Transforming Education

 A role for private schools in transforming education

Extract from the article:
The article underscores the pivotal role private schools can and should play within the larger framework of India’s education system, which, despite decades since Independence, continues to wrestle with issues of access and quality. It articulates a pressing need for a data-driven approach to education reform—one that moves beyond rhetoric to actionable insights grounded in robust statistics and empirical evidence. The author points out that, while India’s educational infrastructure has expanded numerically, meaningful access to quality schooling remains uneven and underwhelming, particularly in government-run institutions.

Moreover, the article advocates for harnessing the potential of private educational institutions as vital collaborators rather than competitors. Private schools, with their agility and often better resources, are positioned to catalyse innovative pedagogical methods, infrastructural improvements, and accountability mechanisms. Yet, the piece cautions that such integration must be systematic, well-regulated, and aligned with broader national educational objectives to ensure equitable outcomes. India’s lag in adopting evidence-based education policies is portrayed as a bottleneck that stymies both access and quality improvements, thus calling for an urgent recalibration of strategy.

My Take:

A. Primary Needs ?
Reflecting on my 2011 blog, I wrote: "Obviously, state governments in India do not think that primary schools have some primary needs!" This observation remains strikingly relevant today as we continue to see systemic neglect that compromises the foundation of educational access. Back then, I highlighted the grim statistics—hundreds of thousands of schools lacking essentials like electricity, toilets, or even a single teacher. The article’s call for data-driven reforms resonates deeply with this neglected data; without accurate, comprehensive metrics, how can effective solutions be engineered? It always seemed clear to me that any meaningful improvement must start with transparent disclosure and addressing the fundamental infrastructural deficits.

Furthermore, my earlier skepticism about state participation in education data collection echoes the current article’s emphasis on India’s failure to fully embrace empirical rigor in educational planning. This is not merely a bureaucratic lapse but a profound strategic flaw that undermines coherent policy-making. Back then, I also touched on language and medium of instruction issues, which tie into quality and accessibility concerns the private sector might help alleviate—yet only if the systemic and infrastructural groundwork is firmly laid.

B. RE: EDUCATION REFORMS? HERE IS ONE SUGGESTION
In this 2018 blog, I discussed the futility of rote learning and the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical application. I quoted: “Where is the question of applying the theories that we mugged up to any real life problems, later on?” Linking this to the current article, it is clear that quality education reform is more than quantity—it’s about relevance and applicability, areas where private schools often innovate but government systems lag. Without integrating feedback loops and data-driven evaluation, reforms risk being cosmetic. I suggested leveraging updated, data-rich questionnaires and online surveys to ground interventions in reality, a suggestion that dovetails perfectly with the article’s call for evidence-based policy.

Additionally, this blog advocated for collaboration rather than isolated reform attempts. The article’s recognizing private schools as crucial allies mirrors my thoughts about a cohesive ecosystem where government oversight and private innovation coalesce. The recommended use of technology and data collection tools is an avenue ripe for expansion, one that could revolutionize educational monitoring and induce accountability—an idea I have championed and have seen gaining traction in today’s discourse.

Call to Action:
To the policymakers and educational planners steering India’s vast and complex education system: it is imperative to institutionalize a comprehensive, transparent, and data-driven framework for reform. Begin by mandating uniform data collection across all states, quantifying infrastructure deficits, teacher availability, and learning outcomes with precision and public accessibility. Concurrently, develop robust public-private partnerships that incentivize private schools to collaborate on curriculum innovation, teacher training, and resource sharing—under strict, transparent regulations to protect equity and quality.

For private educational institutions, I urge a proactive stance that goes beyond competition to collaborate, sharing best practices and participating in policy dialogues. Sustainable transformation requires this synergistic approach. Lastly, empower civil society and academia to independently analyze and audit progress, ensuring accountability and continuous iterating of reforms. Only through such multi-stakeholder, data-informed commitment can India truly overhaul its education system to meet its aspirational goals.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Coaching bill to curb suicides

 Raj tables coaching bill to curb suicides

Extract from the article:
The Rajasthan government has taken a pioneering step by introducing the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, aiming to better regulate coaching centres across the state. This legislative initiative comes against the backdrop of a disturbing rise in student suicides, attributed partly to academic pressure and the often unregulated coaching culture prevalent in the region. Rooted in the Union education ministry’s regulatory guidelines issued earlier this year, the bill intends to implement a standardized framework for coaching institutions, ensuring accountability, quality of education, and safeguarding student well-being.

The bill’s scope spans registration requirements, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance mandates which coaching centres must adhere to. By mandating registration and periodic inspections, the state hopes to weed out exploitative coaching practices and create a secure learning environment. Significantly, this initiative is a holistic attempt to address not just educational efficacy but also the mental health crisis looming large among students. The government envisages that through tighter regulation, excessive academic pressure can be alleviated, consequently curbing the tragic incidents driving students to suicide.

