CHALLENGES BEFORE ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN INDIA

Abstract

We know that the present day economies are governed by market forces. After globalization, liberalization and privatization, the market has become very demanding, suddenly we are pushed into a situation where these are no excuse for incompetence. The jungle rule prevails. It is the survival of the fittest.   Technical Education is one of the most significant components of human resources development spectrum in improving the quality of life of the people. In recognition of the importance of this sector, the planners have accorded priority to this sector. There has been phenomenal growth in the field of technical education during the previous plan periods. At the dawn of independence, there were hardly 4 degree and 8 diploma institutions. There are at present 222 degree and 203 diploma institutions, with intake capacity of 63,515 and 50,479 students respectively. Technical and higher education has its own issues to contend with. From making available adequate number of colleges and universities including technical and vocational institutes, ensuring quality of education, promoting the sprit of quest, to working out meaning full curricula aligned with the job market. The entire education sector is expectedly buzzing with activity. Every now and then we hear of young people giving up Lucrative Corporate Careers to take on the responsibility of teaching the needy. This growing social consciousness needs to be promoted and sustained. This paper focus, the aligning technical and higher education with the labour market and challenges before education in India along with imperatives for building a knowledge society. This paper suggest that highest growth in elementary occupation that has large base and in high skill category having a very small base. A large number of people require vocational skills and their number is also growing.