University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE) would be merged this year to form the Higher Education Commission of India. The move is in line with the structural reforms suggested by the National Education Policy, NEP 2020.
Announcing the decision, AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe on Thursday shared that HECI would be a single overarching umbrella body for higher education in the country. At present, the three regulatory bodies manage the functioning of various higher educational institutes.
While UGC is responsible for the functioning of Universities, AICTE approval is mandatory for technical institutions. Similarly, NCTE is responsible for all forms of teaching courses and curriculum in the country. HECI would be responsible for all, bringing more alignment in the higher education in the country. Also Read | NEP 2020: How UG/PG Course structure would change
As per the NEP 2020, several functions including accreditation, funding, and academic standard-setting would be carried out by independent verticals. All forms of education, barring legal and medical education would come under the ambit of HECI.
With one regulator, the focus would be on the quality of education. The idea is of a ‘light but firm approach’. The regulator would focus on providing overarching support and encourage the institutions to have their own governance structure. The purpose is to do away with micromanaging and provide a conducive environment for growth and research in the domain.
COURTESY- TIMESNOW.COM