Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, India

Overview

The Department of Higher Education (DHE) operates under the Ministry of Education (MoE), formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. It is the principal agency responsible for the development and regulation of higher education in the country. The department's mandate encompasses policy formulation, planning and coordination for the expansion and qualitative improvement of higher education institutions, including universities, colleges and technical institutions. Its mission is to enhance access, equity and excellence in higher education, thereby contributing to the nation's socio-economic development.

History and Legal Framework

The Department of Higher Education was established to centralize the administration and development of higher education in India. It operates within the legal framework set by the Government of India and aligns with national educational policies and regulations, including those set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020, has been a significant policy development, aiming to overhaul the higher education system with approximately 140 recommendations, including the establishment of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) and the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) .

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Vision: To realize India’s human resource potential to its fullest in the higher education sector, with equity and excellence.

Mission: To provide greater opportunities of access to higher education with equity to all eligible persons, particularly to vulnerable sections and to ensure quality education through world-class institutions.

Objectives:

• Enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education.
• Promote equity and inclusion in access to higher education.
• Improve the quality and relevance of higher education institutions.
• Foster research and innovation in academic institutions.
• Strengthen governance and accountability in higher education institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Department of Higher Education is administered at the Secretariat level by the Secretary and Joint Secretaries, who are responsible for policy formulation, implementation and coordination with other sectors. The organizational structure includes various divisions responsible for specific areas such as technical education, scholarships, research and international cooperation. The department maintains a degree of autonomy to address the specific needs of higher education in the country, while operating within the framework set by the Government of India.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

Institutions under the Department of Higher Education are subject to accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The department also coordinates with other regulatory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) to ensure the quality and standards of higher education institutions. Initiatives like the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) have been introduced to assess and rank institutions based on various parameters, promoting transparency and accountability in the higher education sector.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Department of Higher Education actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of higher education in India. It participates in various multilateral forums such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The department has been instrumental in the establishment of the South Asian University in New Delhi and collaborates with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia to promote academic exchange and research partnerships .

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Department of Higher Education continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in India. Initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, such as the introduction of multidisciplinary programs, the establishment of new universities and colleges and the promotion of online education, aim to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education and enhance the quality of education. The department is also focusing on enhancing vocational education, reducing dropout rates and improving employability among graduates. Strategic efforts are being made to address challenges such as faculty shortages, infrastructure deficits and the need for curriculum reforms to align with industry requirements.

Summary

The Department of Higher Education of India is instrumental in overseeing and enhancing the higher education sector in the country. Through its vision, mission and objectives, the department strives to provide quality education, promote research and ensure equitable access for all. While it operates within the legal and administrative framework of the Government of India, the department maintains a level of independence to address the unique needs of higher education in the region. With a focus on accreditation, international cooperation and future-oriented initiatives, the department is committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation.

FAQs

• What is the Department of Higher Education of India?
  The Department of Higher Education is a government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education institutions in India.
• When was the Department of Higher Education established?
  The exact founding date is not specified in the available sources, but the department has been operational for several decades.
• What is the mission of the Department of Higher Education?
  The mission is to provide greater opportunities of access to higher education with equity to all eligible persons, particularly to vulnerable sections and to ensure quality education through world-class institutions.
• Which institutions are under the Department of Higher Education?
  The Department oversees universities, colleges and technical institutions across India, including institutions under the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
• What is the accreditation status of institutions in India?
  Institutions under the Department are subject to accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), coordinated through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Does the Department of Higher Education engage in international collaborations?
  Yes, the Department actively engages in international collaborations, including partnerships with institutions in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
• What are the future goals of the Department of Higher Education?
  The future goals include increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, enhancing infrastructure, promoting research and improving employability among graduates.

Organization Name

Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, India

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/1985

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Shastri Bhavan
New Delhi
110 001 NCT of Delhi India

Phone

+91 (11) 2338 2298

Fax

+91 (11) 2388 1355

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, India's Wikipedia article

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