Shocking neglect
Congratulations for a well-researched cover story ‘Skilling , reskilling, upskilling fever raging countrywide’ (EW August) and informative graphics on the progress report of government skilling schemes thus far.Yet it’s a moot point whether skills education can be provided to a 560 million-strong workforce in quick time. I agree with Ajay Khanna’s views that although there is a dedicated ministry for skill development, “actual results remain far from set targets”. The Economic Survey 2023-24 estimates 4.4 percent of the workforce countrywide is formally skilled with 16.6 percent skilled informally.
More shockingly, 48.75 percent of college graduates are unsuitable for employment in government or industry, No wonder the stampede for vocational education is spreading across the country in this new age of automation, AI and new digital technologies!
Maria D Souza
Kochi
Unacceptable apathy
It was interesting to read your Budget 2024-25 analysis in your special report ‘Soaring ambition neglected foundation’ (EW August). In particular your practical schema to raise an additional Rs.7.81 lakh crore for quick investment in the country’s outdated education system is laudable.
Equipped with resources five times the budget for education this year, I believe the BJP/NDA 3.0 government can deliver quality basic primary education.
However, I am shocked to read that for the past decade since your esteemed magazine introduced the schema and forwarded it to eminent economists, not one has cared to respond! Such apathy for something I regard as a great public initiative is unacceptable!
Dinakar K.
Chennai
Constructive news report
Your Delhi education news titled ‘Advice for EdAC’ (EW August) is a good example of constructive news reporting. Constituting an Education Advisory Council was the need of the hour after the NEET, UGC-NET exam scandal. Given that the establishment of numerous school and higher education monitoring committees has been mandated by NEP 2020, there is urgent need for more clarity on EdAC’s role.
It would be better if the new panel restricts itself to ensuring transparent and fair conduct of examinations rather than take other responsibilities for which NEP 2020 has mandated more than enough regulatory committees.
Meghana Alva
Mangaluru
Unsuitable exam
Dr. Krishna Kumar’s essay on ‘NEET-UG 2024: Deep rot symptom’ (EW August) highlights the unhealthy condition of our education system. The author rightly questions how 200 multiple choice questions that NEET-UG candidates are required to answer at “furious speed” can determine if they are better suited for the medical career.
Radical reform measures need to be taken urgently to rectify the patently flawed NEET-UG by replacing it with IIT-JEE (joint entrance exam)-style test.
Diganth Sukumar
Bengaluru
SMU revelation
I read with great interest about Singapore Management University (EW August) in your information packed Institution Profile section.
I travel to this island republic quite frequently on work but was unaware that SMU is modelled on the top-ranked Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, which has a lengthy roll-call of distinguished alumni. Wonderful news especially for students in the subcontinent who aspire for a Wharton-style management education not far from home.
Monali Jain
Delhi
Obituary: Hannan Ahmed
With great sorrow and regret we are obliged to share the news of the sudden death of our valued colleague Hannan Ahmed, EducationWorld’s Delhi-based Regional Head for 15 years. His life was gentle, his manners impeccable and the elements so mixed in him that he enabled numerous education institutions in North India to transform into national brands.
We thank Hannan for his dedication, commitment and contribution to the growth and development and aiding EducationWorld’s mission to “build the pressure of public opinion to make education the # 1 item on the national agenda”
May God grant his family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. RIP Hannan! — EW Team