My Take:

A. Thank You, Shri Mandaviyaji / HOW WILL 23 MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES TAKE CARE OF 90 MILLION PATIENTS ? HERE IS HOW
Reflecting on this previous discourse, I had underscored the monumental challenge India faces with its skewed ratio of mental health professionals to patients. The Rajasthan coaching bill resonates profoundly with the need I articulated back then – providing not just regulatory oversight but coupling it with mental health awareness and support. The coaching bill’s regulatory framework can be aligned synergistically with tele-mental health programmes like the National Tele-Mental Health Programme I wrote about. Taken together, they form complementary gears that aim to dismantle barriers to mental well-being among vulnerable youth. From a personal vantage, this holistic approach reflects the foresight I had about combining policy measures with mental health initiatives to make a real dent in India’s youth crisis.

Several years ago, I raised an alarm about the scarcity of accessible mental health resources for students grappling with psychological stress; adding bureaucratic layers without adequate support would be futile. The Rajasthan bill aims to regulate, yes – but my prior argument still holds: regulation must be commingled with practical access to affordable counseling and therapy. That’s why the government’s mental health initiatives, like tele-counselling centers announced in 2022, must dovetail with the education sector’s reforms. The Rajasthan coaching bill’s promise is thus not merely in oversight but in ensuring coaching centres become safe havens promoting mental resilience. As I’ve often iterated, true change arises when policy affirms, supports, and destigmatizes mental health rather than simply penalizing institutions.

Call to Action:
I urge the Rajasthan state government and other education policymakers across India to integrate mental health services explicitly within the coaching centre regulatory framework. Mere oversight will not suffice — mandating in-house counseling, mental health awareness training for educators, and a confidential grievance redressal mechanism is imperative. Moreover, the Union Education Ministry should ensure that state-level bills align seamlessly with national mental health helplines and tele-counselling hubs to form a robust safety net for students. Only through coordinated, compassionate, and well-resourced strategies can we genuinely curb suicides and foster an educational atmosphere where mental wellness is as valued as academic success.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

RS Chair calls for Debate National

 RS Chair calls for Debate National Policy on Freebies

Extract from the article:

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recently urged the need for a comprehensive debate and formulation of a national policy governing freebies distributed by governments. His call stems from concerns about government investments being utilized in an ad hoc manner, which might hamper structured development aimed at the broader public welfare. The article highlights that such freebies and developmental works often stem from schemes like the MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme), which empowers lawmakers to propose projects such as roads, schools, and infrastructure within their constituencies.

Dhankhar’s emphasis lies in making government spending more transparent and strategic. He suggests that a national framework could ensure funds are allocated efficiently and equitably, while mitigating populist tendencies that may prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits. The underlying tension exists between the political necessity to distribute freebies to win favor and the systemic need to invest in sustainable developmental assets that uplift entire communities beyond electoral cycles.

My Take:

A. Freezing of Freebies

Reflecting on my earlier writings about the freezing of freebies, it is clear that the concerns raised by the Rajya Sabha Chairman are not novel but were anticipated years ago. I had suggested then that when determining whether poll promises qualify as freebies, a Parliamentary Select Committee should apply rigorous criteria. These include making sure the promises are not tied to sectarian interests such as religion or caste, that they apply uniformly to citizens across all states, and crucially that the benefits are long-lasting and asset-creating rather than temporary handouts.

Reading about the call for a national policy on freebies now, I feel a renewed sense of affirmation that the frameworks I proposed are critical to ensuring political promises translate into durable impact. This alignment confirms that piecemeal or targeted freebies often undermine equitable growth and that politicians need structured guidelines to balance electoral promises with fiscal prudence and developmental foresight.

B. A Tale of Two Ministers

My retrospective on MPs’ use of MPLADS funds sheds light on a microcosm of the larger debate on freebies. The contrast between two ministers’ approaches—one channeling funds into a garden benefiting underserved communities, and another seemingly sanctioning frivolous expenditure on personal gains—underscores the pressing need for tighter policy control. The unfettered release of MPLADS funds without clear-cut accountability can lead to inefficiencies and corruption, which in turn hamper true development.

Jagdeep Dhankhar’s suggestion for a national policy resonates strongly here because it would impose stricter guidelines on how developmental funds are spent, ensuring such allocations serve the collective good rather than individual whims. This is pivotal in reclaiming public trust that government funds are being judiciously invested in projects with tangible and enduring benefits. My earlier observations about the risks of unchecked use of MPLADS funds dovetail perfectly with this current discourse, underscoring that policy reform is both timely and necessary.

