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Health Administrator Vol: XVII, Number 1: 4-11, pg.

2. HEALTH OF EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS IN INDIA

* Dr Ashok Sahni
This paper presents a summary of views of noted educationists in various fields.
About 500 questionnaires were sent. However, about 100 completed questionnaires
were received. This is a good response on an all India basis covering professionals from
various fields. The questionnaire contained 22 questions about various aspects of the
educational system.

1. What do you feel is the present vision/mission The present vision of educational system is to make
of educational systems in India, if any? How far do youth self reliant, self-confident to achieve the goals. The
you agree with this Mission? present system is not yet fully catering to the needs of
the youth due to certain political and financial constraints.
The vision of any institution should be to inculcate It is mostly westernised and not at all a mission at
knowledge and power to the younger generation. Vision/ present. At present, education is a business, where every
Mission has a great impact on learning. The mission of business man is sure to make money. This makes
educational system in India should be the all-round education available to the rich and not to middle class or
development of children. poor. Institutions which are affordable are not well
equipped. Very few good ones are available to the poor.
However, the present vision/mission of educational
system in India is just to impart degrees/diplomas without 2. How far and in what directions are the present
any basic knowledge. I think Government should decide educational systems shaping the future youth/leaders
the role of institutions. We adopted the western education in India?
every where and our Mission is far away from education. We generally feel that we are not able to reach the
Up-gradation of professional education to make it at par minds of the youth due to various reasons. The present
with international standard. We try to literate, not educate, educational system does not emphasize on patriotism;
to enable the new generation to cope with the demands youth has very little or no value for Indian heritage culture.
of globalization. They are attracted by western styles and blindly following
without thinking weather it suits them or not. They are
The present mission of educational system is to attracted by global salaries, which are very high in
give degrees and make money out of it. What is required comparison with salaries in India. They want to go abroad.
is an understanding of the problem at the grassroots level There is a heavy brain drain and loss of manpower to our
and to provide health care to the poor Indian, which is country. Certain criteria have to be adopted to retain them.
about 60-70% of the population.
Only a few selected institutions are shaping the future
Our educational system in villages is in shambles. leaders in India. The present educational system has
There has been lot of commercialization in higher failed to shape the future youth, leaders in India. The
education. Education, especially engineering, has fallen system needs a major change. The present system
into the hands of politicians. Examination system & requires a lot of hard work from the students. Education
evaluation system ignores skills, and aptitudes among systems introduce various professional courses. The
students. future of youth is uncertain after his education.

The present vision of the educational systems in There is lack of total personality development. The
India is an amalgamation of holistic education and a system churns out indifferently trained, poorly motivated
pragmatic professional approach. We cannot deny the students, who have few job prospects, if any; so it is
fact that for a very long period of time we have been using unlikely that they will display leadership qualities.
the teacher centred education. But the things have started
to change and the teaching has become student centred. The new vocational courses are introduced every
year. However there is less emphasis on research
The present mission of educational systems in India activities and knowledge orientation.
is to educate maximum people so as to make them better
persons.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
* Professor, and Hony Executive Director, ISHA, Bangalore - 560 070, Grateful acknowledgement to Dr L Kaila in designing
the questionnaire and in collection of data.

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In the context of globalization, educational system afford and not poor. There is very little or no human values.
should make suitable changes which will enable the They should have a thorough awareness of each student
students to find/create their own place in future. It’s of the school. Lack of infrastructure, funds, trained
becoming more commercialized and youths are perceiving faculties, latest & modern syllabus & good students too.
the education as a means of making money.
Reservations based on religion and caste.
Except for higher standard B. Schools which are Undeserving students (rich) buying education. Lack of
more focussed on specific targets and training discipline, lack of qualified staff; Lack of knowledge, lack
programmes, other graduates who make it to Government of equipment, lack of staff.
systems are generally there not by aptitude/training but
by a strong drive for employment. Youth has tremendous Too much disparity between schools for the rich and
potentials if guided and trained properly. schools for the poor. Only rich can afford quality education.

