Allowing Foreign Universities in India would harm India's education system

Allowing Foreign Universities in India would harm India's education system

Introduction

Allowing foreign universities into India has become a bone of contention between those vociferously opposing it and others who are espousing its cause. Just like every other decision, this one has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. On the whole, however, it seems more likely that allowing foreign universities into India will not harm the Indian educational system.

Viewpoint

• A recent survey found that a majority of those enrolled in distance education courses at Harvard University were Indians. There is already a considerable portion of the Indian population that opts for foreign degrees. They do not vie for education at leading institutions in India. For a vast percentage of these students, travelling to foreign destinations ensures that Indian money fills foreign coffers. If the Indian government wants to cut down on this flow of money, allowing foreign universities in India may be a major step in this direction.

• Moreover, these foreign universities also provide good opportunities for local academicians. There are many reputed lecturers and professors who are choosing to leave India to teach abroad because the salaries here are not commensurate with international standards. We can also prevent brain drain by allowing foreign universities in India. So many of our talented IIT students opt for higher studies abroad and choose to remain there. This is not good if we want our economy and country to progress.

• It would also spur the education system in India to improve its functioning if foreign competition is allowed. So far, Indian educational institutions have become complacent. Hefty fees are demanded by certain corrupt principals for entrance into medical, management and technical courses. This kind of corruption can be nipped in the bud if foreign universities enter into the fray.

• Indian educational institutions would also benefit from knowledge transfer, collaborations and partnerships with foreign universities that are allowed to set shop in India. It would be easier to connect with them if they are located in India. Many foreign universities can also provide top research programs in areas which are not available in India to a great extent. Courses such as sports psychology, sports medicine and sports management are rare in India. Those who want to specialize in key scientific disciplines in certain specialized fields also have no options in India. In such a scenario, offering a chance for foreign universities to establish base in India may not be a bad move. It may even encourage Indian universities to develop better courses.

• India is replete with universities that are functioning below par. Papers are leaked and corrupt teachers often encourage copying and unfair practices. Certain lecturers charge hefty tuition fees to provide coaching at home and they do not complete the courses or teach them well at the university. If we have to clean up the system, we need to allow foreign universities into India. This will benefit the Indian educational system and may even pave the way for key reforms in the educational sector.

Conclusion

A vast majority of Indian universities are plagued by unfair practices. Paving the way for foreign universities will only allow the Indian educational system to develop better and become more advanced. There is a question of whether such universities may end up attracting more students as compared to their Indian counterparts. But this concern should be considered along with the contention that those who want to study at foreign universities will do so anyways. Barring foreign universities from entering India will not prevent them from posing a challenge to the Indian educational system.