India’s higher education minister has tried to head off opposition to wide-ranging education reforms in the country. Having been criticised by colleagues in the Indian National Congress party as well as opposition politicians, Kapil Sibal held a second round of debates with MPs in an attempt to rally support for his plans, The Times of India reported. The reforms include measures to increase access to higher education, improve quality, and tackle red tape and corruption. To achieve them, Mr Sibal proposes fast-tracking new colleges and encouraging the entry of foreign universities. He has also directed existing universities to modernise and attract faculty from abroad. While some MPs support the overall agenda, many feel that the proposals threaten equality, the newspaper said.
Source: The Times Higher Education http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=418121&c=1