UGC Proposes Clustering of Colleges to Promote Multidisciplinary Research

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University Grants Commission recently finalized its “Guidelines for Transforming Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) into Multidisciplinary Institutions”, which was a key recommendation of the earlier released National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In the guidelines, UGC has suggested that there be an academic collaboration between institutions through “clusters” of Higher Education Institutions to boost multi-disciplinary education and research in both online as well as offline modes.

UGC Guidelines: What do they Suggest?

The guidelines prescribe three key approaches for transforming HEIs which are as follows:

1. Clustering of HEIs located in close proximity.
2. A merger of single-stream institutions with multi-disciplinary institutions either under the same management or different management, and
3. Strengthening of existing HEIs by setting up new departments and by adding new subjects such as languages, literature, music, sports, etc.

Why do we Need a Clustering System?

The National Education Policy 2020 intends that by 2040 all HEIs in the country should aim to become multidisciplinary with student enrolments in thousands at a minimum.

It also says that by 2030 there should be at least one large multi-disciplinary HEI in every district and that this could be achieved by bringing up new institutions apart from improving existing HEIs, and the clustering of HEIs is a great step in the right direction to achieve this vision.??

The proposed clustering of colleges will help institutions with poor enrolment due to a lack of job-oriented programs, innovative multidisciplinary research, and financial resources to improve their grades in National Assessment And Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation.?

This will also enable students of these colleges to access better facilities as well as avail unique programs that can give them a better standing in the job market.?

What is the Implementation Plan for the Cluster System?

The newly formed clusters of colleges will continue to function as affiliated colleges under one single university during the initial phases. The cluster colleges will share their resources to offer new programs and guide students in various research projects.?

Time table would be designed after consultation with partner institutions so that students can attend multiple programs in different colleges without facing any scheduling clashes.?

Students opting for courses offered as a result of collaborations and mergers can also avail credit mobility between partnering institutions as the National e-Governance Division of the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) has developed the ABC (Academic Bank of Credits) platform which allows students to open an academic account and add HEIs of interest and store credits earned from them for receiving degrees and diplomas.?

The UGC also suggests setting up Education Departments in universities and colleges that will teach curriculum design, pedagogy, communication, and writing to future teachers.?

What do you think about this step? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.