The Hindu Editorial • January 19, 2026 • Read Original

Crisis in education: On the Supreme Court, higher education and student well-being

Higher education institutions need systemic reforms

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on January 19, 2026

Crisis in education: On the Supreme Court, higher education and student well-being

Higher education institutions need systemic reforms

Supreme CourtHigher EducationStudent SuicidesFaculty VacanciesUniversity of MadrasUGC

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 19

English Original

In an ongoing case relating to student suicides, the Supreme Court of India has issued nine directions to Central and State governments.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In an case relating to student

In a legal case that is still being decided about students taking their own lives

Part 2

the Supreme Court of India

The highest judicial body or the top court in India

Part 3

has

Has officially given or announced

Part 4

nine

Nine specific orders or instructions to be followed

Part 5

to Central and State governments

To the national government in Delhi and the governments of all Indian states

Context and Background

Supreme Court

In January 2026, the Supreme Court issued nine binding directions based on a National Task Force report. These include mandatory reporting of suicides, filling faculty vacancies within four months, and ensuring 24/7 medical support for students in higher education institutions.

Sentence 2 of 19

English Original

Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality, the Court has taken note of student distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Recognising the of higher education by without a boost in quality

Understanding that college education has expanded to many people mainly through private colleges, but the quality of education did not improve at the same rate

Part 2

the Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 3

has taken note of

Has observed, acknowledged, or paid attention to

Part 4

student covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues

The mental and emotional suffering of students caused by money problems, social pressure, unfairness, and study-related stress

Sentence 3 of 19

English Original

The Court has invoked Article 142 of the Constitution and seven of the nine directions relate to record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 2

has

Has used or called upon a specific legal power

Part 3

Article 142 of the Constitution

A special power in the Indian Constitution that allows the Supreme Court to pass any order to ensure ‘complete justice’

Part 4

seven of the nine directions

Most of the orders (7 out of the total 9) given by the Court

Part 5

relate to

Are about or connected with

Part 6

record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions () separately

Maintaining proper files, informing the police, and following the data of student deaths in colleges specifically

Context and Background

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution

Article 142 provides the Supreme Court with a unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing ‘complete justice’ in any case. It allows the Court to go beyond existing laws if they are insufficient to solve a problem, as seen here in addressing student suicides.

Sentence 4 of 19

English Original

Two directives order the filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Two

Two specific orders out of the nine given by the Court

Part 2

order

Command or instruct officially

Part 3

the filling of the posts of and as well as all positions

Appointing people to the empty administrative and teaching jobs in universities

Sentence 5 of 19

English Original

Evidently, the Court sees these steps as critical to student well-being.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Clearly or obviously, based on the facts

Part 2

the Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 3

sees

Considers, believes, or understands

Part 4

these steps

The actions ordered by the Court, such as filling job vacancies

Part 5

as to student

As being extremely important for the health and happiness of students

Sentence 6 of 19

English Original

Across India, ground reportage shows that many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Across India

In all parts of the country

Part 2

ground

Reports from journalists who are visiting the actual locations to find the truth

Part 3

shows

Proves, indicates, or makes clear

Part 4

that many , especially universities, report 50%

That many government-run colleges and universities have half of their teaching and staff positions empty

Sentence 7 of 19

English Original

The University of Madras is a case study as it is the premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The University of Madras

One of the oldest and most famous universities in India, located in Chennai

Part 2

Acts as a link between the university and its description

Part 3

A specific example used to study and understand a bigger problem

Part 4

as it is the HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in in higher education and with a record in women’s education

Because it is the top government-run university in Tamil Nadu, a state that has the highest number of college students in India and is very good at educating women

Context and Background

Higher Education in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has one of the highest Gross Enrolment Ratios (GER) in higher education in India, often exceeding 45%, which is much higher than the national average. The University of Madras, established in 1857, is one of the three oldest modern universities in India.

