The Unseen Crisis in Indian Higher Education: A Call for Genuine Reform

Despite various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of higher education in India, private self-financing engineering colleges are often trapped in a cycle of superficial compliance and deep-rooted corruption. The situation has deteriorated to a point where the primary focus of these institutions has shifted from imparting quality education to creating fake documentation for accreditations and other formalities. This article aims to shed light on the systemic issues that are undermining the potential of higher education in India and calls for urgent, genuine reform.

The Accreditation Mirage

The accreditation process was introduced to ensure that educational institutions meet certain standards of quality. However, in many private engineering colleges, this process has become a mere formality, with institutions focusing more on producing fake documents than on improving the quality of education. Faculty members are often tasked with creating these documents, leaving little time for actual teaching. The result is an education system that is more concerned with appearances than with substance.

The Hollow Promise of Green Initiatives and SDGs

Green initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become buzzwords in the education sector. Unfortunately, in many cases, these initiatives are reduced to a series of meetings, presentations, and conferences with no real action. The focus is on ticking boxes rather than on making meaningful changes. This superficial approach not only undermines the spirit of these initiatives but also wastes valuable resources that could be used to drive real progress.

The NEP and Senseless Curriculum Design

The National Education Policy (NEP) was supposed to bring about a transformation in the Indian education system. However, its implementation has often been lacking in spirit. Curriculums are frequently designed by so-called "experts" who may not have the necessary expertise, leading to courses that are out of touch with the needs of students and the industry. This disconnect between curriculum design and real-world requirements is a major reason why graduates from these institutions often struggle to find meaningful employment.

The Dark Side of Publications and Patents

With an increasing emphasis on publications and patents, a new industry has emerged to cater to the demand. Companies now offer services to help faculty publish papers and file patents, often at a cost. The quality of these publications and patents is often questionable, with many being produced simply to meet institutional requirements. The commercialization of academic achievements has led to a situation where the first author of a paper or patent is determined by how much they are willing to pay, rather than by their contribution to the work. This not only devalues genuine research but also undermines the credibility of the entire academic community.

The Corrupt World of Awards and Recognitions

In recent times, another troubling trend has emerged organizations offering awards and recognitions to faculty members, not based on merit, but as a means of generating revenue. These awards, often marketed as prestigious, are sold to faculty members eager to add another accolade to their CVs. This commercialization of recognition further dilutes the value of genuine achievements and perpetuates a cycle where money, rather than merit, determines success. Such practices are not only unethical but also contribute to the overall decline in the credibility of the higher education sector.

Corruption in Funded Projects and the Startup Ecosystem

Government-funded projects, which are supposed to drive innovation and research, have become a breeding ground for corruption. Funds are often allocated based on bribes and commissions, with little regard for the actual merit of the projects. Agents facilitate these transactions, ensuring that the funds are secured but with no real expectation of useful outcomes. Similarly, startup funds, meant to support real entrepreneurs, are often diverted to corporate entities through fake startup registrations. This leaves genuine entrepreneurs struggling to find the resources they need to bring their ideas to life.

The Way Forward

The current state of higher education in India, particularly in private self-financing engineering colleges, is alarming. The focus on superficial compliance, corrupt practices, and meaningless documentation is preventing these institutions from fulfilling their true purpose. To bring about real change, there needs to be a shift in priorities, with a focus on genuine quality, transparency, and accountability. Accreditation bodies must take a more active role in ensuring that the standards they set are actually met. The government must crack down on corrupt practices and ensure that funds are allocated based on merit, not on connections or bribes.

Educational institutions need to remember that their primary mission is to educate and empower students, not to chase accreditations or fake achievements. Only by addressing these deep-rooted issues can we hope to build an education system that truly serves the needs of students and the nation.

This article serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in the Indian higher education system. It is time to move beyond appearances and focus on substance. The future of our students—and our nation—depends on it.