Srinagar, Oct. 29 -- Higher education is not merely about awarding degrees; it is about preparing learners to think critically, innovate responsibly, and respond to a rapidly changing world. In this context, autonomy in higher education means the freedom of an institution to make academic, administrative, and, within prescribed regulations, financial decisions that improve the quality and relevance of education. However, autonomy is not an escape from accountability. It is a responsibility to deliver better learning outcomes.

What Does Autonomy Mean?

In India, autonomy operates through different institutional frameworks. Under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, eligible autonomous colleges can design or revise curricula...