The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, inaugurates Sub-regional Conference on Higher Education SHRI ARJUN SINGH CALLS UPON COUNTRIES HAVING LARGE BASE OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO COME FORWARD AND COLLABORATE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
	14:38 IST

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, inaugurated the Sub-regional Conference of South, South-West and Central Asia on Higher Education here today at Vigyan Bhavan. The 2-day Conference has been organized by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) in collaboration with UNESCO. The theme of the conference is: ‘Facing Global and Local Challenges: the New Dynamics for Higher Education’ and is part of a series of regional conferences being organized as prelude to the World Conference on Higher Education to be convened by UNESCO later this year. Shri Arjun Singh, Union Minister of Human Resource Development presided over the Function. Smt. D. Purandeswari, Minister of State for Higher Education, was also present. The President also released a publication titled : ‘ Higher Education in India: Issues related to Expansion, Inclusiveness, Quality and Finance’ published by the University Grants Commission. Speaking on the occasion Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil said that all countries should set up progressive and well-regulated education systems that impart quality education, while meeting the aspirations of all segments of society. “This challenge translates itself to the target of providing increased opportunities of higher education in a wide range of subjects. Universities and institutes among others, of technology, science, engineering, medicine, law, management and vocational training have a critical role in meeting the requirements of a country for trained professionals with a sound knowledge of their respective disciplines and of a skilled human resource base”, the President said. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil said that expansion of the higher education system must be accompanied by steps to ensure quality and high standards. She said that this demands structural changes. “ Adjustments need to be made within institutions especially on learning strategies and curriculum content. Quality assurance mechanisms which encourage the robust development of higher education should be adopted”, Smt. Patil said. Shri Arjun Singh said that Higher education is increasingly becoming a complex phenomenon throughout the world. “ On the one hand, it is expected to develop value oriented society and on the other hand, it serves as an instrument of producing knowledgeable skilled manpower. I may also add that while new disciplines have come up to meet demands of skilled manpower for industrial economy, we need to provide a much wider base of higher education so as to empower our citizens to combine knowledge with a vision for building a just society based on respect for human rights, universal brotherhood and tolerance”, Shri Singh said. Minister of Human Resource Development said that there seems to be a general thumb rule that a country should spend at least about 6% of its, GDP on education. While I am painfully conscious of the fact that for most of our countries of the region including India, this target has been eluding us. He expressed happiness at the fact that in the current 11th Five Year Plan an outlay which is roughly 5 times of the expenditure of the previous X Plan has been provided which will help India in increasing the access while ensuring equity and excellence. Shri Arjun Singh said that with the cooperation of State Governments, India is likely to come close to the target of spending about 6% of GDP by the end of 11th Five Year Plan. The two-day Conference has brought together ministers of education, senior representatives of national governments, educationists, academics, NGOs, policy makers and stakeholders in higher education from 14 countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Iran and Afghanistan . The papers being presented would incorporate country reports from the fourteen countries and would also discuss the current status and future directions of higher education. The Conference is providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and aims to create a set of recommendations for further deliberations during the World Conference on Higher Education later this year in Paris. The objectives of the Conference are: • To examine significant trends and their bearing on higher education • To understand the role of higher education as a driving force for sustainable development • To probe new challenges in terms of achieving “equity” and “quality”, that would shape the strategic agenda for the development of higher education in the future • To discuss mechanisms to deepen transnational collaboration and cooperation in higher education for the common benefit of all • To adopt a set of recommendations for the forthcoming World Conference on Higher Education in 2009 The full text of the President’s speech is given below: “ It is, indeed, a pleasure for me to inaugurate this Conference on Higher Education in which delegates from 14 countries of South, Southwest and Central Asia are participating. This is an opportunity for those working in the higher education sector, to share their thoughts, views and best practices so that higher education serves its purpose of contributing to human welfare. Education should empower the people of a country to meet the challenges of a knowledge based society of the 21st century. It should prepare them to contribute constructively - as enlightened citizens not only to nation building but also to the world. Peaceful and prosperous nations are predicated on an educated, well-informed and well-meaning population. All countries should set up progressive and well-regulated education systems that impart quality education, while meeting the aspirations of all segments of society. This challenge translates itself to the target of providing increased opportunities of higher education in a wide range of subjects. Universities and institutes among others, of technology, science, engineering, medicine, law, management and vocational training have a critical role in meeting the requirements of a country for trained professionals with a sound knowledge of their respective disciplines and of a skilled human resource base. Many countries, particularly developing countries, face a shortfall in skilled manpower. To fill these gaps increased financial outlays on education are necessary. The international community, including UNESCO, should support developing countries in their national efforts by making available financial resources. Expansion of the higher education system must be accompanied by steps to ensure quality and high standards. This demands structural changes. Adjustments need to be made within institutions especially on learning strategies and curriculum content. Quality assurance mechanisms which encourage the robust development of higher education should be adopted. We often speak about inequities that exist in higher education. Inequities can be corrected by following