Functioning of Unitary Universities in India

Abstract

Functioning of unitary universities occupies a unique character in the system of higher education in post-independence India. Unitary universities in India have exhibited relatively more freedom in their nature of functioning as compared to affiliating universities. This article brings the facts related to the nature of functioning of unitary universities in India, where a case of Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, has been brought to the picture for substantiating the matter under consideration, particularly in the context of its autonomy and accountability on three major aspects such as academic, executive and financial. This study found that Ravenshaw University has evolved as the first higher educational institution in the state of Odisha to fulfil the needs and aspirations of its people located in Eastern India. So far as academic autonomy and accountability are concerned, as a unitary university, it has demonstrated stability with persistent efforts in the given array of constraints posed there in taking the responsibility of teaching, research and extension activities and has earned credits among the people. In the context of administrative and financial autonomy, the university is restricted and found to be grappling in the matter of staffing and allocating funds for the creation of teaching-learning support systems, and welfare services including providing financial support to needy and meritorious students. However, irrespective of the positions and nature of works carried out by the university functionaries and university as a whole, it claims to have been held accountable to all stakeholders and takes an important place in Eastern India with restricted freedom and limited support in hand.