For the first time, we have heard the right noises from the ministry of

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human resource development (HRD) after the new government took over. The two previous ministers of HRD were only interested in pushing their personal political agenda. Neither of them was open to the idea of opening up the sector to make education available to everyone across all economical levels. In the past 20 years, we have seen that senior party functionaries who were not considered for important/ lucrative ministries were made the HRD minister to make them feel that they are heading an important department with a large budget. For the first time, prime minister Manmohan Singh has chosen Kapil Sibal primarily on the perception that he has no personal agenda. He is also a very successful lawyer capable of understanding the dynamics of unshackling education from bureaucratic control. But before he attempts to do something good, he has to undo a lot of damage that has been done by bureaucratising education at all levels. Simultaneously, he will have to take steps to open up higher education, remove obstacles and enable new entrepreneurs in the educational field who have the capital, vision and desire to set up world-class institutions.

Instead of seeking permission from 101 agencies, I believe he would raise the entry barrier to ensure that only serious players venture into this field. I am sure he will take care of the social justice issue so that students coming from the economically weaker sections get an opportunity to study in these institutions. At the same time, he can permit these institutions to fix a fee based on the market so that those who can afford to pay for their children’s education are not subsidised. I am sure he would attempt to enforce a cross subsidy by letting the institutions earn a little more from people who can afford higher fees so that the fees are reduced for those who are poor. I expect the government to set up great institutions in the next five years. I believe many of them would be collaborating with the finest institutions of the world.

The whole concept of deemed universities has to be modified. Those trying to acquire deemed university status either rely on political patronage or indulge in corruption. Rumours are rife about deals that were made by parties who received permission to set up deemed universities from the UPA government, which completed its first term in May 2009.

I also expect the issue of elementary education, which has been guaranteed to all the citizens by the Constitution, to be addressed by the new minister. The state of municipal or zila parishad schools spread across the country is pathetic. Teachers are always absent, the infrastructure provided by zila parishads or municipalities has collapsed, most children do not attend these schools regularly and the rest while away their time. The ministry can take this opportunity to encourage public-private partnership and invite corporates to adopt schools around their industrial plants. This model is being implemented in a big way by the Bharati Foundation and also by the Ambuja Cement Foundation. There is no dearth of large industrial houses and they would be willing to come forward to adopt these schools, rebuild their infrastructure, provide uniforms and text books to children and set up small panels to monitor teachers’ attendance and quality of education. The government sends basic raw materials to these schools for providing mid-day meals for children. But there are no cooks in most schools to provide children a balanced diet. No education is possible on a hungry stomach. Under the PPP model, the responsibility of arranging wholesome mid-day meals will rest on these corporates. In bigger towns, NGOs like Akshaya Patra can be tapped to deliver mid-day meals.

I also believe that the new minister should lay stress on skill development along with education in high schools. India has a large number of youth who not only require education, but also need basic skills to become employable when they are 18. Every student can’t become a graduate and those who are less qualified should pick up other skills. A balanced mix of skill and education will truly empower India if the elementary, middle and higher education systems are rationalised. India will then truly emerge as one of the greatest nations within a decade. Here I would like to quote Nelson Mandela. “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world,” he said. I believe Kapil Sibal has the vision, ability and will to transform our educational system. He needs our trust and encouragement. Let us not be cynical based on our bitter experience in the past. A day comes when things begin to change. That day has arrived.