Emerging Concept of Privatization of Higher Education in India and its Importance in Contemporary Educational System Prevalent in the Society

Introduction:

Education system is the pillar of our society on the basis of which our whole future generation will be determined. Universal Declaration of Human Rights has specifically mentioned the right to education to all the people. Education system in India is divided into several parts such as primary education, elementary education, secondary education and lastly higher education. It is said that a child’s home is his/her first school. Various initiatives have been taken by the Central and State Governments for compulsory education between the age group of 6 and 14. Right to Education has been given recognition as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Even Directive Principles of State Policy has made provisions for educational rights. But the higher education has been left upon the financial conditions of the state, current status of the state and other relevant factors. For this reason, private institutions are rapidly increasing in numbers in every metropolitan city, urban areas and even in rural areas also. Some of the best private law colleges near me are perfect examples for this.

Right to Education as a Fundamental Right:

Educational right hadn’t been given express fundamental right status when the Constitution of India came into force. Later on, through various judgments right to Education has been given recognition by the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. Various famous cases such as Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka, Unni Krishnan v. State of A.P., TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka had improved the concept of educational right. Later on, Constitution (86^th Amendment Act), 2002 has added new Article 21-A in order to provide free and compulsory education between the ages of 6 and 14. But no provision has been made regarding compulsory higher education in the Constitution of India. In the area of higher education, very few public educational institutions exist in this country. Here comes the important role of private educational institution.

Importance of Private Educational Institutions:

Currently the population of India is above 143 crores. All the factors such as huge population of youth seeking higher education, tough competitions amongst students to get into the available public institutions, high demand of higher education lead to the increasing number of private education sector. Whether it be Engineering, Medical, Management, Nursing, Law and other professional courses, privatisation can be seen everywhere. In order to provide higher education to a major portion of the population, privatization is the only solution and need of the hour. In 21^st century, Governments have been vested with so many functions because of the concept of welfare state. It isn’t possible for the governments to provide higher education to all the people. Private institutions aim to provide education in almost every aspect. For example, Law colleges near me provide education in respect of 5 years and 3 years courses. The functioning area of private colleges is wider. In order to provide skill based education, high quality education and to fulfil the need of the country, privatisation of higher education in our contemporary society is necessary. Globalization and Liberalization play important role in this regard.