Sentence 8 of 19

English Original

With such a storied legacy, the university was known for quality research besides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With such a

Having such a long and famous history full of great achievements

Part 2

the university

The University of Madras

Part 3

was known for

Had a reputation for or was famous for

Part 4

quality research

High-level scientific or academic study that discovers new information

Part 5

besides awarding degrees in colleges through examinations

In addition to giving certificates to students in connected colleges after they pass their exams

Sentence 9 of 19

English Original

Teaching became an important component in the late 1970s, but in the last decade, its decline has been pronounced.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Teaching

The act of giving lessons to students (as opposed to just doing research)

Part 2

became

Started to be or turned into

Part 3

an important

A major or significant part of the university’s work

Part 4

in the late 1970s

During the years close to 1980

Part 5

in the last

During the last ten years

Part 6

its

The worsening or falling standards of teaching

Part 7

has been

Has continued to be up to now

Part 8

Very noticeable or clearly seen

Sentence 10 of 19

English Original

No new faculty appointments have been made and the teaching strength is half of the sanctioned strength.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

No new faculty

No new teachers or professors being hired

Part 2

have been made

Have happened or been completed

Part 3

the teaching strength

The actual number of teachers currently working in the university

Part 4

Acts as a link to the current number

Part 5

half of the strength

Only 50% of the total number of teachers that the government has allowed the university to have

Sentence 11 of 19

English Original

The university’s research component is just about functional.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The university’s research component

The part of the university that focuses on discovering new knowledge and doing scientific studies

Part 2

Acts as a link to describe the condition

Part 3

Barely working or only just performing its basic tasks

Sentence 12 of 19

English Original

It boasts of centres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics, but these are a shadow of their original selves.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The University of Madras

Part 2

Proudly claims to have or shows off

Part 3

centres for advanced studies such as in , and mathematics

Special departments for high-level learning in subjects like thinking, plants, and numbers

Part 4

these

The special study centres mentioned earlier

Part 5

are

Acts as a link to describe their current state

Part 6

their original selves

Much weaker or less impressive than they used to be in the past

Sentence 13 of 19

English Original

Today, the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities, has been given short shrift.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today

In the present time

Part 2

the , science-based and research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can from its public universities

The studies about history, science, and society related to Tamil Nadu, which the government could use to improve the state

Part 3

has been given

Has received or been treated with

Part 4

Very little attention or consideration; being ignored

Sentence 14 of 19

English Original

Vice-Chancellor appointments have been stalled by a recalcitrant Governor.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Vice-Chancellor appointments

The process of choosing and hiring the heads of universities

Part 2

have been

Have been stopped or delayed from moving forward

Part 3

by a

By a Governor who is being stubborn and refusing to cooperate

Context and Background

Governor

In India, the Governor of a state usually acts as the Chancellor of state-run universities. This role includes appointing Vice-Chancellors. Conflicts between state governments and Governors often lead to delays in these appointments, as seen in Tamil Nadu and other states.

Sentence 15 of 19

English Original

The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powers may need to be resolved before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The thrown in by the Court on the on a Governor’s powers

The confusion or lack of clarity caused by the Court’s recent statements about what a Governor can and cannot do

Part 2

may need to be resolved

Might have to be cleared up or settled

Part 3

before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled

In order for the empty university head positions to be occupied soon

Sentence 16 of 19

English Original

Filling faculty positions would have to follow UGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Filling faculty positions

The process of hiring new teachers and professors

Part 2

would have to follow

Must go through or obey

Part 3

process that takes at least six months and a that may be helped with support

The rules of the University Grants Commission which take half a year, and a promise of money that might come from the central government

Sentence 17 of 19

English Original

Availability of qualified faculty can be a hurdle.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Availability of faculty

The presence of enough teachers who have the right degrees and skills

Part 2

can be

Has the potential to be

Part 3

An obstacle or a problem that must be overcome

Sentence 18 of 19

English Original

Corruption and political-ideological appointments have affected quality and need to be addressed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

and political- appointments

Dishonest behavior and hiring people based on their political beliefs instead of their skills

Part 2

have affected

Have had a bad influence on or changed

Part 3

quality

The standard of education and research

Part 4

need to be

Must be dealt with or solved

Sentence 19 of 19

English Original

Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting, the order is a call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education system before goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Although the four-month schedule by the Court might seem

Even though the four-month time limit given by the Court looks very difficult to achieve

