First the haste with which FYUP was implemented and then the even
hastier manner in which it was unceremoniously abandoned has made the
teaching community and the students believe that probably this is
also a way 'reforms' can be brought about in the University. I am
witnessing that a group of well meaning teachers and
sincere students have been fooling themselves with a hope that
reforms can be rolled out with the 'rollback'. They seem to have got too
much used to the bulldozing way of affecting reforms. We must
understand that 'rollback' is only an effect of the 'FYUP attempt'
that was made in the name of 'reforms'. It is high time we realize
that 'reforms' can neither be a clandestine agenda designed by an
elite group of individuals to bring about changes to suit their
interests nor they are freebies that can be distributed to those who
are asking for it. The dumped FYUP may have some features that can be
recommended while asking for reforms in the Indian education sector
but just for that it should never be mistaken by anything as
'reforms'. FYUP was a mercurial change that was destined only to
experience such a reactionary response. The way it came into being,
FYUP itself had asked for this end.
Let us not misread the 'rollback' as a reform. Rollback was at best only meant for a temporary relief and in no way can show a new strategy to be adopted for bringing about reforms. It seems we have spoiled our understanding of 'reforms' so much that we think that 'patience' is not required to be observed for affecting reforms. We must now realize that 'reforms in education' is a serious issue and requires some time to reach a stage at which a gradual attempt can be made to affect changes. A genuine feedback mechanism with a grievance redressing system need to be put in place to serve this cause that has awaited a meaningful attention for so long a period. Widespread consultations and a suggestions drawing exercise need to adopted to overhaul the Indian education beginning from primary education to the higher education for addressing the issue in a comprehensive manner. Let us not forget that 'steroids' (with unavoidable side effects) are used only as life saving drug and now since 'rollback' has been able to save the academic-life of this University, let us not get used to taking it. Let us work together to make meaningful changes in an acceptable way.
Let us not misread the 'rollback' as a reform. Rollback was at best only meant for a temporary relief and in no way can show a new strategy to be adopted for bringing about reforms. It seems we have spoiled our understanding of 'reforms' so much that we think that 'patience' is not required to be observed for affecting reforms. We must now realize that 'reforms in education' is a serious issue and requires some time to reach a stage at which a gradual attempt can be made to affect changes. A genuine feedback mechanism with a grievance redressing system need to be put in place to serve this cause that has awaited a meaningful attention for so long a period. Widespread consultations and a suggestions drawing exercise need to adopted to overhaul the Indian education beginning from primary education to the higher education for addressing the issue in a comprehensive manner. Let us not forget that 'steroids' (with unavoidable side effects) are used only as life saving drug and now since 'rollback' has been able to save the academic-life of this University, let us not get used to taking it. Let us work together to make meaningful changes in an acceptable way.