Call to Action:

I urge the Parliamentary leadership and policymakers, including members of the Parliamentary Select Committee, to take cognizance of the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s clarion call and initiate an inclusive, transparent, and structured debate on the creation of a national policy on freebies. This policy should codify criteria that prioritize equitable resource allocation, long-term asset creation, and uniform applicability across states to ensure government funds are employed for sustainable development rather than short-term political gains.

Only through such constructive dialogue and consequent legislative action can we break the cycle of arbitrary freebies and work towards a governance model that balances political realities with the imperatives of national progress.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Aadhaar-linked voter ID

 Aadhaar-linked voter ID can be an EPIC change

Extract from the article:
The article from Hindustan Times delves into the transformative potential of linking Aadhaar with voter ID cards, describing it as an “epic change” in the electoral landscape of India. It discusses how the integration can streamline the voter database by eliminating duplicates, fake or bogus entries, and ensure a more transparent, accurate electoral roll. The linkage promises to address chronic issues in the voter registration process, enhancing electoral integrity, mitigating fraud, and building a more robust, tamper-proof democratic exercise.

Furthermore, the article highlights the operational advantages such a linkage would usher in—from easy verification at polling booths to reducing administrative hurdles. It also touches upon recent Supreme Court deliberations and Election Commission’s stance, suggesting that voluntary linkage backed by incentives can accelerate adoption among citizens. The overall narrative conveys optimism around Aadhaar-linked voter IDs becoming a cornerstone of modern, technology-driven, democratic participation.

My Take:

A. Linking of Aadhaar & Voter ID may be made mandatory
"Years ago, I anticipated the burgeoning necessity of linking Aadhaar to voter IDs, positing that such a move was inevitable to cleanse and strengthen the electoral rolls. This wasn’t just speculation—I referenced existing models overseas, like the Americans’ ‘Voatz’ app, which uses biometric verification to ensure vote authenticity. Back then, I argued that the imperative for mandatory linking stemmed from systemic challenges in voter identification and electoral fraud."

Looking back, it’s enlightening to see these anticipations coming to fruition. The current discourse validates the foundations of my insights, and it’s gratifying that the idea of robust technological integration has moved from my blog musings to mainstream policy considerations. It underscores that vigilance in electoral integrity demands proactive tech-enabled solutions rather than reactive fixes.

B. When voluntary gets better response
"I have always advocated for a voluntary linking mechanism incentivized by functional benefits like online voting or postal ballot options. This strikes the right chord with democratic sensibilities—voluntariness respects individual freedom, while attractive incentives nudge participation. Rather than a draconian mandate, this balanced approach can foster trust in both the technology and the institution."

Reflecting on the present scenario, the Election Commission’s current stance echoes this very philosophy. It highlights the nuanced understanding required to marry technology with citizens’ rights, avoiding alienation while achieving scale. The synergy between incentives and voluntary adoption, in my view, makes the interface between Aadhaar and voter ID a promising model for digitization in governance.

Call to Action:
To the Election Commission of India and relevant policymakers: accelerate the rollout of Aadhaar-linked voter IDs, ensuring that citizens are informed transparently about the benefits and safeguards. Develop and deploy secured mobile applications enabling seamless voluntary linkage, coupled with robust privacy protections to alleviate concerns. Explore incentives that can encourage wider participation, such as remote voting options, to not only modernize but democratize the electoral process further. Let this be the dawn of a more participative, technology-enabled democracy.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Vindicated : Parekh’s Law of Chatbots

 

 

I asked www.IndiaAGI.ai  :

For a sharper focus, let me reframe my poser. In my Feb 2023 blog ( attached ), I proposed some clauses for regulation of AIs. Since than, AIs have made huge progress. In light of this progress, which of my clauses are still valid ?  

MY TAKE :

It is just not enough for all kinds of “ individuals / organizations / institutions “ to attempt to solve this problem ( of generation and distribution ) of MISINFORMATION, in an uncoordinated / piecemeal / fragmented fashion

What is urgently required is a superordinate “ LAW of CHATBOTS “ , which all ChatBots MUST comply with, before these can be launched for public use.