In school education, the system is much centralized, Encourages children to mug up & pass exams rather
so that the creativity of young minds is stifled. The than learning concepts.
problem is the selfishness and aloofness of the
intellectuals in this issue. The present examination system Creativity and independent thinking is not
is not a true test of child’s capacity. encouraged. Students cannot express fluently in any
language. There is no value of ‘good human beings’ and
The stress factor is building up day-by-day because no scope to develop ‘potentials’
of heavy loads of books and increasing competition. It is
the survival of the fittest, which is leading to corrupt youth Ills of present educational system are: Lack of
who try to grab good marks, degrees, posts by hook or infrastructural facilities, lack of motivation of the faculty.
crook. Those who do not fit in are frustrated which will Though money is needed to run educational institutes,
lead to increase in crimes. every thing should be open. The fee may be raised, but
quality education throughout the nation should be given.
The people in jobs are placed like round pegs in The talent especially in rural areas is enormous. If properly
square holes. Stiff competition disheartens the students utilised, we will be the best nation in the world.
and they go astray as they feel that their future is blurred.
It is causing frustration & anxiety in our youth. They are more or less money minting organisations.
Only a number of institutions provide adequate facilities
Educational systems are not contributing in shaping e.g. as libraries, laboratories, sports facilities. Most of
the future youth/leaders in India. Moreover there are not them lack the commitment. They do not provide facilities
any good or ideal leaders whom they can identify with. for sports, computers, co-curricular activities, lack of
guidance and counselling, lack of knowledge regarding
No doubt that present educational system is making the study fields available.
engineers, doctors, C.A and other officers but there is
lack of values. Our present educational system is not Students are under too much pressure at home &
playing a significant role in shaping the future of our youth. school. Too much emphasis on development of intellect
and that of spirit neglected. Students lack initiative, drive
Preparing the youth as the job seekers or job and self reliance.
mongers with low value system They are "literate" but
not "educated". Most of the youth at present think that Present educational institutions do not help the child
success means going abroad. Very few of the best brains to become independent as they lack job orientation
like to stay on. They also learn to be politicians in the programmes and make them dependent. Institutions are
educational institutes. giving more stress on completing syllabus and help the
students to pass the exam instead of building their
character and enhancing their personalities.
3. What do you feel are the ills of the present
educational institutions? Lack of moral education as well. Moral values not
developed. Lack of physical, mental, and spiritual
The basic examination pattern in our educational development of the child. The teachers not well-nursed
systems should be changed. in their subjects.

Education has become very expensive as institutions The marking scheme forces the students to
have become business centers; only rich people can discontinue the subjects of his interest. Students commit

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suicide at the declaration of the results. Teaching methods Encouraging research activities. Inculcating good
are not adequate and interesting. Students’ involvement human values to the students. Encourage learning - giving
in class learning is very less. more importance to the practical than theory based. The
philosophers, eminent educationists, statesmen and
Mushroom growth of institutions and business intellectuals from various fields of education should sit
mindedness among the organizers, particularly the private together or conduct workshops and develop holistic model
sector. They should not be minting money in the name of of education which suits to Indian conditions.
religion or education. Unhealthy environment/competition
for higher achievement. Through value based education. Making our
evaluation system broad based. Making our students
There is too much of corruption and bias in the active and independent leaders. Making education help
present educational system. Most of the educational children acquire skills, aptitudes.
institutions are for the rich.
6. What kind of training/orientation is needed by
4. How can we develop spirituality in our our educational leaders for Developing Institutions of
educational institutions:- honesty, integrity, excellence?
truthfulness, selfless service, ethics?
By encouraging discussion based lectures,
By conducting regular ethical classes, moral based workshops, seminars, etc. Intellectual, practical oriented,
lectures, etc. might help to improve the spirituality among training which is useful in daily life (pragmatic view) is
the students. Educational institutions are temples of necessary for developing institution of excellence.
knowledge and (same of) teachers are to be the source
of inspiration of-honesty, integrity, truthfulness, Excellent training. There should be interaction among
selflessness, services, ethics etc. But if educational teacher and the world at international level and national
institutions become commercial centres of business level. They should be paid well so that tuition system is
(education), teachers become business men where does not encouraged. Systematic exposure to existing centres
the spirituality come from? of excellence together with a set of appropriate incentives
and facilities. Commitment to knowledge is necessary.
Schools cannot be islands of spirituality in the midst There should be genuine interest in the wellbeing of
of ocean of materialism and other social vices. Schools people. Institutions should not be profit making
will emulate, whatever the present society does. The organisations.
need of the hour is to have good leadership in the country
which can be replicated in schools. Educational leaders must be visionaries. They
should be in a position to tell us how to shape our country
Some institutions are doing very good work like the in education. Such persons should be placed for such
DAV organizations. First the teachers should be aware of leadership. They should know our tradition, culture and
all these qualities, then the students. We can develop future course of action to take up the lead position at
spiritual educational institutions by honesty. Students world level. India has good amount of human resources
learn a lot from teachers. If teachers set an example of and natural resources above the earth and under the earth.
honesty, integrity, truthfulness before them, students can Leaders should not pledge our human resources as slaves
learn a lot. Those who run and control the institutions will to other countries.
have to behave according to these principles, thereby
setting an example which the students could emulate. 7. Do you feel our present educational institutions
are more concerned with;
Teachers should be much more accountable right
from early stage. Early stage is pre-primary and a) Infrastructure development = 9%
elementary level education should focus on values in the
form of stories, dramatisation, role play etc. b) Value based = 3%

