Privatisation of education taking us to Manu’s era
Three aspects have had major impact on the social status of this country post 90s period. Globalisation, liberalization and privatization are the babies connected by the same umbilical cord. Private forces evoked anger about government approach among people and peddled a false notion of ‘all would be well’ with privatization of every segment.
Whether privatization served its purpose or not is a point apart, all the sectors that has an ounce of social outlook in them went into the hands of private players, impact of this was felt by people from the lower strata of the society. Dalits and minority communities are losing job opportunities owing to absence of reservation in private sector.
All other public social service sectors are beyond the reach of the poor and weak classes. Privatisation of education is the biggest menace today. This is showing all signs of taking the poor and the weak back into the times when they had no claims or access to better life and opportunities.
One of the main objectives of post independent India was ‘education for all’. Before the British colonized our country, India did not have uniform education for all. People from lower caste couldn’t even dream of getting education for themselves. Kshatriyas and Brahmins were the only communities entitled for education under Gurukula system.
After the English set their foot, the doors of education opened for all. It turned into a matter of ‘fundamental right’ after independence. But privatization is taking this system back in time where it could be accessed only by some people.
Government schools are being shut for the flimsiest of reasons. Private schools are beyond the affordability of middle and lower class people. The poor cannot even dream of putting their children into private schools. More than 90% of the poor are from lower castes and they are being denied education outright.
Commissions have been set up to implement the policies of uniform education as fundamental right by the central government post-independence. Many programmes have been designed to create awareness regarding education and reduce the rate of illiteracy in rural areas. As a result, even the poorest of the poor could afford to send their children to schools, colleges and good universities. Initially the level of education was very satisfactory. People could afford to access education in government run institutes since it was not an economic burden. Free education was offered to the poor.
Academic staff and students were committed to their duties and obligations with integrity. They tried their best to make the most of opportunity to teach and learn. Government schools produced lakhs of doctors, engineers, higher officers, writers, politicians etc.
Article 021A of the Indian Constitution reiterates the right to education. It is compulsory for children between ages of six and 14 to get education free of cost. This enables children who are poor and deprived of opportunities to access education as a matter of right. Yet, the situation in government schools is at its worst. It has only kept its promise of imparting education, but has turned very non-committal on the quality of education. Private educational institutions are mushrooming while the government ones are crumbling.
Capitalists and industrialists have privatized the education. Though people protest against this growing trend, the rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer. People with high income can and will most certainly send their kids to costly schools.
The poor have massive challenges even accessing two square meals a day. They cannot even dream of affording private education. Government schools cannot impart quality of education but the teachers are getting paid moderately well. Those teachers send their children to private schools for education. Because he knows his kids can have complete education only in private schools.
Our education system needs to transcend the limitations of caste, class, gender, origin and economic status. Private educational institutions need to be controlled and government has to do the role of imparter of education and ensure the education system that comes into existence should be based on equal opportunities for all. Else, the country will go into the hands of high and might who’d have no clue about social justice. Democracy then just turns into a mere myth. Let’s not allow that to happen.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