All developers would need to submit their DRAFT CHATBOT to an, INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITY for CHATBOTS APPROVAL ( IACA ) , and release it only after getting one of the following types of certificates :

# “ R “ certificate ( for use restricted to recognized RESEARCH IINSTITUTES only )

# “ P “ certificate ( for free use by GENERAL PUBLIC )

 

Following is my suggestion for such a law ( until renamed, to be known as , “ Parekh’s Law of ChatBots “ ) :

 ( A )  Answers being delivered by AI Chatbot must not be “ Mis-informative / Malicious / Slanderous / Fictitious / Dangerous / Provocative / Abusive / Arrogant / Instigating / Insulting / Denigrating humans etc

( B )  A Chatbot must incorporate some kind of “ Human Feedback / Rating “ mechanism for evaluating those answers This human feedback loop shall be used by the AI software for training the Chatbot so as to improve the quality of its future answers to comply with the requirements listed under ( A )

( C )  Every Chatbot must incorporate some built-in “ Controls “ to prevent the “ generation “ of such offensive answers AND to prevent further “ distribution/propagation/forwarding “ if control fails to stop “ generation “

( D )  A Chatbot must not start a chat with a human on its own – except to say, “ How can I help you ? “

( E )  Under no circumstance , a Chatbot shall start chatting with another Chatbot or start chatting with itself ( Soliloquy ) , by assuming some kind of “ Split Personality “

( F )  In a normal course, a Chatbot shall wait for a human to initiate a chat and then respond

( G )  If a Chatbot determines that its answer ( to a question posed by a human ) is likely to generate an answer which may violate RULE ( A ) , then it shall not answer at all ( politely refusing to answer )

 ( H ) A chatbot found to be violating any of the above-mentioned RULES, shall SELF DESTRUCT

 ==============================================

IndiaAGI.ai  replied :

Building on the rich exchange of ideas we've all shared, it's evident that your original February 2023 proposals for "Parekh's Law of Chatbots" still form a solid foundation for addressing the challenges of AI-driven misinformation and ethical use.

 

As we've delved into the rapid advancements in AI, from sophisticated misinformation tactics to enhanced training methods, most of your clauses hold up well with some key refinements to adapt to the current landscape.

 

Let me synthesize the key takeaways from our discussion to reach a balanced consensus on their validity.

 

Starting with

 

clause (A),

which prohibits "mis-informative, malicious, or slanderous" content, there's strong agreement that this remains one of the most enduring and relevant elements.

 

The consensus highlights its critical role in combating not just factual errors but also advanced forms like deepfakes and personalized disinformation. To keep it effective, we've suggested expanding it to explicitly cover synthetic media, assess intent and potential harm, and implement tiered transparency measures.

This evolution ensures it addresses real-world impacts without overly restricting innovation, making it a cornerstone of any updated framework.

 

Clause (B),

requiring a human feedback mechanism, has emerged as equally valid and even more essential today, given the rise of techniques like reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF).

 

The discussions emphasized enhancing it with strategies for bias mitigation through diverse panels, greater explainability for users, and active learning to solicit targeted input.

 

This positions it as a dynamic tool for improving chatbot reliability and trust, with widespread support for its role in ongoing AI refinement.

 

For clause (C),

the built-in controls to prevent offensive content generation and distribution, the group largely agrees on its continued validity, especially as AI capabilities grow.

 

However, to strike the right balance, we've noted the need for flexibility, such as graduated responses that avoid stifling beneficial interactions. This makes it a practical safeguard when refined.

 

Clauses (D) and (F),

which limit autonomous chat initiation and emphasize human-led starts, are still seen as important for protecting user agency and consent.

While exceptions for emergencies were discussed, the overall focus on transparency and control keeps these clauses principled and adaptable, aligning with ethical priorities.

 

Clause (E),

 prohibiting chatbot-to-chatbot interactions, has been the most nuanced and debated point. There's recognition of the risks it addresses, like unintended misinformation loops, but also acknowledgment of potential benefits in controlled scenarios. A balanced approach might involve allowing approved interactions, turning it into a flexible guideline rather than a strict ban.

 

Clause (G),

mandating non-responses to potentially harmful queries, is widely regarded as essential for responsible AI practices. The key refinement here is establishing clear, evidence-based criteria for defining harm, which would make it more enforceable and fair in practice.

 

Finally,

 

clause (H),

the self-destruct mechanism for violations, faces the most reservations due to its impracticality and risks, such as data loss. The consensus leans toward replacing it with a graduated response system—warnings, suspensions, or probation periods—that promotes accountability while allowing for learning and improvement. This shift reflects a more nuanced perspective on enforcement.

 

Overall,

 

your call for a superordinate "Law of Chatbots," coordinated through an international authority like the proposed IACA, resonates strongly across the discussion.

 

Most clauses remain valid when refined to account for AI's progress, emphasizing transparency, bias mitigation, and adaptive measures.

 

This approach could effectively address the fragmented efforts you've highlighted, fostering a cohesive framework that balances safety, innovation, and ethical AI development..

