I like Miguel's point. Have another central university in Goa, perhaps
an IIT or an IIM. Why convert our own Goa University into a central
one ?
The issue is one of control. Currently, the issue seems to be that of
funds. There are a number of ways funds can be raised. Perhaps, the
govt. should look at ways by which there can be more of self-generation
of funds by the university.
The education market in India is very huge. Every Tom, Dick and Harry is
starting a college nowadays. Huge fees are being charged. Goa University
can definitely consider raising fees, increasing the number of seats, starting
new programs to raise the necessary funds. Let some cash-cow
departments such as Computer Science support non cash-cow department such as
social sciences.
What scares me the most about taking this univ. central is that toomorrow Arjun
Singh or Mural Manohar Joshi will have this bright idea of privatizing
education and this precious land will be doled out to Ambanis or some such
people. The govt. has done similar things before and there is no guarantee that
the univ. will remain a public one. After all, the centre also needs funds to
run the univ., and funding crunch can come any time!
regards,
Samir
