SILCHAR, Aug 27 - The poor showing of Indian institutions in world university rankings has become a cause of concern among educationists in the country. Former President Pranab Mukherjee had expressed his worries on the dismal performance of the institutes of higher learning.
In this backdrop, Prof Sukhadeo Thorat, the former chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR) said that besides the development of the physical infrastructure, universities and colleges should have sufficient teachers and faculty staff.
Thorat was here recently to deliver a memorial lecture on �Dr BR Ambedkar�s role and perspective on nation building�, organised by the Assam University Silchar SC and ST Employees Welfare Association as a part of observing Ambedkar 126th birth anniversary.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune on the sidelines of the occasion, Prof Thorat said �the MHRD has its own measures to rank the universities. But in order to excel at the global circuit, the critical requirement is enrollment of potential teachers in our universities and colleges in sufficient numbers to enhance the quality of education. This will contribute towards making India, an educationally accomplished nation, besides the expansion of physical infrastructure.�
On the other hand, the former UGC chief was of the view that despite rich and unforgettable contributions, Dr Ambedkar is being ignored in the Indian universities and colleges which is why he believes, the curriculum in the universities call for a much-needed reform. �Dr Ambedkar has left behind rich contributions in political science, theories of class and law. His works should be included in the curriculum and concerned departments should take steps to include the works of Babasaheb,� Prof Thorat maintained.
Citing references of how during his tenure he took initiatives to make a college in Bodoland to become eligible for UGC grants, Prof Thorat mentioned about the functions of a committee of vice chancellors to review works of the universities in North East.
