Published in the Indian Express A key plank of the AAP strategy in the poll-bound states of Punjab, Gujarat and Goa is to showcase its work in the education sector of Delhi. Ever since Chief Minister, Kejriwal doubled the budgetary allocation for education, there is a widespread perception that the education sector is being transformed. In fact, even the LG, Mr Jung who is perceived to be at permanent loggerheads with the AAP CM, singled out education for “extremely positive effort” while dismissing all other purported reforms. Even if one were to disregard the fact that budgetary allocation is not the same as expenditure (a point made by Mr Kejriwal himself with reference to his stupendous Rs 526 crore advertising budget used to print full-page hindi advertisements in Chennai and beyond), the basis of this perception is unclear. Is it the multiple full-page advertisements by the Delhi Government publicizing routine events like parent-teacher meetings or the glowing news reports on summer camps, held in a fraction of Delhi Government schools with mixed success? Because if one were to actually visit schools, speak with teachers and educationists, there is real concern among many on the proposed and ongoing changes in education under the Delhi Government.
The Myth of Education Transformation by AAP
The Myth of Education Transformation by AAP
The Myth of Education Transformation by AAP
Published in the Indian Express A key plank of the AAP strategy in the poll-bound states of Punjab, Gujarat and Goa is to showcase its work in the education sector of Delhi. Ever since Chief Minister, Kejriwal doubled the budgetary allocation for education, there is a widespread perception that the education sector is being transformed. In fact, even the LG, Mr Jung who is perceived to be at permanent loggerheads with the AAP CM, singled out education for “extremely positive effort” while dismissing all other purported reforms. Even if one were to disregard the fact that budgetary allocation is not the same as expenditure (a point made by Mr Kejriwal himself with reference to his stupendous Rs 526 crore advertising budget used to print full-page hindi advertisements in Chennai and beyond), the basis of this perception is unclear. Is it the multiple full-page advertisements by the Delhi Government publicizing routine events like parent-teacher meetings or the glowing news reports on summer camps, held in a fraction of Delhi Government schools with mixed success? Because if one were to actually visit schools, speak with teachers and educationists, there is real concern among many on the proposed and ongoing changes in education under the Delhi Government.