A teachable moment

The idea that Yadav is being picked on because of his caste is preposterous. This political mobilising on caste lines on a matter that patently has nothing to do with identity does a disservice to credible identity politics,besides confirming the impression that such systemic sleaze goes unpunished when it suits our political class. Why is the government so squeamish about taking action against these individuals? In cases as defining as this one,one can only conclude that inaction means implicit endorsement of narrow self-interest over national well-being.

The government has signalled that education reform is one of its most urgent priorities,promising an overarching national regulator to replace these multiple agencies like the AICTE and UGC. The fact that councils meant to regulate higher education are themselves clouded in this kind of murk goes to show how putrid the current system is,and how important the proposed overhaul is. In another example,the Medical Council of India chairman is on several medical college boards,institutions he is meant to evaluate and regulate. If this manifest conflict of interest doesnt stir the government to take action,then how credible are its fine-sounding promises on higher education reform? Of course,the story of our higher learning institutes is one of self-interest all the way down. Many of these institutes are owned by politicians. Keeping things as they are and shielding the AICTE from investigation might suit their purposes,but it is not a situation India can afford.