c) Competency based = 1%
Teachers should be inducted who are self motivated
and having high moral to lead the youngsters. Developing d) Commercial orientation = 33%
spirituality is possible only if the leaders and teachers
act as role models. Preaching is never an effective mode a) Infrastructure development is not a high priority.
of developing spirituality. b) Value based education receives just lip services
5. How can we develop a holistic model of education
in our institutions?

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c) Competency based education is mostly missing There is shortage of funds in some government
schools. Financial crunch : innovative strategies of resource
d) Commercial orientation is slowly and erratically
mobilization. Low standards: Bureaucratization and political
emerging.
interference.
8. What should be the systems of financing of
Inadequate staff and infrastructure. Overcrowding,
educational institutions so that quality of education
less staff members, new appointments are on contract
is the ultimate objective?
basis. To solve these difficulties institutions should be
well supported financially by government.
The financing powers should be governed by a panel
of educationists which will be the ultimate authority in
Issue of "Sons of the Soil" admission pressure which
distributing finance to the institution. Financing the
can affect quality.
educational system should be autonomous body which
can be controlled by Judiciary. The fee structure should
Honesty and sincerity toward their profession. Very
be same through out the country, and we should not allow
few teachers are present who care and educate their
low-quality institutions. Government funding and funding
students in true sense. Earning more money through
from industries which will employ the students on
tuition has become their sole aim.
completion of the courses. Private sector finance and
bank loans to students. It should be aided by the
No commitment either for a majority off teachers or
government.
the students. Unhealthy growth of educational institutions
with inadequate infrastructural facilities and under-qualified
There should be no government support. Private
staff.
institutes will provide infrastructure and they will survive
only when quality is maintained. Government support
11. How do you feel the entry of foreign educational
reduces excellence or quality improvement.
institutions under WTO in India?
Companies can run professional educational
We can encourage such entries; but with guarded
institutions. They will maintain the quality and may pick
rules. Foreign educational institutions under WTO in India
up the cream for their benefit.
is acceptable. But should be under the control of Indian
authorities and should not have an adverse effect on our
9. What can be the nature of public-private sector
people. Foreign educational institutions under WTO in
partnerships in education?
India should work as a non-profitable institutions for the
welfare of Indian students. Their motto should not be to
Public-Private sector partnership should be
make money.
educational objectives oriented and not commercial
business. They can provide their respective facilities as
Entry of foreign educational institutions under WTO
service to the country. Government should fund the
will create competition. Quality will be improved. Education
institutions and the private sector should support these
cost will go up. Negative impact on Indian education.
institutions through trained manpower and local training
Social gaps in terms of education will be widened. Indian
resources. Private sector companies should be allowed
money will go to foreign hands through these institutions.
to invest in education and get returns.
Cautious approach is necessary. Foreign
The Government can allow private sector for running
educational institutes do not have any concern with the
some institutes for professional courses. However, there
well -being of this country or its people. They would be
should be monitoring system and less commercial
run like any commercial organization. Thus the students,
courses should be run by government funding.
learning in these institutions, may not develop affinity to
this country or to the people here.
10. What are the critical issues our educational
institutions are currently faced with and what can be
Implications need to be explored. There should be
the strategies to deal with these issues effectively?
discussion on the implications at various levels so that
educational institutions can prepare themselves to function
Student-teacher ratio should be as per accreditation
in the new scenario. It will indulge in healthy competition.
body norms. Exposure of students to field or clinical
If they intend to bring in foreign students, it can be useful.
learning experience should be adequate. Recruitment of
sufficient qualified teachers.

