Article
Professionalisation of Non-Teaching Staff for Institutional Readiness in Indian HEIs - Strategic Enabler of NEP 2020 Implementation
India's mission of Viksit Bharat @2047 has education at its centre stage for national development. In this context, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, brings the much-expected transformational shift in the Indian Higher Education system - the blueprint to modernize the Indian education system in a systemic and holistic manner. The transformation focuses on a wide spectrum of reforms to be brought in governance, curriculum, institutional autonomy, etc however its successful implementation rests fundamentally on the strength and preparedness of its human capital – academic leaders, and non-teaching personnel across the entire education system. While most of the focus articulates structural, pedagogical, and regulatory reforms, placing teachers at the centre of the educational reform as highly qualified professionals. In this initiative, the policy includes, mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD), Merit-based recruitment, career progression opportunities, increased autonomy to foster an experiential learning and inculcating research environment.
Often, the role of Non-Teaching (NT) staff in HEIs is overlooked. There are limitations at policy-level to conceptualize NT staff as the strategic partners in this holistic exercise and connect to the long-term national development goals which are envisaged through NEP 2020 and towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
With this context, the study aims to analyse the administrative capabilities in Indian HEIs i.e, whether the NT staff are being evolved to meet new challenges, professionalising key functions like, academic administration, student support, placements, alumni relations, accreditations, etc., which are essential for an institution to get aligned with NEP 2020 requirements.
The study is based on analysis of documents like, NEP 2020, AISHE reports, and NIRF data, academic research papers, etc. The NEP 2020 has still not prioritised HR policies for NT staff. While administration is merely seen a support function to manage academic workforce, it is important to address these gaps to develop a comprehensive framework of policies and strategic practices to acknowledge the knowledge, skill and contributions of the NT staff to be treated as professionals.
From the research, it is evident that HEIs can succeed only through the synergetic efforts of both faculty and NT staff. A well-structured support system can enhance institutional efficiency; improve student outcomes, and create more experiential learning centres. The leadership positions, such as Registrar, Dean-Administration, Finance Officer etc require professional and strategic skills for the governance of HEIs. However, at times even these senior positions as well most of the lower-level administrative staff are employed on contractual basis. For good governance and to traverse long-term goals, to foster responsibility and efficiency, HEIs need to promote NT staff as new-age professionals specialising in various domains of academic administration such as, Library information system, Information Technology, Research project management, strategic Human Resource management, Regulatory Compliances, Accreditations and rankings, etc. The non-teaching function is not merely to be seen as a supporting variable but as Strategic Enabler for NEP 2020 implementation, calling for professionalising administrative function for Institutional Readiness in Indian HEIs.
The paper contributes a conceptual peek that links NEP 2020 reforms to achieve excellence in Indian HEIs offering critical implications for policy design, institutional strategy, and research in the context of the imperative need for Professionalisation of Non-Teaching staff.