KSAAC to help Kerala thrive in higher education sector

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is actively considering the formation of 'KSAAC' (State Assessment and Accreditation Council) to rank higher education institutions in the state based on quality. This is to enhance the quality of the higher education sector and achieve national and international standards. 'KSAAC' will be modelled after the National Accreditation Council (NAC). Currently, the 'State Assessment and Accreditation Centre' is functioning, but is ineffective. Only three institutions have been assessed in the past 8 years.

The national agency NAC alone cannot complete the evaluation quickly. The central government has proposed to establish decentralised accreditation agencies as part of the 'Vikasit Bharat Shiksha' reform. The UGC regulation also proposes multiple accreditation agencies at the state level. Based on this, the government is considering the KSAAC project document prepared by Dr R. Jayaprakash, a former member of the Higher Education Council Executive and a member of the syndicate of Kerala and Sanskrit universities.

Only 29 per cent of colleges and 50 per cent of universities in the state have been officially accredited. It is hoped that with the advent of KSAAC, all institutions will be accredited. KSAAC will provide continuous assistance to improve quality to national standards. Teachers will be provided with timely expert training. Since all this is charged, the government will not have any financial liability. The work will be done in collaboration with international quality agencies.

No external interference

1. The KSAAC will be fully autonomous and will not allow external interference. There should be complete academic, administrative and financial independence.

2. The responsibilities of the KSAAC will include assessment, accreditation, quality audits, continuous mentoring and accurate data monitoring.