Not a good Idea
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: March 20, 2013 -

Considering the limited choice for students to have access to various faculties and the growing demand for quality academic institutions, the idea of inviting scores of distinguished private universities from outside to open their branches in Manipur may sound a good idea.

But realistically speaking, this is an issue that needs thorough discussion and wide-range of consultation before arriving at any final decision so as to ensure that the search for a solution to a problem does not end up being another problem.

Inaugurating a memorial lecture programme to mark the 14th death anniversary of Dr Ningombam Ibobi Singh, a renowned teacher of his time, at the hall of DM College of Arts on March 18, Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh disclosed that as it aims to enhance higher education in Manipur, the State Government has invited scores of distinguished private universities from outside to open their branches here, and AMITY University, which has given positive response to the proposal, would be opening one of its centres in the State very soon.

It’s true that since taking over the portfolio of Education, one of the most rotten departments in the State, Mr Okendro has taken up various initiatives to bring about development in the education sector with a strong conviction which was not to be seen in any of his predecessors.

And, we believe that it is this conviction and the work he had done that Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh can today boldly declare to the people that there would be a visible change in the scenario of higher education in Manipur from next month.

But the question is, do we really need scores of private universities from outside, howsoever distinguished they may be, to come here and set up their branches or off-campuses to uplift the education system and create a culture of learning among the students of the State?

What are the mechanisms under which these ‘gold diggers’ private universities would be allowed to operate in the State? As a matter of fact, the decision of the State Government to invite private universities to set up their base in Manipur reminds us of the objection raised from various quarters to the Foreign Educational Institutions Bill proposed by the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development for allowing entry of foreign education institutes in India.

Finally, the Ministry had to give up the idea of pushing for enactment of the Bill and concentrate on other higher education reform measures like prevention of malpractices, setting up education tribunals and mandatory accreditation for institutions, which are central to any education reform in the country.

However, this does not mean that we too averse to the idea of entry of foreign universities in India, or for that matter, any private university from other parts of the country to set up their base in Manipur, in areas where specialized studies are essential but we would not be in a position to ensure the required infrastructures for years to come.

But for that, first of all, there should be proper regulations in place. Well, for the sake of argument, one can say that entry of private universities from outside would sharpen the competitive spirit of the existing State universities or institutes of higher education.

But the question is, are the existing institutes of higher education in Manipur really ready for that?

Let the State Government first pays its attention to the needs of the existing education institutes, which are in shambles, before thinking about inviting other private universities.

The move for upgrading DM College into a deemed university is definitely in the right direction.

So, why not pave way for converting more colleges into deemed universities as well?