inclusive approaches in the overall policy framework which provides opportunities for talent to blossom. Higher education poses for many the challenge of having access to adequate finance. A scheme for making scholarships available to students and providing interest subsidies on educational loans for professional courses is important for ensuring that nobody is denied professional education on account of lack of financial resources. Children from under privileged sections of society are often faced with this challenge. I feel that there should be a talent search process at the middle school level for identifying deserving and meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds who should be supported for higher education. This young talent should be nurtured and special attention given to them. It would be a loss for the nation if due to lack of finance deserving students cannot pursue their education. A special revolving fund should be created from which loans at no interest are given to them for pursuing higher education and which they can return after they start earning. Gains of education will reach society if women's participation in higher education sector is increased. Once having achieved education, women could become "harbingers of change" in their homes and local communities. It is a welcome sign that more women today are seeking higher education. Hence, there is need to provide more opportunities for women in higher education and ensure their fullest participation. There has been considerable rise in representation of women on decision-making boards and academia. This process must be encouraged. No institute can claim to have achieved its objectives unless it fulfils its social responsibility. It would be useful if in the curriculum an outreach programme is incorporated where interaction of the students with marginalized sections of society and in neighbouring communities is included. This would provide students an understanding of the social milieu in which they work and make them responsive to the needs of those around them. Education should contribute, in a broader sense, to the improvement of the quality of life. In this context, a focus on research and development is extremely important. A quest for learning and a questioning mind, push the frontiers of knowledge. A hunger for knowledge will result in delving deep into subjects, researching and innovating. Research in the field of humanities will help in a better understanding of society and its impulses. Research in the field of science and technology can result in improved productivity in agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. The power of science can be harnessed in a number of fields whether it is health, medicine, irrigation, environment, communication, transport, engineering, pharma, space, amongst others. For education to be useful it needs to be comprehensive. There are questions on which sometimes less emphasis is placed in our educational system, but they are of enormous importance. This is building the character of the youth. What values should be inculcated in them? How to make them individuals who understand the virtues of hardwork, discipline and dedication? How to help them understand the importance of the common thread of humanity that binds us all together? This common thread is the universal desire for peace and harmony - it is like the thread that holds together a beautiful garland of flowers of many colours, fragrance and variety. Different faiths, languages, ethnicities, races that exist in the world should come together as a garland of peace. This requires that we must have respect and tolerance for each other's views and backgrounds. These attitudes are important and higher education should promote such commonalities and strengths. Drug consumption among students is a matter of concern. Drugs debilitate life and when students take to drugs they are drawn away from academic and intellectual pursuits, often disturbing campus life. There should be a campaign to make students aware of the ill effects of drug consumption. Education involves a process of learning and sometimes unlearning as well. Learn what is good and useful to society and unlearn what is harmful to you and society. Education should impart values to the youth that makes them sensitive to fellow human beings and the environs around them. As Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said, and I quote, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence." Unquote. Information technology has provided immediate connectivity to people around the globe. Nations and academic institutions must constructively cope with these implications. To spread the reach of education and to improve its quality, we should try to use the power of information and communication technologies to reach the 'last of the untaught' particularly in the rural areas. ICT can be used for adopting better teaching and learning practices and can enhance the sharing of available resources, in terms of books, journals and learning materials. We must also focus on surmounting the digital divide, while attempting to use the power of ICT. Our countries are contiguous in this region. Our geographical boundaries should not be looked upon as creating hindrances in thinking about the common good of humanity but should rather work to combine us for the common good. I am reminded that even in ancient times, the various trade routes that existed in Central and South Asia, were conduits not only for trade, but were also important paths for cultural and technological transmission. In ancient times, this region had many places like Taxila, Vikramshila, Nalanda, amongst others. Centuries ago they were centres for exchange of ideas between scholars who travelled far and wide from various places in our region. This can be our inspiration to once again spark this great exchange process. I have always believed that interaction between educational institutions and exchange of students is an excellent way to promote friendship and understanding between nations. It also promotes international goodwill. In the next two days, I am sure that a meaningful dialogue will take place on all these issues in a manner so as to further the goal of higher education and contribute to the global discourse. I convey my best wishes for the success of this Conference and also wish the visiting delegations from other countries a pleasant stay in India.” The full text of Shri Arjun Singh’s speech is also given below: “ At the outset let me express our very sincere gratitude to Her Excellency, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India for kindly accepting our invitation to grace this function as the Chief Guest and to inaugurate this Conference. Your Excellency’s kind presence here is reflective of the highest importance that is placed by us on the education sector and also on the need for regional dialogue and cooperation. Your presence today will definitely inspire all of us to work for the further development of higher education sector in this Region. