MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (SHRI M.V.RAJASEKHARAN)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The relevant extract from the recommendations of the National
Knowledge Commission is annexed which gives details thereof.
(c) to (g): Recommendations of the Knowledge Commission are under examination.
Annexure referred to in parts a) to g) of Lok Sabha USQ No. 1006 to be answered on
05.03.2008
Extracts from the recommendations of National Knowledge Commission: on Higher
Education – Compilation of Recommendations on Education
Establish 50 National Universities
NKC recommends the creation of 50 National Universities that can provide education of the
highest standard. As exemplars for the rest of the nation, these universities would train
students in a variety of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, basic sciences,
commerce and professional subjects, at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels. The
number 50 is a longterm objective. In the short run, it is important to begin with at least 10
such universities in the next three years. National Universities can be established in two
ways, by the Government, or by a private sponsoring body that sets up a society, charitable
trust or Section 25 company. Since public finance is an integral constituent of universities
worldwide, most of the new universities shall need significant initial financial support from
the Government. Each university may be endowed with a substantial allocation of public
land, in excess of its spatial requirements. The excess land can be a subsequent source of
income generation. Exceptions need to be made in existing income tax laws to encourage
large endowments. There should be no restriction on the utilization of income in any given
period or in the use of appropriate financial instruments. These universities should have the
autonomy to set student fee levels and tap other sources for generating funds. The National
Universities, NKC proposes, will admit students on an all-India basis. They will adopt the
principle of needs-blind admissions. This will require an extensive system of scholarships for
needy students. Undergraduate degrees in the National Universities, in a three-year
programme, should be granted on the basis of completing a requisite number of credits,
obtained from different courses. The academic year will therefore be semester-based and
students will be internally evaluated at the end of each course. Transfer of credits from one
National University to another would also be possible. An appropriate system of
appointments and incentives is required to maximize the productivity of faculty in these
National Universities. Strong linkages would be forged between teaching and research,
universities and industry, and universities and research laboratories. The National
Universities shall be department-based and shall not have any affiliated colleges.
