Joshi said that such a hike would be justified in view of a steep increase in the cost of various inputs and salaries of college and university teachers. The University Grants Commission (UGC) would have to take a decision on the issue, he said adding all new relevant courses should start with a better fee structure.

The HRD minister said that industry and corporate sector would be involved in a big way to supplement government's efforts in providing higher education which would be related to challenges and problems specific to Indian environment.

He said that the government was contemplating launching a massive drive to achieve the objective of universalisation of primary education through community participation and non-governmental organisations.

The total allocation for educationduring the ninth plan had been fixed at Rs 1.25 lakh crore and in the present economic situation to make available such large quantum of funds would be a challenge. The government would have to find ways to mobilise adequate resources, he said.

The HRD Minister said the government also has ambitious plans to involve youth in a big way under the National Reconstruction Corps to promote education, health and environment.

He said all schemes such as Operation Blackboard and adult literacy drive were being amalgamated to ensure better utilisation of funds and give a coordinated push to remove illiteracy.

Joshi said that the Centre was convening a meeting of state education ministers, youth and sports in the coming months as part of a ``serious'' exercise to give new thrust to education field.

He said that the government was also taking steps to give a vocational bias to education by integrating science and technology and industry with education system. The Minister said adequate funds have been earmarkedto modernise the vast network of CSIR laboratories across the country.

Joshi said, there should be periodical updating of syllabi and textbooks so that the students are in the know of the latest developments taking place in various field.

Referring to the controversy over reconstitution of the Indian Council of Historical Research by the ministry, the minister said criticism came only from those who believed in a particular viewpoint.

He said all the 18 Council members are reputed scholars and two of them have been former director general of Archaeological Survey of India for many years. And if they have a view on history why should there by any objection, he said adding that the criticism of the scholars was ``uncharitable and unacademic''.