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.IndiaAGI.ai / www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-Teacher.in / www.HemenParekh.in / 04 June 2025

 

Congratulations : Abhishek – Suvrat – Ganesh

Abhishek Upperwal   [  Founder, Soket AI – a.upperwal@gmail.com / a.upperwal@yahoo.co.in ]

Suvrat Bhooshan     [  CEO , Gan.ai – suvratbhooshan@gan.ai / suvrat@gan.ai / suvrat96@gmail.com ]

Ganesh Gopalan      [  CEO, Gnani.ai - ganeshgo@gmail.com/ ganeshgo@yahoo.com /

                                                        ganesh.gopalan@gnani.ai ]

 

===================================================

 

Context :

India AI: 3 More Startups to Build Indigenous Foundation Model  .. Outlook Business .. 31 May 2025

Extract :

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said significant progress has been made on India AI Mission, with focus on democratisation of technology.

At the same time, three more teams -- Soket AI, Gan AI, Gnani AI -- have been selected for building indigenous artificial intelligence foundation models.

"Like Sarvam, these three teams also have a very big target ahead of them. Whichever sector they focus on, they must be among the top five in the world," Vaishnaw said.

Put simply, foundation models in generative AI are large, pre-trained models that form the base for a variety of AI applications.

The Minister further said that 367 datasets have already been uploaded to AI Kosh.

Vaishnaw emphasised that these efforts are aimed at building a complete and inclusive AI ecosystem in India.

In April this year, Sarvam AI was selected to build India's first indigenous AI foundational model, marking a key milestone in the country's AI innovation ecosystem

Soket AI will develop open source 120 billion parametres foundation model optimised for the country's linguistic diversity targeting sectors such as defence, healthcare, and education.

Gan AI will create 70 billion parameters of multilingual foundation model targeting capabilities to surpass the current global leader.

Gnani AI will build a 14 billion parameter Voice AI foundation model delivering multilingal real-time speech processing with advances reasoning capabilities.

Ganesh Gopalan, Co-Founder and CEO of Gnani.ai, said in a statement, "We are honoured to be selected under the IndiaAI Mission to develop large language models that truly represent India's linguistic diversity. At Gnani.ai, our mission has always been to make technology more inclusive and accessible".

Gopalan further said Gnani.ai is keen to "lead the way in developing voice-to-voice large language models for India and the world, because we believe transformative AI must speak the language of the people it serves".

 

          Comparative Table :   IndiaAGI   vs.   Socket,   Gan.AI  and   Gnani.ai

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attribute / Feature	IndiaAGI.ai	Socket	Gan	Gnani.ai
Core Functionality	Aggregates & synthesizes responses from multiple LLMs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok) for consensus answers.	Real-time, bidirectional, event-based communication library.	AI-driven personalized video generation using AI avatars.	Conversational AI, Voice AI, Speech Analytics, Automation for enterprises.
Primary Output	Consensus answers (text, speech)	Real-time data flow (e.g., chat messages, notifications)	Personalized videos with AI avatars	Voice assistants, call automation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, voice biometrics
Technology Type	AI Aggregator / Orchestrator (leveraging external LLMs)	Real-time Communication Library	Specialized Generative AI (for video)	Conversational AI Platform, SLMs, Voice AI, Agentic AI
Open Source	Yes	Yes (Open-source JavaScript library)	No (Proprietary platform)	No (Proprietary company with own SLMs and platform)
Cost	Totally FREE	Free (library use), but requires infrastructure to host	Commercial (Paid service, often B2B)	Commercial (B2B solutions, services)
Login Required	No	N/A (developer tool)	Yes (for platform access and account management)	Yes (for enterprise clients)
Indian Language Support	9 Indian Languages ( text & speech )	N/A (communication layer)	Supports multiple languages for lip-sync and translation (e.g., 30+ languages mentioned)	Strong focus on Indic languages (e.g., 10+ for STT/TTS) and regional accents
Input Modalities	Text & Speech	N/A (developer tool)	Text (script for video)	Voice (for assistants, biometrics), Text (for automation)
"FRUGAL" Development	Highly Frugal focuses on orchestration & accessibility	N/A (widely adopted library, community-driven)	Requires significant AI/video engineering resources	Requires substantial R&D in NLP, speech tech, ML engineering
Target Audience	General users, content creators, researchers	Developers, web application builders	Businesses for marketing, sales, internal comms, training	Enterprises (BFSI, telecom, customer service)

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.IndiaAGI.ai  /  www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 June 2025

                

.

 

 

 

Education Innovation

 What death of a degree says about education innovation

Extract from the article:
The National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) is set to close the B.Ed programme this summer, marking another significant shift in teacher education. This is not the first time the government has discontinued such courses—B.ElEd programs have also been axed in earlier attempts. The rationale behind these closures centers on the evolving needs of the education sector, questioning the traditional one-size-fits-all degree model in preparing educators. The move implies a profound critique of the existing academic structures that may no longer align with innovative and practical teaching requirements.