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Welcome. However, there should be some form of The pressures on the students are at a higher
monitoring/control on the genuineness of such institutions. intensity particularly in this competitive world. Regular
counselling with a different work based system can be
The foreign educational institutions under WTO is a instituted to overcome this problem.
step forward towards the betterment of educational
facilities in India. Such educational institutions will surely 13. How do you feel about the academic pressures
raise the standard of education. Innovative techniques will on the students and related adjustment (suicide, etc)
be used to produce better students. of the youth?

It is good to have an open educational system. The Students today are more stressed in comparison to
students should benefit from the opportunity of foreign students of 50’s and 60’s not only competition is too tough,
education in specialized areas. students are trying to do more than two or more things at
a time. It has become the need of the hour and hence
12. What do you perceive/feel about the magnitude some amount of breakdown is expected. Academic
of substance and sex abuse among youth? How can activities should be systematically planned to reduce the
this problem be tackled? pressure on student. Proper guidance and counselling
plays an important role for adjustment. The parents are
I do not think sex abuse has increased in comparison responsible for this sorry state of affairs. They put too
to past few decades. The difference is number of girls/ much pressure for the student to go in a direction where
women coming out of homes for education or work has the student has no aptitude. More career counselling
increased and she makes noise when she is in trouble. should be there. The parents should be educated first.
The increasing study load, stiff competition, increasing
Awareness programmes including those on cost of education is leading to frustration. Parents also
discouraging promiscuous dressing, encouraging more have some time unrealistic goals. They want to fulfill
healthy sports activities and interaction between both their own dreams through their children. Guidance and
sexes of youth could perhaps help. counselling should be provided both to the parents and
students. Back door entrance by bribing, biased marking,
This problem is infecting the minds of youth, but it mental and physical harassment by the public are the
is mostly in metropolitan cities. It can still be controlled main cause. Unemployment, inspite of good degree high
by spreading awareness among the students through level of corruption in all areas misleads today’s youth and
lectures, seminars, workshops, films, propaganda and they go astray.
most of all by a loving tolerance and a friendly attitude,
and a proper channelisation of their energy. A conscious effort is required on the part of
educational institutions to reach out to the students to
The magnitude of substance and sex has occupied enable them to cope with various kind of pressures/
a prominent place in the minds of the students. This stresses that they may be going through. It is severe
problem can be tackled by the educational institutions problem. Needs their attention. There is increasing
by giving them the proper guidance. tension, frustration among the youths.

Sex abuse has increased a great deal in the past 14. Do you feel the educational institutions are
few years. More awareness among the youth should be equipped with competent faculty, infrastructure, and
created regarding this so that they can be saved from related resources to achieve the institutional goals?
exploitation.
Only a number of institutions have all the required
It is increasing day by day. Sex education should facilities. But basically many of them lack funds and
be imparted in a very mature way without arousing their when money making is the role, aim, then also the quality
curiosities. It is complex at higher level (college/university of education is affected. Low paid teachers who are just
level), can be tackled by motivating team work, giving a only doing their job and to make the students pass is the
feeling of family relationships and by counselling. only sole aim.

Magnitude of substance and sex abuse, is very high Only few institutions are equipped. Most of the public
due to lack of knowledge, awareness and may be curiosity. schools are not and very few private institutions are. The
The problem can be tackled by properly educating the teachers lack devotion and dedication to this noble
youth and dealing with their problems. It is increasing at profession. Many schools lack infrastructure, libraries
an alarming rate. Documentaries should be shown; are not well equipped with the required books.
counselling of students and parents to be done.