Part 2

the order

The Supreme Court’s instructions

Part 3

Acts as a link to describe the purpose of the order

Part 4

a to fulfil the basic requirements of a public higher education system

An urgent request to do what is necessary to make the government college system strong and healthy

Part 5

before goals such as can be seriously

Before we can truly hope to achieve big dreams like a ‘Developed India’

Sentence 1 of 19

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The Supreme Court of India has issued nine directions to governments to address the rising number of student suicides in higher education.
2 The Court noted that the rapid expansion of private colleges without improving quality has led to financial and academic distress for students.
3 A major part of the Court’s order focuses on better record-keeping and tracking of suicide cases in colleges and universities.
4 The editorial highlights a severe crisis in public universities, where nearly 50% of faculty positions remain vacant, affecting teaching and research.
5 Systemic reforms, including filling vacancies and removing political interference, are necessary to achieve national goals like Viksit Bharat.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial examines the Supreme Court’s intervention and the deep-rooted problems in India’s higher education system. It uses the example of the University of Madras to analyze how vacancies and administrative issues have led to a decline in educational standards.

Sentence 1 of 19

In an ongoing case relating to student suicides, the Supreme Court of India has issued nine directions to Central and State governments.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In an ongoing case relating to student suicides

In a legal case that is still being decided about students taking their own lives

Part 2

the Supreme Court of India

The highest judicial body or the top court in India

Part 3

has issued

Has officially given or announced

Part 4

nine directions

Nine specific orders or instructions to be followed

Part 5

to Central and State governments

To the national government in Delhi and the governments of all Indian states

Sentence 2 of 19

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality

Understanding that college education has expanded to many people mainly through private colleges, but the quality of education did not improve at the same rate

Part 2

the Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 3

has taken note of

Has observed, acknowledged, or paid attention to

Part 4

student distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues

The mental and emotional suffering of students caused by money problems, social pressure, unfairness, and study-related stress

Sentence 3 of 19

The Court has invoked Article 142 of the Constitution and seven of the nine directions relate to record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 2

has invoked

Has used or called upon a specific legal power

Part 3

Article 142 of the Constitution

A special power in the Indian Constitution that allows the Supreme Court to pass any order to ensure ‘complete justice’

Part 4

seven of the nine directions

Most of the orders (7 out of the total 9) given by the Court

Part 5

relate to

Are about or connected with

Part 6

record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately

Maintaining proper files, informing the police, and following the data of student deaths in colleges specifically

Sentence 4 of 19

Two directives order the filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Two directives

Two specific orders out of the nine given by the Court

Part 2

order

Command or instruct officially

Part 3

the filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions

Appointing people to the empty administrative and teaching jobs in universities

Sentence 5 of 19

Evidently, the Court sees these steps as critical to student well-being.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Evidently

Clearly or obviously, based on the facts

Part 2

the Court

The Supreme Court of India

Part 3

sees

Considers, believes, or understands

Part 4

these steps

The actions ordered by the Court, such as filling job vacancies

Part 5

as critical to student well-being

As being extremely important for the health and happiness of students

Sentence 6 of 19

Across India, ground reportage shows that many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Across India

In all parts of the country

Part 2

ground reportage

Reports from journalists who are visiting the actual locations to find the truth

Part 3

shows

Proves, indicates, or makes clear

Part 4

that many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies

That many government-run colleges and universities have half of their teaching and staff positions empty

Sentence 7 of 19

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The University of Madras

One of the oldest and most famous universities in India, located in Chennai

Part 2

Acts as a link between the university and its description

Part 3

a case study

A specific example used to study and understand a bigger problem

Part 4

as it is the premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education

Because it is the top government-run university in Tamil Nadu, a state that has the highest number of college students in India and is very good at educating women

Sentence 8 of 19

With such a storied legacy, the university was known for quality research besides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With such a storied legacy

Having such a long and famous history full of great achievements

Part 2

the university

The University of Madras

Part 3

was known for

Had a reputation for or was famous for

Part 4

quality research

High-level scientific or academic study that discovers new information

Part 5

besides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations

In addition to giving certificates to students in connected colleges after they pass their exams

