REIMAGINING KERALA'S HIGHER EDUCATION AMID ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE REFORM

सार

Kerala’s higher education system is grappling with significant challenges, including a high number of vacant seats in undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs and a growing trend of students migrating to other states and countries for better academic and career opportunities. Additionally, most students in Kerala rely entirely on parental financial support, limiting their independence and hindering economic contributions. This proposal advocates for a transformative approach to address these challenges, focusing on structural reforms in higher education. Key recommendations include restructuring academic schedules to facilitate part-time employment, modernizing the curriculum with multidisciplinary and industry-relevant courses, and revitalizing the "Earn While You Learn" program to foster self-reliance among students. These changes aim to empower students financially, enhance employability, and align education with the state’s economic realities. By implementing these reforms, Kerala can not only retain its students but also position its higher education system as a driver of sustainable economic growth, ensuring a brighter future for the state and its youth.