The government has a unique opportunity to effect transformative change within the education sector.
India, the Mother of Democracy, has successfully conducted the largest and most extensive elections in world history. While the credibility of Indian democracy has been questioned profusely over the last few months, the electoral process has once again shown the robustness of Indian democracy. The triumph of the BJP-led NDA government in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is historic and consequential for a variety of reasons. For the first time since 1962, the incumbent government has secured a third consecutive electoral victory.
Meanwhile, for the third time, the Congress Party has failed to reach the three-digit mark in Lok Sabha seats, even though its performance increased from the 2019 elections. As is with every election, there were various shocks and surprises. Still, as the dust settles on the elections, more impending concerns emerge about the future agenda of the new government. What would be and what should be the government agenda for the next five years? It is easier to pose the question than to answer it. Let’s explore the question in light of higher education.
STREAMLINING HIGHER EDUCATION
Narrative power sustains political power. In the last decade nothing much has been done to make a narrative change leave alone a paradigm shift. It is time academics and intellectuals are involved in the paradigm shift which has to be inclusive while celebrating diversity. Uniformity and centralization may derail the narrative power. Increase in investment of public education has not gone up 3.3% to 6% of the GDP, rather it has to go to 10% for it is education where the narrative power is.
In 2014, the new government faced significant backlogs and ineffective institutions that hindered economic development and infrastructure. Over the past decade, the priority efforts of the government in the education sector were, therefore, focused on rectifying these issues. The remedial measures that the government adopted prolonged the implementation of new policies, as it found itself heavily burdened by the need for extensive corrections in various governance sectors, removing outdated policies, and reforming institutions that no longer served modern educational needs.
A prime example of stagnation in the education sector was the outdated National Educational Policy of 1986, which had lagged behind amidst significant global transformations. To address this, the government launched the National Educational Policy (NEP) in 2020, a visionary document designed to tackle various themes and issues across all subjects and education levels. However, its implementation has been hampered due to existing bottlenecks and complexity, given that education is a concurrent list subject in the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution. Some institutions have been particularly hesitant or slow to adopt the NEP, given the political reasons and a lack of awareness.
The streamlining efforts initiated by the government in 2014 are decisive in bringing change. This NEP is unique in its ambition to elevate the education system at all levels, including higher education, by establishing expansive, multidisciplinary institutions. It advocates for teaching higher education in local languages, nurturing multidisciplinary learning, and developing critical and analytical thinking. Other key aspects include granting autonomy to faculty and institutions, overhauling educational methodologies, prompting optimal learning environment and ensuring merit-based appointments, and instituting a National Research Foundation (NRF).
Yet, despite its ambitious and competitive nature, the NEP 2020 also stands out for its strong emphasis on equity and inclusion, ensuring that no individual is prejudiced based on class, caste, gender, or religion. The policy is designed to create an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for all, addressing the diverse needs of India’s population. By promoting equitable access to quality education, the NEP 2020 aims to bridge existing gaps and foster a more just and inclusive society. The NEP and other regulatory policies are foundational for more significant transformations, and ensuring their speedy and effective implementation should be the government’s foremost priority.
COMPETENT AND COMPETITIVE HEIs
Under the overarching objective of “Viksit Bharat,” the new government must prioritize a comprehensive array of institutional and individual interventions to foster a highly competent and globally competitive higher education sector. Despite India’s commendable contributions across various scientific fields, including significant research citations and world renowned IT sector, the current competence of the Indian higher education sector does not align adequately with its global recognition. This discrepancy is particularly evident in India’s struggle to attract foreign collaborations and international students to the extent expected, given its inherent capabilities and potential.
However, a discernible shift in themes and discourse within the educational landscape signals a changing attitude towards higher education. This transformation is marked by a departure from traditional metrics focused solely on increasing the number of graduates to a more nuanced emphasis on cultivating a skilled workforce that is outcome-oriented, innovative and globally competitive. This paradigm shift underscores the critical importance of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches in higher education. Initiatives such as the introduction of social sciences courses at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) or the integration of technology and coding modules into humanities curricula reflect this evolving perspective.
ENCOURAGING SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES
While discussions about the development of higher education often revolve around fields like engineering, biotech, science, and technology, it’s crucial to recognize that the humanities and social sciences are equally vital components. Unlike the rapid advancements in STEM fields, the progression in these areas typically requires long-term investment. With its renowned institutions like the IITs and IIMs, India holds a significant advantage in these fields. However, the country has faced challenges in competing globally in humanities and social sciences.
As frequently depicted in international media landscapes, these disciplines are pivotal in shaping our understanding of the world, including its organization, functioning, and manipulation. Whether it’s international relations, sociology, anthropology, mass communications, or political science, India’s portrayal and understanding in the global arena depend significantly on these disciplines. Therefore, nurturing individuals who are well-versed in critical thinking and technological aptitude through higher education is imperative for India’s trajectory. The new government should prioritize allocating energy and resources to strengthen humanities and social sciences education without compromising the STEM fields. This should involve an incremental investment in the education budget to ensure the holistic development of individuals equipped with diverse skills necessary for India’s progress and global competitiveness.
The recent electoral cycle in India witnessed unprecedented misinformation and manipulation, mainly through media and social media platforms. For example, a pervasive argument in the news and media suggested that democracy in India had died and the country had become a “fascist dictatorship” of a few upper castes. Without any evidence, this claim was amplified until it entered public consciousness. Yet, the elections have proven these assertions to be untrue, but the damage to the psyche of Indians and India’s global image is significant and the results were visible.
To counteract this, the government must emphasize the development of social sciences, preparing a generation of young Indians who are not sycophants or ideologues but reasonable, articulate, and capable individuals. These individuals should be able to defend India’s case globally and ensure that the spirit of democracy and the electoral process is respected rather than ridiculed for vile political agendas. Strengthening education in international relations, political science, sociology, and mass communications will be crucial agenda for the new government. Hence narrative power only can do it, hence this will sustain political power and show the mirror of reality to the leadership.
CONCLUSION
As the government embarks on its third consecutive term, it has a unique opportunity to effect transformative change within the education sector. Holistic development of all disciplines are a must, not just lopsided development of those that are fashionable. All stakeholders—government, educators, students or administrators—must collaborate in synergy to leverage this opportune moment. The continuity advantage of the NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, needs to be leveraged so that India and Indians equip ourselves to compete in the global marketplace of ideas, present our perspectives, and make a compelling case for a Viksit Bharat—a developed India.
Prof Santishree D. Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.