TRANSFORMING GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

This research explores the evolution of higher education in India, examining the growth, challenges, and policy reforms that have shaped the current landscape. With a focus on secondary data sources, the study evaluates the impact of government initiatives such as the National Policy on Education (NPE), Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), and the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). It highlights the critical role of higher education in India’s socio-economic development, while addressing challenges related to governance, quality assurance, faculty shortages, and access to education, particularly in rural areas. The study also assesses the effects of globalization on Indian universities and the increasing privatization of higher education. By analysing these factors, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of how policy reforms, governance structures, and global trends influence the quality, accessibility, and relevance of higher education in India. The findings aim to contribute to ongoing discussions on improving the quality of higher education and ensuring it meets the demands of a growing and diverse population.