Current Context: NITI Aayog released the policy report titled "Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities" on February 10, 2025.
%20(500%20%C3%97%20280%20px)%20(500%20x%20300%20px)%20(16).png "NITI Aayog Released Policy Report on “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States & State Public Universities”")
- The report was launched by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, and other officials.
- Quality: Emphasizes the need to strengthen research capabilities and enhance pedagogy in State Public Universities (SPUs). Recommendations include establishing a National Research Policy, forming Centres of Excellence in SPU clusters, and fostering Humanities Research.
- Funding & Financing: Stresses the importance of greater financial autonomy and improved infrastructure for SPUs. Key recommendations include setting up State-level Infrastructure Finance Agencies, advocating for tax exemptions for SPUs, and promoting CSR contributions to enhance infrastructure.
- Governance: Prioritizes improving governance in SPUs, proposing a State-level Higher Education Vision for 2047 and stronger state higher education councils. Additional reforms include granting greater autonomy to SPUs and enhancing accountability mechanisms.
- Employability: Focuses on aligning education with industry needs to improve employability. Recommendations include promoting industry collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship within SPUs.
Question:
1.What financial reform does the report suggest to improve infrastructure in State Public Universities (SPUs)?a)Setting up State-level Infrastructure Finance Agencies
b) Reducing financial autonomy for SPUs
c) Restricting CSR contributions to technical institutions only
d) Increasing tuition fees without government intervention
Answer: a) The report recommends establishing State-level Infrastructure Finance Agencies, advocating for tax exemptions for SPUs, and encouraging CSR contributions to improve infrastructure.
