Comparing Education Policy Approaches: Think Tank vs. MKCL Model

Hyderabad: Setting Up Telangana Education Commission (TGEC)

The Telangana Education Commission (TGEC) has been established with big ideas like “thinking outside the box,” “market-ready skills,” and creating “good and responsible global citizens.” These goals are based on the idea of providing equal and value-based education. However, some people wonder if these are just fancy words or if the Telangana Higher Education Department (TGHE) can actually make these changes happen. There are also concerns about the ‘think tank’ model used to form the TGEC.

The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) Example

In 2005, the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was set up as a think tank to improve education in India. Though it made some important recommendations, like increasing the number of universities and technical institutions, it was removed when the government changed. Some of its ideas, like creating more IITs and medical institutions, were eventually implemented, but many of its goals were not fully realized.

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Rejection by University Heads

Many university heads were not happy with the recommendations made by the think tank model. At a meeting of the All India Vice-Chancellors Conference, most of the university leaders rejected its suggestions. After this, the Karnataka Knowledge Commission (KKC), led by Indian space scientist Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, gave its own recommendations. This later led to the formation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).

Maharashtra's Different Approach

Maharashtra took a different approach to improve its education system. Instead of relying only on a think tank, the Maharashtra State Government created a sustainable model that could function in the long term. This model focused on meeting the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of the education sector, including learning, training, and employability.

Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL)

Maharashtra did not put the full responsibility on the government. Instead, it made universities accountable as well. To do this, the state set up the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), a public company where both the government and universities are shareholders.

MKCL's Structure and Goals

The MKCL is managed by a board of directors that includes government nominees, two vice-chancellors from shareholder universities, and six experts from different fields. The Managing Director serves as the full-time director. The goal of MKCL is to use digital solutions to improve education, development, governance, and empowerment.

A Self-Sustaining Model

The Maharashtra government holds 26% of the shares in MKCL, and the universities also own a significant portion. Since MKCL is a corporate entity, it continues to operate regardless of changes in political leadership. By making universities shareholders, they are responsible for contributing to and benefiting from the creation of knowledge. This system ensures that the universities are accountable for their own performance and helps the corporation stay profitable.

This model has been working successfully in Maharashtra, showing that a sustainable approach might be better than just relying on a think tank.

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