The importance of a community college system in India: Excerpts from an interview with Prof. Yash Pal
December 28th, 2009
Following is an excerpt from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-Universities-are-for-bringing-subjects-together-/560254.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of students in colleges and universities in Gujarat is still pathetic according to UGC. Tribal areas in the state have a high school dropout rate. What needs to be done in Gujarat?
There is a community college system in the US, which is very flexible (unlike the polytechnics in India). In this system, the class hours are highly flexible. As part of the adult education, the students can enrol for any subject. But in India, we have strict rules such as a student should be a matriculate, etc. In north Gujarat, artisans are doing fine work in Bandhani (tie and die). No one else can do that. There should be a system that can educate them separately so that they are literate enough to use their skills in a better way. I do not believe in measuring methods such as GER. A minimal education is important but it is the skills that make a person knowledgeable. Gujarat may have private or deemed universities, but they are for the classes and not for the masses.
Entry Filed under: Odisha Higher Education Vision 2020
1 Writeup
1. Community College | December 30th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I absolutely agree with what Professor Yash Pal has said. Education system in India needs to be improvised and made flexible. I liked his suggestions and observations.