Higher edu sector: Govt proposes outsourcing non-academic jobs

It is of the view that higher education sector is in need of professionals to manage the administrative affairs of universities and institutions.

"Given the heavy involvement of the government in the sector, the option of outsourcing certain functions has not been explored traditionally.

"However, it is time to look at the option of bringing in specialised agencies to undertake functions which are not the core functions of higher educational institutions," the draft Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) document has said.

RUSA, which will be spread over two Plan periods (12th and 13th) will focus on state higher educational institutions. The objective to overall uplift and quality improvement of higher education.

 

The upcoming general budget could see an allocation of Rs 500 crore for RUSA.

The document also seeks developing a pool of professionals for taking up non-core activities of higher education institutes, noting that like the health sector, with professional cadre of hospital management and administration, there is a need to develop professionals for the higher education sector also.

Observing there are not enough number of academicians who have been groomed to take positions of responsibility in institutions, the document also seeks rejuvenation and strengthening of the academic staff colleges in states to address this issue. (MORE)