MLAs and MPs should send their children to govt schools: Sonam Wangchuk
Wangchuk, director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives and the inspiration for popular Bollywood film 3 Idiots, was speaking at a one-day conference on ‘Education for Equity and Social Responsibility’.
Noting that equitable education can be achieved by strengthening government schools, educationist Sonam Wangchuk Monday suggested making it mandatory for children of public representatives to study in these schools.
Wangchuk, director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives and the inspiration for popular Bollywood film 3 Idiots, was speaking at a one-day conference on ‘Education for Equity and Social Responsibility’. Earlier in the day, he — along with the education minister of Odisha — had visited an East Delhi government school where a ‘happiness festival’ is being held.
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“I have travelled to many countries but if we talk of equity, I have not seen any country as unfair in its education than ours… It’s a country where 5-10% children study in such schools which are probably far ahead of schools in US. Around 90% schools are worse than those in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.
Calling the binary of public and private education the biggest shortcoming of education in India, Wangchuk said, “If everybody’s children study in government schools, then there would be far more attention… A lot of times we hear that nothing good can happen in government schools. The reason nothing can happen is that the children of those who have a voice do not study in them… As long as the clientele are not those who can demand greater quality, there will be no one to give it either.”
Suggesting a policy intervention in this direction, he suggested that the children of public representatives should study in government schools. “We can’t force everybody to do so. But there should be a policy for those who are public representatives — like MLAs and MPs — to use the services which they claim that they are giving others… I can guarantee that in five years, their children will not suffer, and instead everyone’s children will improve… teachers will be sent for training, books will be improved…,” he said.
Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges.
Expertise and Experience
Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts.
Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities.
Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East.
Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for:
Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms.
Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More