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome this august gathering which includes Hon’ble Ministers and heads of education from different countries, representatives from the governments, eminent academicians and other stakeholders of education from the South, Southwest and Central Asia. I am sure that the deliberations which will take place in this Conference, will make a significant contribution to the policy and practice of higher education in the region, and help us in developing the right strategy for the future development of higher education. I must say that we attach great importance to this Conference as also on the need to regularly engage in a critical dialogue on the present condition and future prospects of higher education in this region. Higher education is increasingly becoming a complex phenomenon through out the world. On the one hand, it is expected to develop value oriented society and on the other hand, it serves as an instrument of producing knowledgeable skilled manpower. I may also add that while new disciplines have come up to meet demands of skilled manpower for industrial economy, we need to provide a much wider base of higher education so as to empower our citizens to combine knowledge with a vision for building a just society based on respect for human rights, universal brotherhood and tolerance. The countries the world over are faced with four major issues concerning higher education. These include worldwide growth in demand for increased access to higher education; ensuring excellence in higher education institutions; increasing global interaction and interconnectedness; and growing use of technologies. All the above, especially the achievement of excellence demands provision of resources, not only financial but also of faculty and infrastructure facilities. All of us gathered here are aware that the private sector has expanded dramatically including in the field of education, over the past few decades in one way or another in most of the countries in the world. The maintenance of the overall standards and quality of private higher education remains a major concern to be addressed by most of us in the region. There are many important issues, like the fee structure and the inclusion of the poor into the portals of higher education in a new regime of market oriented competition, which need to be discussed. Technology, particularly Information and Communication Technology is another key trend shaping the higher education landscape. Specifically, the educational satellites and internet offer an array of information resources these days with significant implications for good teaching-learning as also productive research collaboration between faculties across the borders. The use of Information and Communication Technology has also brought distance education to the forefront. Distance education, which has the capability of delivering educational programmes to the remotest areas and also across international boundaries, is increasingly becoming an agent of providing access with quality to the doorsteps of students living in difficult areas. There seems to be a general thumb rule that a country should spend at least about 6% of its, GDP on education. While I am painfully conscious of the fact that for most of our countries of the region including India, this target has been eluding us. However, I am happy to inform you that in the current 11th Five Year Plan an outlay which is roughly 5 times of the expenditure of the previous X Plan has been provided which will help us in increasing the access while ensuring equity and excellence. With the cooperation of our State Governments, we are likely to also come close to the target of spending about 6% of our GDP by the end of 11th Five Year Plan. An important challenge before us is to plan for trained faculty in adequate numbers to meet the demand in view of the rapid expansion in higher education sector. While we have taken some steps to attract and retain talent in teaching, this is really a challenge before us. We must do everything possible to restore the respect for teaching profession and the status of the teacher must come first and above everyone in the society as has been the tradition in our region. UNESCO should also initiate a campaign to restore the prestige to the teaching profession. The globalisation of higher education has added newer challenges in terms of the assurance of quality education, issues of mutual recognition of degrees and above all the transparency in the regulatory structure of the national systems of higher education. While I am sure that UNESCO can, and will play, a vital role in this sphere, at the same time we all who are participating in this Conference can also make a beginning in areas of mutual interest like recognition of qualifications and sharing information about accreditation of educational institutions. The challenges of globalisation and social aspiration of the people seeking access to higher education in the countries can be addressed to a great extent by regional collaboration. Here, I will also like to emphasise that globalisation also has an inherent tendency to homogenise knowledge to the detriment of the local knowledge, customs and traditions. The countries of our Region have been very strong in local knowledge since time immemorial and we must ensure that globalisation does not challenge our respect for diversity and pluralism. We need to share our experiences, our good practices and innovations so that all of us benefit from the same. The countries of this region have many concerns which can be addressed by working mutually. I feel that the countries having large base of higher education should come forward and collaborate with the other countries in the region for the development of higher education base. I am happy to inform this august gathering that in India we have made a series of educational programmes relating to technical education which are being taught in our prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. We shall be glad to share these e-learning materials with the countries of the region who are participating in this Conference. We will also be happy to have further exchanges of students, faculty, and research data as also joint research projects so that we all can prosper together. The Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had said I quote, “I don’t want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any” Unquote. I am sure that this Conference will lead to winds of knowledge to flow freely across the region and as we all know, knowledge is a unique fund which increases with spending and extinguishes if we don’t spread it. So, we will not at all be miser in sharing whatever in have in India. With these words, I once again wish to express my gratitude to Her Excellency, the President of India, Hon’ble Ministers who have come from different countries of this Region, senior officials of UNESCO and all delegates to this Conference and urge upon all the delegates to join hands to create appropriate opportunities for the spread of knowledge for the betterment of humanity in general and in particular in our region. I am looking forward to having a very fruitful and meaningful deliberations in this Conference and I wish this Conference all the success.” ------------------ KKP