Sentence 9 of 19

Teaching became an important component in the late 1970s, but in the last decade, its decline has been pronounced.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Teaching

The act of giving lessons to students (as opposed to just doing research)

Part 2

became

Started to be or turned into

Part 3

an important component

A major or significant part of the university’s work

Part 4

in the late 1970s

During the years close to 1980

Part 5

in the last decade

During the last ten years

Part 6

its decline

The worsening or falling standards of teaching

Part 7

has been

Has continued to be up to now

Part 8

pronounced

Very noticeable or clearly seen

Sentence 10 of 19

No new faculty appointments have been made and the teaching strength is half of the sanctioned strength.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

No new faculty appointments

No new teachers or professors being hired

Part 2

have been made

Have happened or been completed

Part 3

the teaching strength

The actual number of teachers currently working in the university

Part 4

Acts as a link to the current number

Part 5

half of the sanctioned strength

Only 50% of the total number of teachers that the government has allowed the university to have

Sentence 11 of 19

The university’s research component is just about functional.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The university’s research component

The part of the university that focuses on discovering new knowledge and doing scientific studies

Part 2

Acts as a link to describe the condition

Part 3

just about functional

Barely working or only just performing its basic tasks

Sentence 12 of 19

It boasts of centres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics, but these are a shadow of their original selves.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The University of Madras

Part 2

boasts of

Proudly claims to have or shows off

Part 3

centres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics

Special departments for high-level learning in subjects like thinking, plants, and numbers

Part 4

these

The special study centres mentioned earlier

Part 5

are

Acts as a link to describe their current state

Part 6

a shadow of their original selves

Much weaker or less impressive than they used to be in the past

Sentence 13 of 19

Today, the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities, has been given short shrift.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today

In the present time

Part 2

the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities

The studies about history, science, and society related to Tamil Nadu, which the government could use to improve the state

Part 3

has been given

Has received or been treated with

Part 4

short shrift

Very little attention or consideration; being ignored

Sentence 14 of 19

Vice-Chancellor appointments have been stalled by a recalcitrant Governor.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Vice-Chancellor appointments

The process of choosing and hiring the heads of universities

Part 2

have been stalled

Have been stopped or delayed from moving forward

Part 3

by a recalcitrant Governor

By a Governor who is being stubborn and refusing to cooperate

Sentence 15 of 19

The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powers may need to be resolved before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powers

The confusion or lack of clarity caused by the Court’s recent statements about what a Governor can and cannot do

Part 2

may need to be resolved

Might have to be cleared up or settled

Part 3

before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled

In order for the empty university head positions to be occupied soon

Sentence 16 of 19

Filling faculty positions would have to follow UGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Filling faculty positions

The process of hiring new teachers and professors

Part 2

would have to follow

Must go through or obey

Part 3

UGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support

The rules of the University Grants Commission which take half a year, and a promise of money that might come from the central government

Sentence 17 of 19

Availability of qualified faculty can be a hurdle.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Availability of qualified faculty

The presence of enough teachers who have the right degrees and skills

Part 2

can be

Has the potential to be

Part 3

a hurdle

An obstacle or a problem that must be overcome

Sentence 18 of 19

Corruption and political-ideological appointments have affected quality and need to be addressed.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Corruption and political-ideological appointments

Dishonest behavior and hiring people based on their political beliefs instead of their skills

Part 2

have affected

Have had a bad influence on or changed

Part 3

quality

The standard of education and research

Part 4

need to be addressed

Must be dealt with or solved

Sentence 19 of 19

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting

Even though the four-month time limit given by the Court looks very difficult to achieve

Part 2

the order

The Supreme Court’s instructions

Part 3

Acts as a link to describe the purpose of the order

Part 4

a call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education system

An urgent request to do what is necessary to make the government college system strong and healthy

Part 5

before goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for

Before we can truly hope to achieve big dreams like a ‘Developed India’

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Crisis in Higher Education

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the Supreme Court's directives on student suicides and the state of higher education in India.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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Editorial Categories

Politics and Governance 8 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 4 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 182 Idioms and Phrases 123 Phrasal Verbs 60

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Crisis in education: On the Supreme Court, higher education and student well-being

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