Navratna Universities

The announcement of the Science and Technology Minister to create
Navratna Universities on the lines of the Navratna PSUs has attracted
criticism from many quarters that mere branding of institutions as
"Outstanding" does not make them so. The criticism is not without
merit evident from the dismal infrastructure, lack of adequate
faculty, and ofcourse disharmony with the requirements of the industry
(evident from only 25 % fresh graduate employability). However if mere
branding would not improve the condition neither would a run of the
mill approach. It is not rocket science to realize that the present
structure of state and central university education is not
maneuverable despite sustained efforts. Navratna universities can
provide a window of opportunity to bring in those elements that have
been instrumental in creation of islands of excellence in the sea of
poverty of India's higher education structure( IITs and IIMs).
Financial autonomy, academic leadership in place of a bureaucratic
one, increased funding, freedom and ease of collaboration are some
measures that can be infused through the Navratna concept. Navratna
for the PSUs was an end in itself however it can very well be a 'means
to an end' for the educational institutions.