Access with equity

Privatisation of higher education in India encapsulates a complex trade-off between facilitating innovation and accessibility through private investment and addressing concerns about commercialisation, inequality, and its impact on democratic values

- FR. JOHN FELIX RAJ & PRABHAT KUMAR DATTA

Education is an investment in human capital, to borrow Swami Vivekananda's phrase, "the manifestation of what is already in man." It is a sort of cultivation of the human mind. Nelson Mandela viewed education as an agent of change. In an electoral democracy, education holds special significance, as democracy cannot function properly without an educated electorate. John Stuart Mill cautioned us about this long ago in his pioneering work, 'Representative Government'.

Privatisation of higher education in India has become a highly debated topic, with the country's adoption of neoliberal policies paving the way for private investment in education. Proponents of privatisation argue that it can help reduce the financial burden on the state, promote decentralisation, and foster creativity and innovation. India's higher education system is indeed massive, with over 43,796 colleges and 1,184 universities, making it the largest after China and the USA. However, despite its size, the system faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and concerns about quality.

The push for privatisation is driven by several factors. Reducing public expenditure is a major consideration, as privatisation can help shift the financial burden from the state to private investors. Improving quality is another key factor, as private institutions are often seen as more efficient and effective in delivering high-quality education. Increasing access to higher education, particularly in underserved areas, is also a significant driver of privatisation. Furthermore, privatisation is seen as a way to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in education.