Crisis in education, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court of India issued nine directives to Central and State governments regarding student suicides in higher education.
• The directives address student distress related to financial, social injustice, and academic issues.
• Seven directives focus on record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions.
• The Court ordered the filling of Registrar, Vice-Chancellor, and faculty positions.
• Many public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) report 50% faculty vacancies.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to issue these directives, recognizing the impact of privatization on higher education quality.
• The University of Madras, a premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu, faces a decline with half the sanctioned teaching strength filled.
• Stalled Vice-Chancellor appointments due to ambiguity on Governor's powers and delays in faculty appointments are major challenges.
• Filling faculty positions requires following UGC processes, budgetary commitments, and addressing corruption and political appointments.
• The Court's order emphasizes fulfilling basic requirements for a robust public higher education system to achieve goals like Viksit Bharat.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 142: Empowers the Supreme Court to pass orders necessary for complete justice.
• Viksit Bharat: A vision for India to achieve developed nation status.
• Higher Education Institution (HEI): An organization that provides education after secondary school.