Govt's Dilemma on Giving Autonomy or Tightening Leash

The education sector in India is often described as contradictory.

- SIDHARTH MISHRA Author and president, Centre for Reforms, Development & Justice

While the government encourages private participation, it looks at it more as an act of philanthropy than as a legitimate field of investment. On the one hand, the state lacks adequate resources to meet the aspirations of a growing population; on the other hand, it restricts private institutions through over-regulation, excessive affiliation norms, and rigid fee controls.

The issue is once again back in the centre stage with the passage of Delhi Private Schools (Fee Regulation) Act, which is being cited as one of the biggest achievements of the six-months-old Rekha Gupta government. While the Opposition, Aam Aadmi Party has called it a 'monster' act passed in connivance with the private schools, the school owners have called the act draconian.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has said that he did not consider the private school owners to be their enemies, but running a school could not be a business for earning profit. This has revived the debate on private participation in the education sector but would not allow profit.