Education panel: PMO lobbies for Montek model

The Common Minimum Programme has mentioned there will be a National Commission for Education. But nothing further has been elaborated. For quite a few months now, the HRD Ministry has consulted experts, raised the issue in discussions both with the PMO and the Planning Commission but, has not really made much headway. There has been one suggestion that the commission can be of a temporary nature like the comprehensive Kothari Commission was in the 60s — a suggestion which has found a degree of acceptance in the ministry.

The PMO has listed four tasks for the proposed commission. Firstly, periodic review of the entire education scenario and preparation of reports. Secondly, regular monitoring of status of education in the country. Thirdly, floating of innovative ideas to spread better education. Lastly, suggesting structural changes.

The commission, as envisaged by the PMO, does take into account the Planning Commission’s views to some extent. Earlier this year, Ahluwalia had pointed out that if the proposed commission was given fiscal or even semi-fiscal powers like deciding on what volume of funds would be spent on which sector of education, then it would overlap with the jurisdiction enjoyed by the Yojana Bhavan.

The PMO appears to have respected that view. But the Planning Commission also ‘‘monitors’’ implementation of education schemes as well as utilisation of funds released for education to the states.

Sources say that permitting the commission to generate new ideas might lead to conflict in purview with the ministry itself. Both the HRD Minister and his/her mandarins would hardly have a job in hand if the responsibility of policy-making is taken away.

Similarly, with the commission — as recommended by the PMO — likely to interfere with most aspects of education, the role of the CABE and all its empowered sub-committees becomes unclear. Under those changed circumstances, even bodies like the UGC may be asked to redefine its powers.

With these fears in mind, it is possible that HRD Minister Arjun Singh will take up the issue once the PM returns.