Should we really create new IITs?

Should we really create new IITs?

Introduction

IITs are 'institutions of national importance' established by Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. After India got its Independence, the world was changing. The leaders were able to envisage coming of ' Age of technology 'rather than capital. After Kharagpur became first IIT,different IITs were established that are scattered in different parts of country to maintain regional balance.

IITs are internationally respected for the quality of their graduates and teaching. IITs receive comparatively higher grants than any other engineering colleges in India. They have advantage in terms of faculty-to-student ratio which is between 1:6 and 1:8. The autonomous nature of IITs gives them the freedom to create their own curricula and adapt rapidly to the changes in educational requirements, free from bureaucratic hurdles. The government has no direct control over internal policy decisions of IITs.

We just read that the cut off for admissions to IITs has been lowered down to 6%.

A recent announcement of HRD ministry's proposal to set up New IITs was debated by educationists but every coin has 2 sides which need to be evaluated.

Yes

1. Establishment of new IIT's will create more opportunities. There is cutthroat competition for getting admission in IITs . To cater to the growing needs the demand for increasing number of IITs should be considered.

2. Scientific progress will ensure transformation of developing nation towards developed nation. As country moves towards this path the IITs will fulfill the aspirations of young minds and and turn India into scientific prowess.

3. More number of IITs could attract foreign students especially from South Asia. That could turn India into regional science capital and provide opportunity of progress to best student in the region. Even new IITs will be set up in different parts of the country that will bring opportunities for people residing in surrounding areas and regional balance.

4. Upgrading existing academic institutions that have the required infrastructure and commitment into IITs will be beneficial move. This will be beneficial to all the concerned parties - students, institute and the governement.

No

1. IITs are institutes of higher learning. In India we face dire situation in terms of primary and secondary education which is basic need of population so it is more important to improve the situation in this field must be improved before spending on IITs.

2. Spending money on existing IITs to improve infrastructure, R&D facilities, well trained faculty, sophisticated labs and research facilities is wiser idea. If need be, the number of seats in these existing institues should be increased.

3. Eight new IITs set up in 2008 faces disappointment as many of them have no buildings. They are being run in some polytechnic college or private college under shades even after many years of their establishment.

4. The students admitted in IITs are the cream of the society. If government increases quantity over quality these students might migrate to foreign universities. As the competition will be easy, average student might get the tag of being an IITian but it will not ensure them a good job as the quality produced will not be of the same level.

5. There is also chance that it will create a divide between new and old IIT as student will prefer old IITs

6. The new IITs will be established in the remote areas, it will be difficult to lure qualified academic staff eroding the quality of education.

Conclusion

Government should think wisely before opening up new IIT campuses. Of course we require more institutes but rather than starting a number of campuses at a time to just show up the figures, the Government should adopt a planned approach and spend wisely on improving the quality of existing institutes.