Quality of VET in India: The case of Industrial Training Institutes

Abstract

The paper focusses on the need for quality in vocational training institutions in India. The need for integrating Quality Management principles in effective functioning of vocational schools (Industrial Training Institutes) is emphasised. In a first step the discussion about the quality of vocational education and training in India will be described. In the following chapters findings of two own empirical studies of ITIs conducted in different states of India are presented. One survey focusses on the ordinary or regular ITIs and the other on upgraded ITIs, the so called Centres of Excellence (COE). Our findings highlight the lack of application of quality principles in these institutions and, especially in ordinary ITIs, problems with infrastructure and equipment and sometimes with the recruitment of qualified teaching staff.

On the basis of the findings we will discuss an appropriate Quality Management model which could be applied. Further, a need for research in quality implications for ITIs and cross-country collaboration are highlighted.