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The educational institutions are flooded with 16. Do you feel there is corruption in the educational
incompetent persons, lack of infrastructural facilities as system (in starting an educational institution,
a result the educational goals of the institutions are not captivation fee, recruitment of faculty, etc). How can
achieved in proper prospective. Only the Government this be curbed?
institutions are better in these aspects. The private
institutions are concentrating mostly on results by false Yes, the corruption is cutting deep into the roots of
procedures and money making without infrastructural the Indian society and it has not spared the education
facilities. system. Most institutions are corrupted. In India,
corruption has seeped deep into the roots of all
Very few educational Institutions in India are equipped organizations. Honest and upright head should be
with competent faculty, infrastructure and related appointed to curb this growing menace. Head of the
resources. institution should be unbiased.

15. How do you feel academic excellence can be To curb corruption:


achieved in our institutions?
a) Educational institution should not be started by
Having well defined visions which are global in nature, industrialists/businessmen who invariably convert it
and yet been sensitive to local needs and environment, into a business.
being transparent and being sincere in trying to achieve b) Govt./UGC should fix the course fee and entry
the goals. If all teachers take pride in teaching their qualification for students.
students without making it a business of education then c) Govt. should do away with all types of entrance
institutions can improve. Academic excellence can be exams and make state board/
achieved in our institutions by doing all academic activities
in a systemic and planned way and having the knowledge university exam results as valid and reliable as
of latest information. Selecting the teachers on merit possible.
only. d) The teaching faculty salary is now quite high. But
we still have 3rd rate teachers. Candidates having
By equipping properly - the goals, recruiting passed in first attempt and/or with good marks should
innovative faculty whose aim is to educate rather than to be recruited as teachers.
pass their times, new innovations from time to time, up-
gradation of teachers knowledge, functional education, 17. What do you feel is the nature of political
more freedom to innovate and experiment, sufficient funds, interference in educational institutions? How can this
incentives to teachers, exposure of the students to the be controlled?
internet and up-gradation of knowledge from time to time.
If institutions are equipped with competent faculty, Only political leaders or those who have close
infrastructure, related resources, value based education, network with politicians can run educational institutions
education related to daily life situation, unbiased policies in our country. Common man has no money and cannot
and good administration. face the policies which are made from time to time.

Making the evaluation system continuous and broad Political interference in educational institutions
based. Accountability of both teachers and students diverts students attention in education, jeopardizing their
should be secured by introduction of transparency by career. Further, nowadays politicians are running
having student-teacher interface in the evaluation process. educational institutions, turning them as money making
centres.
Academic excellence can be achieved when the
a) Management provides adequate facilities Politicians interfere at every step. If the permission
b) Faculty members love to teach the subjects to start an educational institution is governed by a single
c) Students put sincere efforts to reach the goal by body which gets permission from the state and central
following the instructions carefully. government, the politician will have no say. Political
interference can be minimized, if full working autonomy
By changing the focus from marks to knowledge. is granted to the institution.
Teachers training programs should be conducted every
year. Competent faculty and infrastructural facilities will 18. How can we ensure quality and standardization
help in moving towards academic excellence. By reducing in our educational institutions?
the number of students in a class. By changing the
examination system. By keeping up abreast with national curriculum and

