8.4 Million More College Seats On Cards

New Delhi, June 13 (UNI) As many as 8.4 million higher education seats are planned to be added over the next four years as part of the University Grants Commission's expansion strategy for the 11th plan, it was announced today.

The enrolment rate by the end of 10th plan-- in 2007-08-- estimated to be 10 per cent is sought to be raised to 15 per cent by 2011-12.

Of the estimated 8.4 million increase, some 4.5 to 5 million will be in general education stream and rest in technical and professional streams.

A UGC Approach Paper sets down as goals : expansion, inclusiveness, promotion of quality and excellence.

A two-pronged strategy being devised involves helping increase the intake capacity of existing colleges and universities by strengthening their physical infrastructure and faculties and raising the number of the institutions themselves.

The UGC currently supports about 6,000 colleges and 167 universities Its focus is to increase enrolment of regions and groups which at present have low enrolment and encourage inclusiveness in the higher education system.

UNI