Amid accolades on the global stage, the Indian education system faces critical hurdles, most notably the rampant issue of exam malpractices
Independent India began its journey under extremely painful conditions. It was only because of the legacy of ancient democratic practices and the strength of equal respect for all religions and faiths that it could gradually create a place for itself in the global community of nations. During the last decade, India has acquired a place of adulation and admiration on the global platform. The inherited system of education was in tatters, and the literacy rate was just around 18 per cent.
In spite of the tragedy of partition, rampant poverty, and challenges of food security as well as external security, India slowly and gradually stabilised its democratic practices and that attracted the attention of those who had prophesied that India was not a nation; and after independence, it would collapse! The initial leadership consisted mostly of the freedom fighters who had made great sacrifices for the nation. It created new institutions and strengthened academic and professional centers, institutions and establishments with an eye on the future.
It was an insightful initiative established by the young graduates who established themselves as the most sought-after group of young professionals in the best scientific research and technical institutions in developed countries. These young professionals established their intellectual superiority in the NASA-National Aeronautics and Space Agency - of the USA. Subsequently, as is well known, Silicon Valley practically stands ‘taken over’ by Indian professionals.
India formulated the first national policy on education in 1968 and the next one in 1986/92. After nationwide intensive consultations for over 4 years, the national education policy – NEP 2020 – was finalised and presented to the nation for implementation. This policy has received global appreciation for its insights as well as for pragmatic stipulations and realistic targets. There, however, are several concerns that threaten the smooth implementation of the policy. These require urgent effective remedial measures.
One is particularly worried about the ever-increasing practices of copying and paper leakage. I still remember the touching statement by the girl who topped the Bihar School Board Examination in 2016: ‘I only wanted a second division but Chacha ji made me top the Boards’!
The latest reports from the Nuh district of Haryana, clearly indicate how unconcerned, insensitive and inefficient our systems are towards this nefarious practice. How could one ignore the recent paper leak in the UP police recruitment examination in which over 48 lakh young aspirants appeared, then to their shock, found that the exam had been cancelled because of the paper leak?
In Rajasthan, 14 police sub-inspectors along with others have been arrested as details of a paper leak and copying during their recruitment exam have appeared recently. In Rajasthan, after 2019, on average, 3 instances of paper leaks per year have been reported. An analysis of paper leaks in 15 states during the last 5 years has brought forth shocking details that 1.4 crore young persons have suffered because of paper leaks. There are no details available on how many culprits and members of the mafia have attracted any serious punishment.
There are reports in circulation that the nakal mafia and paper leak mafia have strengthened themselves over the years to such an extent that some of them continue to indulge in these nefarious practices on a serial basis.
Obviously, either the establishment is in collaboration, or it is the total incompetence and indulgence in corruption of those agencies that are interested in conducting these examinations. It is worth investigating whether any senior officer has ever been sacked for paper leaks in any of the examinations conducted by the school boards or those by the recruitment agencies. How silently the systems have allowed another shocking practice to flourish- solvers being arranged in Board exams and also in recruitment examinations.
Imagine a doctor appearing for a medical aspirant, and being allowed to continue in the profession. It could happen only in India! Recently, the central government has brought about a modal act in this context. Some state governments have also promised strict steps to prevent nakal and paper leaks.
The past record is so bleak that people have no trust in pronouncements and assurances. If the concerned agencies were really keen to eradicate these aberrations, they could have done so even with the existing provisions of law.
Suspending or merely transferring an officer is in fact a mockery of the seriousness of the crime that is being repeatedly committed. Why can’t all those responsible be sacked within a couple of days?
There is a way out for long-term reforms and it has been indicated in the NEP-2020 which recalls the recommendation of Justice JS Verma Commission, first made in 2012, that over 10,000 teacher training institutions are selling degrees. Imagine the presence of lakhs of ‘trained’ teachers in the system having ‘purchased degrees! They did not get any training and are giving lessons on values, morals and characters in our schools. The nation must focus on a war footing in improving its teacher education institutions. These are not the places for investments and dividends. Once the right culture is generated in teacher training institutions, under sincere and committed teacher-educators, it would flow to schools and then to various professions. This is the only way out, India can no more neglect its teachers, their genuine professional education and continuous upgradation and Inservice education. Once achieved, it could provide a ray of hope.
(The author works in education, social cohesion and religious amity, views are personal)
