will end its term on March 31, has given
over 300 recommendations to the government on 27 different
subjects.
"The implementation has been slow. But we have done
our job. Some may like it, some may not. If the
recommendations are not implemented, we will remain where we
are. It depends on the next government," Pitroda said on the
sidelines of a seminar on 'A Roadmap for Reform -- NKC
Recommendation'.
Several states have already set up or in the process
of setting up state knowledge commission for implementing the
major recommendations.
These states are Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Puducherry, Rajasthan and Tripura. The state commissions will
look into implementation of the recommendations of the NKC.
Pitroda expressed satisfaction over the increase of funds
allocation for education sector in the 11th Plan. Besides,
certain recommendations are being implemented by the
government, he said.
Pitroda said the government was starting the National
Knowledge Network to provide broadband connectivity to the
national institutes and laboratories in the country. The
project will be over in a year time, he said.
The commission members briefed about the recommendations
of the NKC on access, expansion, quality, innovation and many
other related areas.
Bureau Report