The recent revelation that hundreds of illegal schools continue to operate across Maharashtra, three years after receiving shutdown orders, deeply troubles me Three years on, hundreds of illegal schools still operate in Maharashtra despite shutdown orders | Mumbai News - The Times of India. This isn't merely an administrative oversight; it's a fundamental betrayal of trust and a significant threat to the future of our children.
The Shadow of Illegality
For years, I have advocated for structured, quality-driven, and accessible education. I've spoken about the transformative power of a National Skills University, envisioned a future where AR/VR platforms make learning engaging and affordable, and championed efforts to align our curriculum with national standards like NCERT School curriculum in state rejigged to align with NCERT and unify academic content through initiatives like the e-Board of Studies e-Board' to standardies curriculum across varsities. My conversations with leaders like UGC Chairman M. Kumar, and my own work, including a project report for an autonomous university from 1986 which Dr. Suresh T Salunke so kindly commended, consistently underscore the necessity of robust educational frameworks Higher Educational Reforms.
Yet, the proliferation of illegal schools represents a stark contrast to these aspirations. It signifies a failure of governance, a gaping hole in our oversight mechanisms. How can we ensure foundational learning when the very institutions providing it operate outside the law, without proper checks and balances?
Accountability and Trust
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up the thought or suggestion on the topic of accountability and oversight years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
My earlier reflections on making CCTV cameras mandatory in schools and other institutions To install CCTV cameras weren't just about physical security; they were about creating transparency and accountability. The continued operation of illegal schools for years on end, despite explicit shutdown orders, speaks volumes about the systemic weaknesses in enforcement. Such a situation erodes public trust, not just in the educational system but in governance itself.
We've also seen other concerning incidents that highlight the fragility of trust and oversight. The recent hostage situation involving Rohit Aarrya, who claimed pending dues from the education department for his Swachhta Monitor initiative, is another poignant example. The involvement of Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse, who sought a report, and former minister Deepak Kesarkar, who spoke of Aarrya's complaints and even his personal donation out of sympathy, underscores the complex layers of public service and its challenges. Even Marathi actress Ruchita Jadhav narrowly escaped a meeting with Aarrya, bringing this issue into sharp focus. These events, while distinct, paint a picture of an educational landscape grappling with both systemic and individual accountability issues.
A Path Forward
The existence of these illegal schools denies children the right to quality education and potentially exposes them to unsafe environments. It’s imperative that the Maharashtra government acts decisively, not just with shutdown orders but with rigorous enforcement and follow-up. We need to bridge the gap between policy and execution.
My proposals for a National Skills University, e-BoS, and the push for greater investment and autonomy in higher education aim to build robust, transparent, and high-quality learning ecosystems. These are not just theoretical concepts; they are practical solutions to the very challenges we face today, including the blight of illegal schools.
We must strive for an education system that is not only accessible but also accountable, legitimate, and deeply committed to the holistic development of every student.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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