Important Commission on higher education in India

Evolution of higher learning and research in post independence India.

In India, Higher education system has a rich history. During upanishadic period Gurukul system was set up, later on during 5th and 6th century Nalanda and Takshashila universities were came into existence, modern higher education system was flourished in British colonial rule with establiment of Universities like University of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras in 1857.

After Independence the education system in India played significant role in development of nation. Various efforts were made to expand access to higher education, resulting in the establishment of numerous universities and institutions.

Higher education before independence

1)Charter Act 1813

Charter act is also known as the East india company act 1813 which was introduced during the British colonial rule in India. This act was renewed the charter of British East India company and continued the company's role in India, these charters were renewed for every 20 years.

Key provisions of charter act 1813 are

1)Charter act granted exclusive trading rights to British crown in India

2) Allocation of funds up to 100000₹ to promote education in India.

3) Promotion of Vernacular languages

4) Allowed Christan missionaries to propagate English and preach their religion.

2)Maculay's Minutes 1835

The Maculay's minutes is a "Minutes on Indian education, it is a set of recommendations given by Thomas babington Maculay in 1835. He suggested that adoption of English as the medium of instruction in Indian schools instead of Sanskrit and other Indian languages. 

3)Wood's dispatch 1854

Wood's dispatch was issued by sir Charles wood in 1854 to reform the education system in India.

It suggested that adoption of proper education system from primary to university level, promotion of Vernacular languages in primary levels , Anglo vernacular at high school levels and encouragement of English medium education at college levels.

4)National council of education

National council of education was formed in Bengal in 1906 by Satish Chandra mukharjee and other Indian nationalists. This council  led by the leaders such as Rabindranath Tagore, Aurobindo Gosh, Bipin Chandra pal etc to promote science and technology as a part of Swadeshi movement.

The Bengal national College was established in kolkata as a part of this council in 1906 to enhance the values of Indian tradition and culture.

5)Saddler's Commission 1917

The saddler's Commission is also known as Calcutta University Commission was established in 1917 headed by Michael saddler.

The recommendations of this Commission are

1) This commission recommended 10+2+3 system of education.

2) Central advisory board of education (CABE) was established in 1920 but it was abolished in 1923.

3) Intermediate education was separated from degree colleges.

6)Hartog Committee 1929

This committee was established in 1929 headed by sir Philip Joseph hartog to survey on growth of education in India. As per recommendation of this Commission CABE was re-established in 1935 and has been existence since.

7)Abbott wood report 1937

Abbott wood report suggested that implimentation of english as a medium of instruction at university level and setting up of vocational teacher training colleges to promote vocational training through polytechnics.

8)Wardha scheme of education

This educational approach Developed by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 under the chairmanship of Dr Zakir Hussain in Wardha. It is also known as nai talim or basic education.

This scheme recommend the followings

1)Free and compulsory education for all the children of age group between 6 to 11 years.

2) Mother tongue is medium of instruction.

3) Emphasis on craft based learning.

9) Sargent report 1944

It is the scheme of post war educational development in India which recommended to setting up of University grants commission (UGC).

Higher education after independence

1) University education commission 1948-49

The University Education Commission is also known as the Radhakrishnan Commission, was established in 1948 under the chairmanship of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan to assess the state of university education in India and make recommendations for its enhancement and development.

The commission submitted its report in 1949, highlighted several key areas for improvement in the Indian higher education system. It recommended the establishment of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to regulate university education in the country, which was  formed in 1956.

2) Secondary education commission 1952-53

The secondary education commission also known as Mudaliyar Commission which was established in 1952 under the chairmanship of Dr Lakshman swami Mudaliyar. The main objective of this Commission is to evaluate the secondary education in India and make it accessible to larger population.

3) National education commission 1964-66

National education commission popularly known as kothari Commission formed in 1964 under the chairmanship of Daulat Singh kothari. It proposed a three year degree courses and four year honours degree courses. It's recommendations are :

1)The commission recommended a 10+2+3 structure for school education.

2) To spend 6% national income on education

3) Encouragement for adult education

 

4)Gnanam committee 1992

Gnanam committee was established in 1992 which headed by Dr T.G.Gnanam to improve the overall quality of higher education in India.

5)Sam Pitroda committee 2007

The sam Pitroda committee established in 2007 headed by Sam Pitroda, this committee is also known as national knowledge Commission(NKC).The National Knowledge Commission addressed the issues related to education, research, innovation, and the use of technology to promote knowledge and development in the country. Nkc recommended increasing the number of Universities to 1500 by 2015.

6) Yashpal committee 2009

This committee suggested that replacement of the bodies such as UGC, NCTE, AICTE with Commission on higher education and research(CHER).

7) Sharma committee

Sharma committee was headed by M.M.sharma, which recommended that establiment of Indian institute of science, education and research (IISER). This committee emphasis on devlopment of science and tecnical education in India

These are just a few examples, and there have been many other committees, commissions, and initiatives aimed at shaping and reforming higher education in India over the years. The specific importance of each commission or committee may vary based on their recommendations and the impact of their proposed reforms on the higher education sector.