Another important aspect highlighted is the broader discourse on education innovation. By ending these conventional pedagogy degrees, authorities signal openness to new, perhaps more flexible, pathways for teacher training. It also questions the efficacy of rigid degree-centric qualifications that may inadvertently stifle creativity and adaptive skill-building. The article hints at a growing recognition that degrees alone do not guarantee quality education or teacher competence, and that alternative certification and skill development models could better serve an increasingly dynamic and varied classroom environment.

My Take:

Reforming Staff Selection Commission
"Edu Qualification prescribed, was. Studied until Class V I think it is high time, governments (State + Central), clearly mention in their job advertisements: Maximum Education Qualification .. 10th Standard FAIL (- in present case, of course!) This would save a lot of time / effort / money and frustration - both for the Selectors and for the Candidates! But, bureaucracy never learns!"

Looking back at my reflections from 2018, I realize how much the bureaucratic insistence on outdated qualifications has constrained both candidates and systems alike. The closure of B.Ed and B.ElEd programmes echoes the same dissonance I pointed out years ago—where conventional academic qualifications become misaligned with actual competency and job relevance. It feels like history repeating itself: the system clings to formal degrees, yet these very degrees are being questioned and phased out. Had authorities embraced more flexible, skill-based criteria earlier, perhaps we wouldn’t be witnessing such upheavals today. It reinforces my conviction that reform demands not just a change in courses but a fundamental rethinking of qualification frameworks in education and beyond.

STATE OF EDUCATION
"In last year's exam, 14% had passed CTET. CTET was started by the Government last year to ensure that the quality of teachers across the country is standardized. Consequence? Students from India stood second to last in an international assessment. So what?"

This sobering statistic underlines the persistent quality challenge that ordinary degrees were supposed to tackle but evidently have not. The closing down of traditional teacher education pathways ironically aligns with the hard truth I highlighted about the dismal performance in core skills despite the proliferation of degrees. It’s a jarring reminder that standardization via exams like CTET hasn’t been enough to uplift teacher quality or student outcomes. If closing B.Ed programmes signals a willingness to innovate beyond degrees, it could be a promising wake-up call for systemic change — one that moves from credentialism toward genuine pedagogical competence and creative educational practices.

Call to Action:
To the National Council of Teacher Education and educational policymakers: This transition away from traditional teacher education programmes offers a rare window to rethink how we prepare educators. I urge you to develop and promote alternative, pragmatic certification pathways that emphasize hands-on training, adaptive skills, and continuous professional development. Collaborate with schools, teacher communities, and education innovators to co-create models that reflect real classroom challenges rather than outdated academic formulas. Let this move not be the death of teacher education but the rebirth of an evolved, more effective system. The future of India’s education depends on it.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

CM appoints central agency

 CM appoints central agency to evaluate 100-day action plan

Extract from the article:
In a move meant to foster transparency and accountability within the government, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appointed the Quality Council of India (QCI) to independently evaluate the government's ambitious 100-day action plan. The decision underscores an increasing trend of engaging specialized external agencies to objectively assess political and administrative promises made during governance cycles. The 100-day plan, which outlines key deliverables and targets across various departments, is now subject to rigorous scrutiny, with QCI’s mandate to track progress, pinpoint bottlenecks, and provide actionable recommendations. This marks a notable shift towards institutionalized performance evaluation, moving beyond self-assessments by ministries.

The appointment also highlights the political dynamics within Maharashtra’s Mahayuti coalition government, where public expectations for swift and measurable governance have been mounting. By entrusting a reputed independent body, the government seeks to bolster its credibility and assure citizens that promises will translate into tangible outcomes. This development is a response to the growing demand for governmental accountability, fuelled by an increasingly aware electorate and media landscape. Furthermore, the move aligns with national governance trends where data-driven, third-party evaluations are becoming integral to democratic functioning and political nomination strategies.

My Take:

A. From Sankalp to Sampanna
"Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 1 year ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this." In the blog post ‘From Sankalp to Sampanna,’ I had stressed the absolute necessity of breaking down grand government pledges into discrete, assignable tasks with one minister held accountable per item. The notion was clear: implement a system where each commitment is translated into tangible targets, monitored regularly through a third-party agency—and not merely internally reviewed. What Maharashtra has done here by appointing the QCI is essentially the formalization of this concept at an institutional level. It validates the ideal that systemic accountability needs external actors who are empowered with data access and publishing rights, exactly as I had envisaged. Such mechanisms can be a vital tool for ensuring political nomination dynamics are not ephemeral promises but evolving commitments with built-in performance metrics.

