A Tough Lesson For The Government On The Subject Of Education

The government finds itself perplexed over how to handle the aftermath of recent student protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Despite being compelled to agree to students' key demand, this hasn't quelled the growing momentum of India's youth, who now demand a complete overhaul of the education system, from primary school to higher education.

The School Theek Karo campaign, initiated by the CJP on India's 80th Independence anniversary, poses a formidable challenge as it targets rural schools, a sector in dire need of attention. With 94,000 government schools closing over the past decade, particularly in BJP-led states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, the government's inadequacy in addressing rural education is evident.

Recent government data reveals a decline in schools and students as education levels rise, with nearly 73% of students dropping out before completing higher secondary education. The economic pressures on students, especially those in rural and low-income backgrounds, drive them into the workforce or domestic responsibilities. Government's inability to grasp the importance of education across various classes, castes, and communities is evident in its derogatory remarks against educated dissenters.

If the School Theek Karo agitation intensifies, the government faces a dilemma. Adopting a confrontational stance towards the students could exacerbate the situation, while a conciliatory approach might encourage more students to protest for better education. The government's past mishandling of the Jantar Mantar protests has not helped its case, as it risks alienating the very people it aims to serve.