Ranchi, Sept. 19: Higher education has hit all-time low.

Lack of infrastructure, the near-absence of a competent faculty, overcrowded classrooms and political interference are responsible for poor show in higher education, said former Delhi University vice-chancellor V.R. Mehta.

Addressing a seminar, “Killing of Higher Education”, organised by Ranchi University as part of the UGC Golden Jubilee celebration, Mehta said: “There is unanimity that universities are under-funded. Libraries do not have funds for books and laboratories lack money for equipment.

Most of the teachers do not have place to sit. When we appoint a lower division clerk, we ensure that he gets a table and a chair. But when we appoint a teacher we throw him into an overcrowded staff room.”

On threat to the university autonomy in recent years, he said: “A nexus seems to have developed among teacher, students and politicians. The vice-chancellors and the faculty are either weak or find it impossible to end political meddling. The forces, which are determined to subvert the university autonomy for narrow political or personal gains, seem to be thriving. The UGC was created as a buffer between the state and the universities. But I doubt whether it has the will, determination, perspective and means to act as a shield for the universities.

“Despite the existence of a few good institutions, students and teachers, our institutes of higher learning have failed to act as vehicles for national development,” he said.

On the importance — or the lack of it — of university degrees, Mehta said: “Higher education is aimed at sharpening the analytical mind of the students. Unfortunately our institutions have failed to perform this basic function with the result society no longer trusts us. The credibility and relevance of higher education degrees have been eroded. There are though a few exceptions, which only reinforce the general impression.

“The degrees were supposed to reassure society that we had taken steps to stop the rot in the system, that henceforth students with certain certificates will be endowed with corresponding skills and minimum standards required for certification. But that has not happened,” he said.