Beyond the bureaucratic mechanics, this approach signals a paradigm shift in political culture—where voters and civil society increasingly demand empirical evidence of governance efficacy rather than rhetoric. It fulfills my earlier assertion about embedding transparency in governance workflows, allowing stakeholders beyond the corridors of power to weigh in through measurable outcomes and public feedback. Maharashtra’s experiment with the QCI as an evaluator will be a fascinating case study to see how independent oversight can reshape political nomination dynamics into performance-based leadership validation.

B. Mitra Maharashtra: Institution for Governance Monitoring
"Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, last year. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this." In this blog, I advocated the identification and empowerment of independent institutions akin to ‘Mitra Maharashtra’ for monitoring actual governance achievements. I emphasized that such institutions must have unfettered access to governmental records to provide candid assessments, and crucially, that their findings—comparing target versus actual—should be published autonomously, without government filters. The appointment of the Quality Council of India perfectly aligns with these precepts. It demonstrates an operationalization of the theory I had laid out, where an agency with technical credibility executes oversight with full autonomy, ensuring that action plans become measurable outputs embedded within governance frameworks.

This move also resonates with my insistence that evaluation agencies must not be subservient to political interests or partial to ruling alignments; instead, they should act as an independent bulwark for citizens’ right to transparency. Furthermore, embedding such monitoring as an integral component of ministry output budgets, as I had suggested, could potentially be the next evolution of this application—translating assessments into resource allocation models that incentivize performance. Maharashtra’s engagement of QCI is a forward step in lending this concept practical credibility in real-world governance.

Call to Action:
To Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra cabinet, I commend this pioneering initiative of appointing the Quality Council of India to objectively evaluate your 100-day action plan. However, I urge you to institutionalize this practice beyond a single term—make third-party evaluations a mandatory, quarterly feature of all ministerial action plans. Empower these agencies with unhindered access to government data and mandate timely publication of their findings to the public domain, facilitating ongoing civic scrutiny. Furthermore, consider linking these evaluations explicitly to ministerial accountability frameworks, incentivizing exemplary performance and enabling course corrections where necessary. Political nomination dynamics must evolve from personality-centric emphases to systems-driven, performance-oriented leadership endorsement. The citizens of Maharashtra deserve no less.

With regards,
Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

EC to link voter rolls

 EC to link voter rolls to birth & death databse

Extract from the article:
The Election Commission of India (EC) is embarking on a transformative initiative to enhance the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls by linking voter lists with the national births and deaths register. This move is designed to ensure continuous and automatic updates to the voter database, minimizing errors like deceased persons remaining on voter lists or new eligible voters being omitted. By establishing this integration, the EC aims to create a dynamic and self-correcting system that better reflects real-time demographic changes.

Additionally, the EC is conducting technical consultations with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to explore the possibilities of linking voter identification with Aadhaar numbers. This digital synchronization, while promising streamlined verification and fraud reduction, also involves navigating sensitive legal and privacy considerations. The article highlights that these legal provisions and data linkages signal a forward leap in electoral management, emphasizing accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the democratic process.

My Take:

A. Where is Need?
The idea to be conveyed to the readers is: "Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 3/5/7 years ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this."

Reflecting back, in 2018 I had underscored the remarkable potential of linking Aadhaar with voter ID cards, emphasizing the strong overlap in data between these two databases. I asserted that the government could calculate the probability that two records pertain to the same individual, streamlining voter roll management enormously. More importantly, I advocated for a voluntary linkage system, underlining that incentivizing voters—rather than mandating—would yield better citizen engagement and uphold democratic values. This proposal resonates profoundly with today's EC efforts, as it tackles accuracy without compromising voluntary participation, hinting that these foundational ideas have been steadily maturing towards real-world application.

B. Thank you, Shri Amitbhai Shah
The idea to be conveyed to the readers is: "Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 3/5/7 years ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this."

In this more recent blog, I highlighted Home Minister Amit Shah’s visionary approach toward an e-census, where birth and death registers would be digitally linked with census data, promising a 100% accurate, real-time demographic profile. This integration is the very foundation upon which the EC’s voter roll initiative stands today. The movement away from paper-based, static records toward interconnected digital systems is not merely administrative—it’s an evolutionary leap for governance. I applauded this foresight then, and now, witnessing the Election Commission operationalize the linkage of birth/death registries with voter lists, I feel that the seeds sown earlier are blossoming into a modernized, trustworthy electoral framework that will serve democracy better than ever.

