Policy-making in education involves a political and a technical process. Reform measures in higher education are the results of continued discussions and negotiations, with political parties that hold different views, with various groups holding conflicting interests and with the academic community-equally vocal and articulate about their concerns. The economic reforms of recent decades have considerably influenced higher education sector leading to the introduction of market- friendly reforms and proliferation of private institutions.  The rise of middle classes has widened the possibilities of market mediated expansion of higher education in India.  A Panel discussion, to reflect some of these concerns while discussing the issues related to the politics of higher education policy, was organised on November 16, 2014 by CPRHE as part of the Comparative Education Society of India (CESI) Conference 2014 held at the Conference Centre, University of Delhi, North Campus.  The panellists included Professor Apoorvanand, Professor, Delhi University, Professor Pankaj Chandra, Professor, IIM Bangalore, Professor Padmini Swaminathan, Chairperson, Centre for Livelihoods, TISS, Hyderabad, Professor NV Varghese, Director, CPRHE/NUEPA. The panel discussion was coordinated by Dr. Anupam Pachauri.