INDIA: Higher education sector faces leadership crunch

India’s higher education sector is facing a shortage of capable leaders, according to a survey on leadership in the country's higher education system. Some 92% of respondents said this problem was expected to continue until 2020, reports the Deccan Herald.



Lack of adequate mentoring, academic leadership, guidance and training (60%), low salary (50%) and the general impression about academia not being a popular career choice, are reasons cited for the shortage.

The Education Promotion Society for India – a national body of over 500 higher education institutions – in collaboration with a management portal, conducted the survey. The sample size was 111 respondents, including chancellors, vice-chancellors, deans, principals and other academics. Almost 80% of respondents said there was a serious gap between the existing pool and the future needs.