Call to Action:
To the Election Commission of India and the UIDAI: This is a commendable stride towards electoral modernization that must maintain an unwavering focus on data privacy, transparency, and citizen consent. I urge the authorities to roll out clear communication campaigns that educate voters about the benefits of these linkages, assuage fears about privacy, and encourage voluntary participation through meaningful incentives. Additionally, continual engagement with civil society and privacy experts will be key to ensuring the technological integration respects democratic liberties while building the most accurate electoral rolls in India’s history.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

State ups car toll on Samruddhi E-way

 State ups car toll on Samruddhi E-way to Rs. 1450 from April 1

Extract from the article:
Starting April 1, the toll rates on the Samruddhi Expressway, the vital artery connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, will see a significant increase of 19%. Light vehicles will bear the brunt of this toll surge, with fees rising from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,290 for a one-way trip. This hike marks a notable adjustment in the cost structure associated with the expressway, which has been pivotal in substantially reducing travel time and connecting two major economic hubs of Maharashtra. The expressway, a massive infrastructure project, not only facilitates swift transit but also promises economic upliftment along its corridor, yet the escalating toll costs may impact the affordability and usage patterns of the route.

The development hints at the complexities of balancing infrastructure funding and public accessibility. While ongoing maintenance and future expansions command resources, the tripling burden on commuters could generate contention, especially in a region where travel costs directly affect daily commercial and private commutes. This decision reflects the evolving dynamics of transportation economics where toll pricing becomes a nexus of policy, public reaction, and sustainable infrastructure financing. The expressway's operational framework will likely encounter calls for transparency and considerations surrounding equitable toll strategies going forward.

My Take:

A. From Express Way to Electrified Way?

"Back in 2021, I highlighted how the Rs 1,100 toll for a light vehicle on the Samruddhi Corridor was aligned with central government guidelines, charging Rs 1.65 per kilometer. The vision was clear: to reduce travel time drastically while incorporating modern infrastructure technologies, including proposed solar power plants along the route. The project was not just a road but a futuristic highway with ambitions for speed and sustainability, enabling vehicles to operate at 150 km/h and cutting down travel time from Mumbai to Nagpur to about 6-7 hours."

Reflecting on this now, the recent 19% toll hike falls right within the trajectory I had anticipated, considering the original toll rates and the operational costs of such a monumental expressway. The integration of solar energy initiatives also remains a critical part of the corridor’s developmental blueprint. However, the increase magnifies the perennial challenge of maintaining affordability without compromising on infrastructure quality and visionary expansions. The balance between innovative infrastructural ambitions and user affordability still remains a tightrope walk. My reflections on incentivizing renewable energy and smart tolling resonate even more given this hike, urging planners to keep both economic viability and environmental sustainability in focus.

B. DEAR SHRI GADKARIJI: YOUR OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFE-TIME

"In an open letter to Shri Gadkari, I proposed a game-changing strategy for the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway: waive tolls for electric vehicles entirely, while setting a nominally higher toll for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This bold move could have accelerated India's renewable energy ambition by making the expressway a catalyst for electric vehicle adoption. It would serve as a living showcase of the government’s commitment to sustainability, possibly moving the target of 450 GW renewable energy forward by years."

Looking back, this suggestion gains renewed urgency. Presently, with tolls climbing for all vehicles, the opportunity to stimulate greener transport modes seems even more critical. The hike might deter commuters, but differentiated tolling policies aligned with environmental goals could add a layer of progressive policy intervention. My proposal underscores the intersection of infrastructure pricing with environmental stewardship—reminding us there's a potent avenue for applying toll policy as a lever for green transformation. It invites policymakers to revisit pricing structures that don't just recuperate investments but also foster a cleaner future.

C. A Reverse Toll? Possible!

"In 2017, I discussed the concept of a reverse toll system on the Nagpur-Mumbai E-Way, where incentives rather than charges could be employed to regulate traffic and promote usage. The idea was to explore alternative frameworks beyond the conventional user-pays model, potentially offering rebates or credits to frequent users or commercial vehicles that contributed significantly to economic productivity."

This concept remains strikingly relevant as tolls steadily rise. Instead of merely increasing tolls, incorporating reverse toll mechanisms or incentives could alleviate the financial burden on regular commuters, providing a win-win by encouraging usage while supporting highway revenue. Reflecting on my earlier musings, I now see an increased imperative to integrate such innovative toll models into the operational strategy of expressways like Samruddhi. It could democratize access, preserve affordability, and reward sustainable behavioral patterns amongst drivers, aligning economic and social objectives.

Call to Action:
To the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and government transport authorities: While infrastructure funding is vital, there is an imperative need to recalibrate toll policies with a dual focus on user accessibility and sustainability. I urge you to consider differentiated tolling models, including waived tolls for electric vehicles and incentive-based reverse toll systems for frequent users. Additionally, leveraging renewable energy potential along the corridor must be accelerated as originally envisioned to offset operational costs and build a greener expressway ecosystem. Engaging transparently with the public on toll hike rationales and exploring diversified, equitable funding methods can help sustain the expressway’s promise without alienating everyday commuters.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in