With the objective of raising the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education to 20% by 2017 and 25% by 2022, the Planning Commission has constituted four working groups and steering committees that will focus on skill development and technical education for the 12th plan period from 2012-17.
The two steering committees are on higher and technical education, and science and technology human resource development while two working groups have been formed for public private partnership (PPP) in higher education and skill development.
Officials say that the committees and working groups will meet on May 23 to finalise the objectives like faculty development and teachers? training and research and innovation in higher education with cross-linkages between institutions and industry.
The steering committee on higher and technical education will formulate broad objectives and thrust areas for higher education like expanding the intake capacity, financial requirements and outlays. The committee will submit its report by November 30.
The working group on PPP in higher education will chalk out an operational strategy for such partnerships and give its report by September 30.
According to the Plan panel, health and education received less than projected in the eleventh plan and hence, allocations for these sectors will have to be increased.
As for skill development, the working group will finalise its report by August 30. The steering committee on science and technology will put in its final report by July 15.