HYDERABAD: Curriculum reforms proposed in the higher education sector, including introducing a four-year degree course and semester system, are inevitable in the context of the economy getting integrated globally, according to Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) K.C. Reddy.

Worrying trend

At a seminar on `Status of higher education in the State - curriculum reforms' organised by the Osmania University Teachers Association (OUTA) here on Tuesday, Prof. Reddy said that undergraduate (UG) and post-graduate (PG) courses should be in tune with industry needs and be capable of empowering India's vast human resources.

While there is a quantitative increase in higher education, quality had to be improved. Fall in teaching standards was another worry. Recruitment and strengthening of infrastructure apart, making courses relevant and flexible was crucial.

If the necessary changes are not brought about, there is every possibility of private educational institutions filling the gap. He sought to allay fears that APSCHE was encroaching into universities' domain.

"The reforms panel only provides guidelines for UG and PG levels. Universities can pick up what they feel is relevant. They will have to constitute subject experts for a detailed syllabi," he said.

New four-year degree course can either be curtailed in three years for candidates to take up civil services or jobs or can be continued and linked with existing PG programmes, said Prof. Reddy, adding that Government is ready to allow faculty recruitment. Higher Education Secretary Ashutosh Mishra said universities have a role to play in providing the right human capital to the economy, sustaining higher education by producing good quality teachers and ensuring meaningful research activity.

Mr. Mishra advised the APSCHE to launch the four-year course on a pilot basis in select colleges before going whole hog.

Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Mohd. Suleman Siddiqi observed that more exams would increase burden on varsities.

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