Technical and Management Education

Although the two streams of technical and management education are functioning separately, it is essential to look at them together, in view of their close relationship and complementary concerns. The reorganization of Technical and Management Education should take into account the anticipated scenario by the turn of the century, with specific reference to the likely changes in the economy, social environment, production and management processes, the rapid expansion of knowledge and the great advances in science and technology. The infrastructure and services sectors as well as the unorganized rural sector also need a greater induction of improved technologies and a supply of technical and managerial manpower. This will be attended to by the Government. In order to improve the situation regarding manpower information, the recently set up Technical Manpower Information System will be further developed and strengthened. Continuing education, covering established as well as emerging technologies, will be promoted.

As computers have become important and ubiquitous tools, a minimal exposure to computers and training in their use will form part of professional education. Programmes of computer literacy will be organised on wide scale from the school stage. In view of the present rigid entry requirements to formal courses restricting the access of a large segment of people to technical and managerial education, programmes through a distance learning process, including use of the mass media will be offered. Technical and management education programmes, including education in polytechnics, will also be on a flexible modular pattern based on credits, with provision for multi-point entry A strong guidance and counseling service will be provided. In order to increase the relevance of management education, particularly in the no corporate and under-managed sectors, the management education system will study and document the Indian experience and create a body of knowledge and specific educational programmes suited to these sectors. Appropriate formal and non-formal programmes of technical education will be devised for the benefit of women, the economically and socially weaker sections, and the physically handicapped. The emphasis of vocational education and its expansion will need a large number of teachers and professionals in vocational education, educational technology, curriculum development, etc. Programmes will be started to meet this demand. To encourage students to consider "self-employment" as a career option, training in entrepreneurship will be provided through modular or optional courses, in degree or diploma programmes. In order to meet the continuing needs of updating curriculum, renewal should systematically phase out obsolescence and introduce new technologies of disciplines.