Development Status of Colleges in Gurugram and Nuh: A Review Study

Abstract

Higher education serves as a pivotal instrument for regional development, significantly influencing economic advancement, social mobility, and the creation of employment opportunities. Although India has made substantial strides in expanding its higher education sector, regional imbalances remain a persistent challenge. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the growth and development of higher education institutions, particularly colleges, in the districts of Gurugram and Nuh in Haryana. It highlights the sharp contrast in their educational landscapes and identifies key factors driving these differences. Gurugram, owing to its strategic proximity to the National Capital Region (NCR), has experienced accelerated growth in higher education infrastructure over the past two decades. The district has witnessed a notable surge in the establishment of government and private colleges, propelled by favourable government policies and strong private sector investments. Privatization has played a crucial role in shaping Gurugram’s educational ecosystem, enabling a proliferation of professional and technical institutions that cater to the growing demand for industry-relevant skills. Government initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Haryana Skill Development Mission (HSDM) have further supported this expansion, resulting in high Gross Enrolment Ratios (GER) and improved employability outcomes. Conversely, Nuh—a predominantly rural district characterized by socio-economic disadvantages—has lagged in the development of higher education infrastructure. Although some growth has occurred since 2000, the increase in the number of colleges has been relatively modest. Factors such as widespread poverty, low literacy rates, gender disparities in education, and insufficient infrastructural support have hindered progress. Despite government efforts through initiatives like the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Nuh continues to struggle with limited access to quality higher education, as reflected in its persistently low GER.