Yashpal Committee Report: Highlights & Recommendations | UPSC Notes

The Yashpal Committee Reports of 1993 and 2009 have been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of education in India. Led by the visionary scientist, Professor Yashpal, these reports have laid the foundation for transformative reforms in the Indian education system. The Yashpal committee's recommendations have aimed to create a learner-centric and inclusive framework that fosters holistic development and prepares students for the demands of the future. The Yashpal Committee's first report, "Learning Without Burden" in 1993, was a groundbreaking examination of the education system's flaws. Building upon this, the Yashpal Committee presented its second report in 2009, titled "Renovation and Rejuvenation of Higher Education." Together, these reports have revolutionized the education discourse in India.

The Yashpal Committee Report on Higher Education is one of the important topics for UPSC IAS and covers a significant part of the General Studies paper-2 syllabus.

This article on the Yashpal Committee UPSC presents a detailed list of Yashpal committees recommendations, such as university role, privatization, curriculum reforms, etc. which is important for the upcoming UPSC Prelims and Mains examination.

About the Yashpal Committee Report on Higher Education in India 2009

The Yashpal committee was constituted in 2009 by the Department of Human Resources Development(MHRD), the Govt of India. The Committee was established to study the activities of the UGC and AICTE and assess their role in higher education implementation in India. The Committee was then extended under the direction of eminent Professor Yash Pal “to advise on the renovation and rejuvenation of higher education in India.”

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Key Highlights of the Yashpal Committee Report 2009

Emphasized the need for a holistic approach to education, integrating disciplines and promoting critical thinking to enhance the quality of education in India.

Observations on the Role of a University

The committee highlights the working problems of universities, such as autonomy erosion, the flagrant marketing of higher education and the undermining of education. Teaching and research centres should be connected because they are both aspects of academic work that are equally important.

Deemed University Proliferation

The committee has noticed an increase in Deemed universities in recent years. The committee has advised that no institute be granted deemed status until new guidelines are developed.

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Isolation of IITs and IIMs

To allow IITs and the IIM to function as full-size universities, the Commission advises increasing these Institute' scope to encompass disciplines such as humanities and literature.

Universities’ Decreasing Academic Influence

The Committee strongly recommended that researchers, graduates and graduate teachers meet. In the Committee’s view, undergraduate training should be alongside the affiliated colleges on university campuses. The students must have the opportunity to interact with the scientists.

Opposition to Privatization of the Higher Education

The committee has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s intention to exit higher education by privatizing it in India. It has strongly opposed private universities founded solely for profit and run like a family business.

Need for National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER)

The Committee recommended forming the National Higher Education and Research Commission (NCHER). By adopting legislation in parliament, the Committee recommended the establishment of NCHER. It had a Chairman and seven boards of directors. The Chairman and members of the Board should, in consultation with leading academics across India, be identified by a committee composed of the Prime Minister, Opposition leader and Chief Justice of India.

Foreign Universities

The committee noted a significant delay in the annual approval of university grants and jobs. It has only recommended the disbursement of subsidies for the period of the scheme to avoid this delay.

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Key Recommendations of the Yashpal Committee Report on Higher Education in India 2009

Advocated for the creation of a National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) to streamline governance, improve teaching standards, and encourage interdisciplinary studies.

• The committee highlighted the importance of granting educational institutions more autonomy and academic freedom.
• It suggested empowering institutions to create curricula and make admissions, faculty hiring, and administration decisions.
• The committee proposed doing away with regulatory bodies like UGC and AICTE.
• Instead, it recommended establishing independent bodies for higher education regulation.
• Attracting and retaining quality faculty members was emphasized by the committee.
• It advised offering competitive salaries, better working conditions, and faculty development.
• The committee urged the promotion of research in higher education.
• It suggested research parks, centres of excellence, and industry collaborations for innovation.
• The committee recommended new universities and vocational centres to address the demand for education.
• The committee stressed equal access to higher education.
• It suggested affirmative action, scholarships, and financial support to ensure inclusion.
• Integrating technology into education was advised by the committee.
• E-learning platforms, online courses, and ICT tools were suggested for modernization.
• Reforms in governance and financial management were recommended.
• The committee underlined the social responsibility of institutions.
• It proposed community engagement, social outreach, and student participation in service activities.

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About the Yashpal committee Report 1993 - Learning Without Burden

The Yashpal Committee Report of 1993 was titled "Learning Without Burden." It was a comprehensive document that focused on the Indian education system. It aimed to address the issue of excessive academic load on students. It proposed reforms to promote a more holistic and child-centric approach to education. The report highlighted the need for a shift from rote learning to experiential and activity-based learning. It emphasized the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It recommended restructuring the curriculum, reducing syllabus content, and promoting a more flexible and interactive teaching-learning process. 

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Key Recommendations of the Yashpal Committee Report 1993

Highlighted the requirement to reduce the content load of school curricula, encouraging conceptual understanding and creative thinking over rote learning.

• The Learning Without Burden Yashpal Committee Report, also known as the Kothari Commission Report, was issued in 1966 by the Government of India.
• Its aim was to address educational burdens and curriculum overload for Indian students.
• Recommendations included focusing on essential knowledge, and discarding unnecessary topics.
• It advised shifting from exam-centric assessment to continuous evaluation.
• The report suggested interactive classrooms for hands-on learning, projects, and experiments.
• Flexibility in the curriculum to match students' interests was advised.
• The report underscored quality teacher training for effective learner-centred methods.
• Instruction in familiar languages was highlighted for better learning.
• It proposed integrating vocational skills with general education.
• Values and citizenship education were emphasized.
• Adequate school infrastructure, libraries, and labs were stressed.
• Parent and community involvement in education was urged.

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