BS EDIT: Reforming state public universities: NITI Aayog’s roadmap

The crisis in higher education

• 80% of India’s higher education is in SPUs, yet quality lags

• NITI Aayog proposes urgent reforms

Key challenges

• Funding gaps & inefficient spending

• Weak research ecosystem

• State-wise disparities

• Limited institutional autonomy

Major reforms proposed

• Fee autonomy for financial stability

• Research funding & infrastructure agency

• Tax exemptions & CSR incentives

• National Research Policy

Strengthening research & innovation

• Multi-disciplinary research universities

• Industry-academia collaborations

• Centres of excellence

Funding vs accessibility

• States fund 85% of public education but spending is declining

• Flexible fees may help but risk excluding the underprivileged

Why it matters

India’s youth & global competitiveness depend on education quality

The Centre & states must act now