Dr. Murali Manohar Joshi, one of the founders of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former Union Human Resource Development Minister, has raised very sharp questions on the administrative priorities and education policy of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre. A senior member of BJP's 'Margdarshak Mandal' has targeted the working style of the government regarding paper leaks, commercialization of education and budget priorities.
In an exclusive interview to Amar Ujala, Dr. Joshi linked the shortcomings of the country's current examination system to the corruption prevalent in the society. He said that when students see that teachers are appointed by paying bribes and money is everywhere, they start losing faith in the system.
'Why were there no paper leaks during the Vajpayee government?'
While reacting to the recent incidents of paper leak of many competitive examinations in the country, the former Union Minister refreshed old memories. He asked a direct question, “I ask with great humility that why incidents like paper leak did not happen during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji?”
Taking a dig at the government's efforts to deploy planes, security forces and investigative agencies to stop paper leaks, he said that such an atmosphere has been created as if a war has broken out, not an examination. According to him, when there are irregularities at the level of governance and business, it directly impacts the thinking of the students and the entire education system.
Questions raised on budget cuts and scale of development
Taking on the economic priorities of the central government, the BJP veteran said that the budget for primary education and health care is being continuously cut, while huge expenditure is being made on infrastructure and roads.
He clarified that mere construction of roads cannot be the only measure of development. Construction and maintenance of roads also requires qualified engineers, who can be prepared only through a transparent and strong education system. Expressing concern over the condition of higher education, Dr. Joshi said that in cities like Delhi, youth holding MA, B.Ed and PhD degrees are forced to work as sanitation workers or at nominal contract rates.
New education policy and role of NITI Aayog
In the context of the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), Dr. Joshi shared the experience of his tenure. He told that even during the Vajpayee government, there was a suggestion to change the education policy. However, after a thorough study it was decided that the policy should not be changed merely because it was made during the Rajiv Gandhi government. Necessary improvements were then made to the basic structure itself.
He also raised questions on the interference of NITI Aayog in the formulation of the new education policy. He reminded that during his time the Planning Commission only assessed labor and employment needs and did not interfere in policy matters related to education. He advocated the implementation of 'Neighborhood School System' in the country, so that all children, rich and poor, can get equal education in the early stages.