The issues involved in the turmoil in higher education - sustained autonomy, maintenance of academic standards, greater availability and accessibility to deprived and weak sections of society - are fundamental to the continued health of the higher education system of the country. The declining importance being assigned to this sector, in stark contrast to developed countries, has created disparities that are increasing over time. The ongoing process of dismantling the higher education system in the country has to be reversed if the gap between India and the developed countries is to be bridged.
