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National Knowledge Commission, Shaping India's Knowledge Economy

National Knowledge Commission, established in 2005, aimed to reform India's education, research, and intellectual property sectors, promoting innovation and knowledge dissemination until its discontinuation in 2014.
authorImageAmit 11 Jul, 2024
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National Knowledge Commission

National Knowledge Commission: The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was an Indian think-tank established in 2005 to advise the Prime Minister of India on policies related to education, research, and intellectual property to make India competitive in the knowledge economy. The commission was constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 13, 2005, with a mandate to recommend reforms in the education sector, research labs, and intellectual property legislation.

The NKC's objective was to build excellence in the educational system, promote creation of knowledge in science and technology laboratories, and improve the management of institutions engaged in intellectual property rights. The NKC's tenure was originally supposed to end in October 2008 but was extended until March 2009 due to its good work. However, with the change of government in 2014, the commission was discontinued.

Objectives and Mandate

The NKC had a broad and ambitious mandate. Its primary goals included:
  1. Building Excellence in Education: The Commission aimed to reform the educational system to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This involved enhancing the quality of education and increasing India's competitive advantage in knowledge-based fields.
  2. Promoting Knowledge Creation: Emphasis was placed on fostering research and innovation in science and technology laboratories across the country.
  3. Improving Intellectual Property Management: The NKC sought to better manage institutions engaged in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to encourage innovation and protect intellectual assets.
  4. Applying Knowledge in Agriculture and Industry: The Commission aimed to apply knowledge capabilities to improve productivity and innovation in agriculture and industry.
  5. Enhancing Government Transparency: Another key objective was to promote the use of knowledge to make government processes more transparent, accountable, and effective in serving citizens.
  6. Widespread Knowledge Sharing: The Commission aimed to promote the sharing of knowledge to maximize public benefits.

Structure and Membership

The NKC was composed of eight distinguished members, each an expert in their respective fields:
  • Sam Pitroda (Chairman): Known for his contributions to India's telecommunications sector.
  • Ashok Sekhar Ganguly: A prominent corporate leader.
  • Nandan Nilekani: Co-founder of Infosys and later Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
  • Deepak Nayyar: Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi.
  • Jayati Ghosh: An economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
  • Sujatha Ramdorai: An internationally reputed algebraic number theorist and professor of mathematics at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.
  • Padmanabhan Balaram: Director of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
  • Amitabh Mattoo: Former Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University.
The Commission's Secretariat was headed by an Executive Director and included around eight to nine research associates and four advisors who provided expertise on various issues. The Secretariat was located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Key Recommendations and Achievements

Throughout its tenure, the NKC made several significant recommendations to the Prime Minister's Office, many of which were adopted and implemented by various government ministries. These recommendations spanned multiple domains:
  1. Libraries: The Commission recommended the modernization and digitization of libraries to make knowledge more accessible to the public.
  2. Knowledge Networks: Establishing knowledge networks to facilitate the sharing and dissemination of information across institutions and sectors.
  3. E-Governance: Promoting e-governance to enhance the efficiency and transparency of government services.
  4. Translation and Languages: Encouraging translation initiatives to make knowledge available in multiple languages and promoting linguistic diversity.
  5. National Portal of India: Developing a national portal to serve as a comprehensive knowledge repository.

Implementation and Impact

Many of the NKC's recommendations were implemented by different ministries of the Government of India. Significant progress was made in areas such as libraries, e-governance, and translation. The NKC also worked closely with the Planning Commission of India and relevant ministries to ensure the recommendations were effectively translated into policy. At the state level, NKC representatives conducted deliberations with secretaries of education departments to reform the education sector. The Commission's mandate, initially set to last until October 2008, was extended until March 2009 due to its impactful work.

Controversies

  • The NKC was not without controversies. In May 2006, the Commission opposed the Human Resource Development Ministry's plans to increase quotas for backward castes in institutions like the IITs. This led to the resignation of two members, Andre Beteille and Pratap Bhanu Mehta, following remarks by then HRD Minister Arjun Singh.
  • Another controversy arose in early 2007 when P.M. Bhargava expressed differences of opinion with other Commission members, resulting in the Commission's reconstitution.
  • During the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Association of Indian Universities, many Vice-Chancellors and educationists rejected the NKC's policy direction on higher education. Despite this setback, some former and current Vice-Chancellors accepted major recommendations such as structural reforms, increasing the number of universities, and ensuring academic freedom in appointing Vice-Chancellors.

Legacy and Conclusion

As of July 2014, the NKC became defunct with the change in government following the 2014 general elections. However, the Commission's legacy lives on through its contributions to India's knowledge economy. The NKC played a pivotal role in shaping policies that fostered educational reforms, promoted knowledge creation and dissemination, and enhanced the use of technology in governance. The NKC's efforts to engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders and experts ensured that its recommendations were comprehensive and well-informed. While it faced challenges and controversies, the Commission's work laid a foundation for future reforms in India's education and knowledge sectors. The NKC's vision of making India a knowledge powerhouse remains relevant as the country continues to evolve in the global knowledge economy. Its emphasis on excellence in education, innovation in science and technology, and the use of knowledge for public benefit continues to inspire policymakers and stakeholders in their quest for a more informed and competitive India.

National Knowledge Commission FAQs

What was the National Knowledge Commission (NKC)?

The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) was an Indian think-tank established in 2005 to advise the Prime Minister on policies related to education, research, and intellectual property, aiming to make India competitive in the global knowledge economy.

Who constituted the National Knowledge Commission and when?

The NKC was constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 13, 2005.

What impact did the National Knowledge Commission have on government policy?

Many of the NKC's recommendations were adopted and implemented by various government ministries, resulting in significant progress in areas such as libraries, e-governance, and translation.

Were there any controversies associated with the National Knowledge Commission?

Yes, the NKC faced controversies, including opposition to the HRD Ministry's plans to increase quotas for backward castes in institutions like the IITs and differences of opinion among commission members.

Why was the National Knowledge Commission discontinued?

The NKC was discontinued in 2014 with the change of government following the 2014 general elections.
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