Higher education should not be for profit-pursuit: Chhina
AMRITSAR: The Meeting of the Executive Body of the Non-Govt. Colleges Managements Federation of Punjab and Chandigarh (NGCMF) held today at Guru Nanak National College, Doraha (Ludhiana) to discuss the burning issues confronting Colleges.
The apex body of the 142 aided colleges called upon the state government to save higher education which is facing huge losses. While criticizing various arbitrary decisions being taken by DPI and Higher Education Department that undermine the autonomy of Colleges in Punjab and Chandigarh, they vowed to fight for their rights in public and legal forums.
Federation President Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina said that they will continue to take up the issues of the Aided Colleges with the DPI and other regulatory bodies to save higher education in the State. Discussion was made on the letter bearing no. DRC/215 dated 21-01-2025 issued by the DR (Colleges), Punjab University, Chandigarh. Chhina said that they will seek time from the Vice-Chancellor Punjab University, Chandigarh for meeting and their delegation will apprise the University VC about the adverse impact of the said letter on the Aided Colleges. While discussing the problems faced by the higher institutions in the State, he said that higher education should not be for profit-pursuit whereas private universities run like business houses, charging exorbitant fees from students. The Society and Trust runs institutions should be financially encouraged by the Governments both Center and States.
General Secretary SM Sharma said that the issues including pending DPI grants, implementing 95% grant-in-aid schemes instead of 75% for appointment of the teachers, filling up of vacant posts, repealing the reservation policy clear distinction in functioning of colleges and universities, immediate release of the pending Post Matric Scholarships amounts to the Colleges for SC Students in one installment, waiving of road tax for vehicles owned by colleges and better coordination of state universities were also discussed in details.
Federation’s senior Vice President Dr. S.P Singh, Advisor Sh. Ravinder Nath Joshi, Dr. Mehal Singh, VC Khalsa University, Amritsar, Adv. Karandeep Singh Cheema, Dr. Khuswinder Kumar, Sh. Nand Kumar, Sh. Pavittar Singh Pangli, Dr. M.P Singh and DS Rataul were present in the meeting.