Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal

Abstract

Indian Knowledge Tradition believes that education is not just the beginning of the spiritual life of mankind, but it is also the training of human soul. It aims at all round development of an individual. Education plays an important role in shaping a country’s socio-economic growth. India is one of the fastest growing economies with a huge human resource. With such vast human capital, the scope of higher education is very much wider in comparison to the other countries. We, in India have the tradition of believing and recognizing “Maa Saraswati” as the goddess of knowledge. We have Vedas, Upanishads, puranas in our core value system. The Bhagwad Gita enlightens and guides mankind in the gravest of life’s problems and awakens not just human mind but also enlightens human soul. The role of women scholars in the Vedic era in developing and enriching Indian tradition cannot be undermined. Takshashila is regarded as the oldest university in the world. While Nalanda, Vikramshila in Bihar are the examples of many distinguished centers of higher education centers in India, which were way ahead of times. The main aim of such higher education institution was to impart Vedic knowledge which leads to spiritual growth. The glory can be traced from the writings of many of the foreign travelers who came to visit Bharat during those times in order to not just see the prevailing higher education system but also to attain knowledge. Our modern education system is largely based on colonial legacy and English education pattern. The foreign invasion and the British rule destroyed traditional Indian educational system in a planned way. According to UNESCO, there are around 235 million students enrolled in different universities around the world. If India is willing to become a super power someday it will only be through knowledge-based society. In this paper we will be discussing the issues and challenges before the higher education system in Bihar. There are 17 state Universities in Bihar, each university has broadly two types of colleges- namely Constituent college and Affiliated college. Constituent Colleges are more or less like Government College and Affiliated colleges are like Private college. This research is primarily focused on the constituent colleges. Present paper seeks to highlight different issues and hindrances before the higher education system in Bihar e.g. Low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), inadequate Pupil-Teacher ratio, delayed session, poor attendance of students in college, absence of proper laboratory facility, NAAC accreditation, implementation of National Education policy 2020 etc. This is an empirical research based on observational methodology. Higher education has experienced expansion both in terms of institutions and enrolment over the period of time, but it has not been sufficient. Present higher education system has total disconnect from our great ancient tradition. Innovative and transformative strategies need to be implemented on priority basis at the higher education level.

Keywords: Higher education, knowledge tradition, issues, hindrance.

Impact Statement

This study paper emphasizes the urgent need for significant reforms and improvements in Bihar’s higher education system. Despite the growth of institutions and enrollments throughout time, there is still a significant gap in integrating higher education with the region’s rich traditional knowledge culture. While the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) included useful proposals, there is still more work to be done. The deployment of new and revolutionary initiatives at the higher education level in Bihar is critical. To assist this change, large grants and funds must be granted to the state’s universities and colleges to construct the essential infrastructure. Furthermore, administrative desire and efficacy are essential components in bringing about beneficial change in the state’s higher education system. Finally, the impact of this research work is to shine light on the existing flaws in Bihar’s higher education system and to highlight the critical need for change. The proposals offered serve as a road map to a more comprehensive and well-aligned education system capable of efficiently harnessing traditional knowledge while encouraging innovation and development in the state.

About the Author/s

Ms. Geetika has been working as an Assistant Professor in department of Political Science, D. S. College, Katihar. She has earned her degree of post-graduation from University of Delhi. She has presented papers in various seminars and has participated in different conferences. 

Dr. Manish, having two decades of experience as an educator has Ph.D. in Political Science. He has M.A in Political Science from Jamil Milia Islamia, Central University, New Delhi. He has presented papers in various national and international seminars and participated in many conferences. He has got various publications in esteemed journals too.