________________
different religions, possessing a variety of cultures is equally great. In this sphere, higher education has to be the mainstay of our endeavour. An important part of the role of higher education in national development is the improvement of the education system itself. Rainy at the apex of the education system and representing a unique concentration of highly qualified staff, its major contribution to other levels of education lies in the training of educational personnel and research. Through research institutions of higher education can provide a crucial service to the education system. Research in the educational sciences from the foundation of education as a body of knowledge, and is an important source of educational renewal. It is interdisciplinary in nature, and has its origin in the confluence of different disciplines i.e., psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, conflict management and peace sciences, management sciences and communication sciences. The output of research in other disciplines may also have a bearing on education and training. Relevant results from these endeavours can guide overall politics as well as the daily operation of the education system. It has been stated in world bank report 1994 that higher education investments are important for economic growth. They increase individuals productively and incomes, and also produce significant external benefits such as longterm returns to basic research and to technology development and transfer. Now, as higher education proves to be an important plateform for national development, it qualifies for complete production and propagation from the governmental center. But, unfortunately higher education in Indian policy is considered as non-merit good with a few factors of productivity as compared to elementary education, thus disqualifying higher education from subsidies. It is patently unacceptable that subsidies should be governed by economic considerations alone. Being associated with strong externalities, education qualifies for large subsidies. Higher education improves occupational mobility, and voluntary compliance to law and social responsibilities. It contribute to the productive efficiency of the system and a more equitable income distribution. Almost the entire progress that the country has made sometimes international agencies tend to reinforce doubts about higher education and counterpoise it prioritywise, against elementary education. We should be cautions in this respect and reaffirm that there ought to be a proportionate and harmonious development of the various levels of education, so as to optimize educationâs role in ensuring social change. There can be no a priori formula for sharing of resources between these levels, but what
TCHT UII H2-HTE, 2006
103
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
