Saga of Private Varsities in Uttarakhand
The process of economic reforms, often referred as LPG (liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation) in a lighter vein, that the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh mooted when he was the Finance Minister in 1991 was a boon not only for the trade and industry but also for the academics.
Thus it was a green signal for philanthropists, organisations devoted to education and similar entities to enter the arena in setting up academic institutions at the school as well as varsity levels. On its part, the Government of India’s Ministry of Human Resources Development that oversees affairs related to education too issued relevant guidelines.
In its notification, the Ministry defined as to what is meant by State Private University and the criteria for its formation, mode of functioning, range of courses and recognition.
Such a move encouraged scores of enterprising individuals, corporate houses and also social welfare bodies to come forth to take up collegiate education. Initially, many among these institutions were termed as ‘deemed universities’. And today the total number of recognised Private Universities is 223, competent to award degrees as specified by the controlling nodal body – University Grants Commission.
Amid these developments, India also witnessed many other events like bifurcation of some states to create new provinces. One among these was the Uttaranchal in the laps of the majestic Himalayas that was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000. Later it was renamed Uttarakhand.
Idyllic surroundings, favourable climate and the state administration’s progressive policies acted as a shot in the arm for setting up of universities in this region. These factors are evident in 11 Private Universities which have come up in Uttarakhand and are fully functional. Out of these, eight are located in Dehradun, the state’s largest city and also the current provincial capital.
Going by public opinion poll and views of experts, among these, Graphic Era University (GEU) is rated to be the Top University in Dehradun, followed by University of Petroleum and Energy Studies in second spot.
GEU has made its presence felt with institutions specialised in engineering and management subjects. It offers education not only upto graduation level but also in post graduation including some leading doctorate scrolls.
Its accomplishment could be gauged from the fact that within such a short span, case studies and dissertations by its faculty members and also research scholars have been featured in national and international journals of repute. Apart from these, some papers have been presented in national seminars and workshops.
In addition to the Boards of Governors, Management, Planning and Monitoring, Research and Consultancy, an Academic Council assists the Vice Chancellor in the functioning of the varsity. Reportedly, the Top MBA College in Dehradun is an institution of this varsity.
All the universities in the state are doing well and on the path of progress and expansion. For instance, GEU has even set up an institutional extension under the name of Graphic Era Hill University, (GEHU) functioning from two campuses – Dehradun and Bhimtal. Novel teaching methodology with a global approach and focus on holistic development are its hallmarks.
Advertise on APSense
This advertising space is available.
Post Your Ad Here
Post Your Ad Here
Comments