Date:14/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/14/stories/2005021401551300.htm

Back `Politicisation of education must be avoided'

Our Bureau

Mangalore , Feb. 13

POLITICISATION and commercialisation of education should be avoided, said Dr N.K. Thingalaya, former Chairman and Managing Director of Syndicate Bank.

Inaugurating an executive development programme on `Strategic management of educational institutions with TQM (total quality management)', organised by the Centre for Executive Development of Justice K.S. Hegde Institute of Management, in Mangalore on Saturday, Dr Thingalaya said private universities had proliferated in Chhattisgarh because of politicisation of education. However, the Supreme Court had, on Friday, declared 112 private universities in the State as illegal.

Adherence to the 3Cs - content, cost and contribution - will help improve the quality of education. The content of curriculum should be relevant to the needs of society and the cost of education should be manageable. Students must think of their contribution to society after their education.

Dr Thingalaya urged educational institutions to look beyond classroom lectures to face global competition.

Citing a study on the Indian higher education system, Dr Thingalaya said Indian managers were manning a majority of Fortune 500 companies and the number is likely to increase in future.

The President of Nitte Education Trust, Mr N. Vinay Hegde, presided over the function. The Director of the institute, Dr M.S. Moodithaya, was also present.