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recruiting qualified faculty members as in national It is providing inter-national exposure for better
institutions. Even if the institutions are started by knowledge, a chance to be educated while in a job and it is
politicians it should be managed and run by the reaching the remote areas and availing educational facilities.
professionals in that field. The politicians should not It’s a big asset. Latest knowledge through Internet is
interfere with admissions, examinations, and staff tremendous. It’s a precious possession and has brought
selection. the world much closer. The knowledge is indispensable.
These programmes are very useful and effective. They
Through dedicated teachers, competent and skilled give an opportunity to all the people to learn and educate
teachers, students participation, teachers co-operation. themselves while they are doing their jobs. The
Principal and teachers as role models, developing sense advancement in technology has provided us with the facility
of sincerity, loyalty towards school, etc. by motivating of these distance learning programmes etc. It is a big
the staff and providing them appropriate knowledge. achievement and helps those who are unable to move from
one place to another but still they can continue to grow
Standardization can also be easily achieved if there rich through these programmes. Globalization makes our
is a will. For instance in Tamil Nadu all engineering education system to interact with the system of other
colleges follow syllabus given by Anna University, Chennai. developed countries and to integrate it.
Similarly, all management schools can come under one
IIM in the region. Likewise for Arts and Science institutions Distant learning programmes will be useful. I feel
one University in each state may be identified. Such happy about these programmes because they can reach
standardization will promote quality of education as well for the needy.
as control.
21. What do you feel are the constraints for
By updating the curriculum as per the need of the innovation/excellence which the faculty experience
students. Through competency based commitment, by in educational institutions?
including the accountability among the faculty. By linking
the institutions with other institutions. Lack of flexibility and delegation of power to introduce
innovations. The constraints to do something new is from
19. What do you feel is the nature of interference the respective councils or board. We cannot do anything
from external factors on the educational institutions which is not acceptable or recognized by the council.
which serves as constraints in effective functioning? They force to do the old traditional way of education.
Faculty experiences in educational institutions: Lack of
When politicians are the heads of institutions, they general awareness of innovative practice, lack of
have to meet the demands and requests of other encouragement to adopt a scientific approach.
politicians and beaucrats in order to make their work
easier, so there is interference at every step. The constraints are basically the innovative schemes
are not welcomed by the peer-group or the head of the
Unnecessary inspection from time to time. Without institution. Proper infrastructure is not available. Fixed
knowing about the functioning of a particular institution, time and more curriculum. Innovations are not appreciated.
introducing sets of changes from time to time thus Lack of motivation, lack of interest. The education system
hampering its smooth functioning. is not democratic. Teacher should be given liberal hand
to deal with the students and use creative and innovative
20. How do you feel about the Distance Learning methods. The vast syllabus already set. No time to
Programme / on-line programmes and globalization? think beyond that - no time is given to any other activity.

Could be supported and encouraged. High levels of 22. Any other suggestions/observations to improve
teaching should be given and skills of the learner should the educational systems.
be enhanced. Distance learning as well as online
programmes are good for students who have a lot of Education should become need based. Educational
experience in their field. They can do so without having system could be improved by interacting with community
to leave their jobs. There is tremendous need for distance and industry.
learning programmes/on-line programmes to widen the
horizons of education, open new frontiers of knowledge The cost of education should be reduced to make it
and democratize the teaching learning process in general. within the reach of a common man. Good and effective
This is a boon. Technology has moved to a point where seminars from time to time where solution is found and
there can be interaction between student and teacher. not merely discussions without any result. To lessen the

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load of bags and books and training them in such a manner The caste based reservation should be completely
so that they retain their knowledge forever. Freedom to eliminated, promote only on merit.
organize short trips and tour to such places as banks,
post offices, hospitals to have first hand knowledge about Suggestions:
these places and their work.
1. Recruitment of the students should be purely on
More attention should be paid to vocational merit basis.
education, technical education than liberal and theoretical
education. Curriculum should be more relevant with 2. The P.G. courses and M Phil and PHD/M.D./D.Sc.
equipping students properly to suit market demands. should be conducted only by the organization/university
Competent staff who enjoy teaching, good communication aimed at academic excellence to achieve educational
skill in the teaching faculty. Transfer of knowledge from objectives and not profit making. Merit candidates should
areas of learning to practical life. The financial help from be recognized and should be awarded. Various research
all the sources should be increased. The curriculum laboratories should be set up and merit candidates should
should be well planned. be encouraged at the expense of Government to discover
solution to the new problem arising in the changing world.
Education should be such as helps the students to
become independent and self sufficient. There should be The Government, the parents and the educational
less burden of books and education should be imparted institutions should go hand-in-hand to achieve the targets.
in a way that it is able to sustain interest in students. The fees should be reduced slightly and the facilities should
be provided and rules and regulations followed strictly.
Above all, at state level and central level there should Corruption should be abolished in educational systems.
be an Apex Body of Education Experts, independent in Good staff should be employed. Foreign religious
all respects without any link either with Ministries or organizations should not be allowed to invest in schools
Outside Agencies. So that there will not be any pressure and universities as this is a façade for their ulterior motives
on the Government from pressure groups. This apex body for India. This should also be done for foreign religious
will be an independent body, free from other pressures funds. Private sector investment but strict control on
promoting policies that would enrich HRD in the country. administration with the government/bank/financing the poor
students.

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