Evolution of Governance Structure in Higher Education : A Socio-Historical Journey

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the entire picture of governance in higher education, from the pre-independence era to the 21st Century. Indian higher education has witnessed tremendous growth as well as failure since independence. The contemporary university system started in 1857. Since that time, the higher education system has progressed a lot, but we find an equally dismal story where privatization, poor governance, lack of autonomy, and governmental direct influence over universities are the causes behind unsatisfactory results from higher education. Despite all the obstacles, Indian higher education has become the third largest system after the USA and China in terms of student recruitment and growth of colleges and universities. Institutionalization is also a peak point for our country, where other countries are opening their campus in India. But the questions are- How should higher education be governed? How is 21st-century higher education equivalent to the quality of Oxford and Harvard? Are we able to solve the traditional problems regarding higher education? If we see the reports of University Grants Commission (UGC), National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it suggests redesigning higher education with proper governance because the structure of university governance is still followed by a traditional approach. NEP 2020 presents an opportunity for the entire education system. It has taken the initiative to improve the quality of higher education. The onus is on each stakeholder to keep the students at the centre as they redesign the higher education architecture.  Hence, this article provides insight into how governance has emerged and evolved in higher education institutions, identifies the challenges of university governance, and examines how the NEP reforms the governance structure.