A Stakeholder’s Perspective Of Regulations Governing University Autonomy In India: A Quantitative Analysis
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 5
- 1 min read
Mujahid Siddiqui, Ph.D. Scholar, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
Dr. Madhukar Sharma, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
ABSTRACT
This socio-legal study investigated India's higher education regulatory structures to ascertain the actual degree of autonomy enjoyed by its universities, specifically focusing on State, Central, Deemed, and Private Universities. Combining doctrinal and empirical research, the study surveyed 432 university officials using a 26-item structured questionnaire. The instrument, measuring organizational, financial, staffing, and academic autonomy, underwent rigorous qualitative and quantitative validation using the Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Data analysis involved validating the measurement model. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was then employed for hypothesis testing, which demonstrated an excellent model fit. All four hypotheses were supported, confirming a direct and positive correlation between overall university autonomy and its organizational, financial, staffing, and academic dimensions. The findings highlight that the current regulatory environment significantly influences the autonomy of Indian universities, necessitating comprehensive reforms across organizational, financial, staffing, and academic dimensions to foster self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness in higher education.
