Sambalpur, Jan. 30: Eminent thinkers from across the state came together to discuss the “impact of globalisation on higher education in a knowledge-based economy” at the Sambalpur University here today.

Varsity vice-chancellor B.C. Barik said higher education in the country was on the crossroads as there was acute competition in the field of education.

“There is a competition between quality education and quantity education. There is also a competition between private educational institutions and government-run educational institutions. And in the competitive education market, we are losing the value of our society,” said Barik, adding that serious thought must be given to adding value to higher education.

The All India University Employees’ Confederation (AIEUC) had organised the seminar at the Sambalpur University after a gap of 40 years. The last conference was held in 1973 when former Union minister George Fernandes headed the confederation.

Member of Parliament and current president of the confederation Bhabani Shankar Hota said systematic and gradual withdrawal of the state from higher education began with globalisation, which consequently led to hiring of contractual employees.