Journalism of Courage
Looking back
Unlike 2014, which was spent mostly battling controversies, this year turned out to be productive for the Human Resource Development Ministry. Some of the promises made last year were followed by tangible results in 2015. The launch of the Global Initiative of Academic Network or GIAN, under which eminent scholars from abroad were recruited to teach students of higher courses, and the indigenous ranking framework for universities and institutes were among them. The ministry also cleared several pending appointments, including posts of eight vice-chancellors at central universities and the heads of AICTE, NCERT and Indian Council of Philosophical Research.
The most notable achievement of the ministry was completion of the Swachh Vidyalaya target, with four lakh toilets built in government schools.
The year wasn’t entirely bereft of setbacks and controversies, including the resignation of nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar from the panel meant to select directors for three IITs, and protests by IIMs over a bill claiming it would take away their autonomy.
Looking forward
In 2016, the new education policy will be the top agenda for the ministry as consultations with state governments and stakeholders enter the last lap. A revamp of the National Curriculum Framework is on the cards. The ministry is also expected to roll back some big UPA-II decisions, including making Class X board examinations optional and the no-detention policy of the Right to Education Act.
The school curriculum revamp that is on the cards will also be a litmus test for how much influence the RSS wields on the Modi government.
One thing that didn’t happen
The removal of the Visva Bharati vice-chancellor, who has been found guilty of administrative and financial impropriety, was expected this year, but the ministry is still trying to convince the President to clear his sacking. Had it happened, it would have been the first ever sacking of a central university head.
