Prof. Sukhdeo Thorat
Chairman, University Grants Commission
is interviewed by one of our students, Manish.

Manish: Congratulations from the JNU News on behalf of the JNU Community.
Prof. Thorat: Thanks

Manish: What are your views about the present working of UGC?
Prof. Thorat: UGC is the primary body in the country engaged in promotion of higher education. From just 25 Universities and 700 colleges in 1950s when it was instituted, it has reached 225 Universities and 7000 colleges in the country. This is wonderful growth. The guiding principle since beginning has been to increase the reach of higher education to the backward regions and marginalized sections of the society. It has aimed at providing education, which is relevant for the society and the individual, to maintain the quality and to promote human values. Presently in the age group of 18-23 in the population only 6% are getting the higher education, though the target in the 10th plan was 10%. I will try to reach this target and make it possible for more than 10% of our population to get higher education.

Manish: What about the reports and views about the deteriorating level of higher education, particularly in the provincial universities?
Prof. Thorat: We cannot say that there is deterioration in the quality of education, but it is the variation in the standard of education among different regions and sections of the society, due to different regions. When education expands to larger areas from urban centers to rural areas, the level differs. We are promised to promotion of quality higher education and UGC have several special plans and schemes for that. A few of these are Centers of Excellence, Colleges of Excellence, RADA – where universities and centers are promoted on performance basis, Special Assistance Program, AISSHS, etc.

Manish: There have been cuts in the resources for higher education and it has caused serious threats for jobs in the higher education. What are your views on this?
Prof. Thorat: One cannot exactly say that the jobs in the higher education are decreasing as higher education is expanding now. There are large numbers of colleges and universities are coming up all over the country and it will boost the demand for the persons with good higher education and relevant qualification. Also the demand for good research in education is on the increase, thus jobs will increase in the coming times.

Manish: What are your plans for research in higher education?
Prof. Thorat: UGC is determined to uphold the quality and standard of research in higher education to international standards. In the future it will increase the facilities for the researchers in higher education and will introduce certain new schemes for research. It wants to keep the researchers involved in good research in compliance with the guiding principles.

Manish: What is your message to JNU community?
Prof. Thorat: JNU has made me what I am. My training and education at JNU has helped to build up myself and develop my potential to help the society. It is a great opportunity to be at JNU. I owe my overall personality and my academics to JNU.