Arjun Singh urges gradation of universities

New Delhi, Aug 21: Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today invited MPs' suggestions in putting in place a system of grading universities on the lines of the system prevailing in foreign countries.

The issue was raised by BJP Member Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha through a supplementary during the Question Hour She said there should be a gradation of higher educational institutions so that students seeking admissions could make an informed choice.

She said such steps had become necessary in view of the falling standards of the universities with their mushrooming growth.

Replying to her, Mr Singh said he shared her concern, and some form of gradation was already there but he would like Members to come forward with suggestions for putting in place a specific mechanism in this regard.

To this, Ms Swaraj said there was no need of setting up a special agency for this purpose, and prestigious institutions like the IIMs etc could be assigned the job.

UNI