Sir, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. As far as education is concerned, there need not be any difference of opinion from this side or that side, irrespective of party politics, but if anybody wants to find fault, it is also easy. Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi in his speech was trying to find fault with sanctioning of Rs. 25 crore to Aligarh Muslim University in Malapuram. He was saying that there is something wrong in that and there is some special agenda in doing that. He was even saying why we cannot have universities like Banaras Hindu University in that way. Sir, I tell him – it is really condemnable – that as far as education is concerned, we should not make this kind of communal division. A very learned and senior person like him should not have stated like that. In this regard, I would like to submit that I had held the education portfolio for seven years in Kerala, representing Muslim League. It was during my period that a Sanskrit University in the name of Sri Shankaracharya was established in Kerala. We must see that kind of things in a secular way. 

 

As far as education is concerned, out position with regard to education up to secondary level is perfectly all right. We know that National Curriculum Framework is there. I had been associating with that as the then Education Minister of Kerala. The system is totally changing. Teachers-centred education system is now converted into students-centred education system. Text-books-based learning is now completely converted into activity-based learning. Similarly instructive-ism is now converted into constructive-ism. These are all welcome steps. 

 

On SSA, I would like to say that it is really a blessing. I would request that some local flexibility may be given to the State Governments. More funds may be allotted for civil construction, repair and maintenance. 

 

On Information, Communication Technology, ICT, I would like to say that we must make optimum use of that. As regards EDUSAT, we all know that there is a lot of potentiality in that. That is to be done. Similarly, in the remote areas, ICT can be very useful for imparting education, teachers’ training and things like that. 

 

On higher education, I would like to say that we are having 350 universities in our country. Now the Knowledge Commission has suggested to have 1,500 universities more. Quantity-wise whether it is required or not is a different point, which we will debate later, but what about their quality? If we examine the quantity-wise growth of the universities, I would like to say that it is not at all satisfactory. There is a list of top 50 universities in the world. Out of these 50, not even a single university is from India. So, what I am suggesting is that quality-wise growth will have to be given more emphasis. 

 

The situation of our universities is really deplorable. I would like to say that the universities have been downgraded as degree-giving departmental stores. Their quality of education will have to be ensured. We have to do a loud thinking. Why should we continue with this gigantic affiliation system? According to my information, there are only three countries – India, Bangladesh and Pakistan – which are having this type of gigantic affiliation system. We do not need to have this system. We must develop small, small universities and give autonomous status to the colleges. In that way, we have to restructure that. We have to think about it. 

 

This is the era of internationalisation of education. Today morning while replying to a question, the hon. Minister has stated that 2,65,324 students are studying abroad. The accurate figure is not available. What I am asking is this. Why can we not attract foreign students to India? We can surely do it because of the three pertinent reasons. 

 

Firstly, the cost of education in India is less as compared to the western countries. Secondly, the medium of instruction in India is English. Thirdly, ours is a value-based education. Therefore, there is no risk in sending children to India. Hence, I am sure that at least from African and Gulf countries we will be able to attract students. … (Interruptions) 

I was saying about the Prof. Yash Pal Committee Report. … (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Member, please stop for a minute. I will call you afterwards. Please take your seat. 

Now, it is 6 o’clock. I want to know the sense of the House. Can we extend the time of the House by one more hour?

 

MR. CHAIRMAN: This matter will be over within an hour. Thereafter, you can mention it. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Member, you are aware that we have decided that we can take ‘Zero Hour’ immediately after the Minister’s reply. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: I would request all the hon. Members to cooperate with the Chair. All Members can speak very briefly, and conclude their speeches within the time allotted to them. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: Firstly, we will finish this business. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: We will take up ‘Zero Hour’. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: ‘Zero Hour’ will be there. We will take it up at 7 o’clock. We will finish this business before 7 o’clock. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: I have suggested in the beginning itself that those hon. Members who are having written speeches can lay their speeches on the Table of the House, and it will be treated as part of the proceedings. It would allow other hon. Members to speak for three minutes or so, mention their points, and we would be able to finish this business. We can complete it before 7 o’clock, and immediately after that we will be able to take up ‘Zero Hour’. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: I think that the House will accept this decision. 

SEVERAL HON. MEMBERS : Yes, Sir. 

MR. CHAIRMAN: So, we are extending the time of the House. 

Mr. Basheer, please wind up your speech because other hon. Members are also there who wish to speak on this issue.

 

E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: Yes, Sir, I am going to wind up my speech. … (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: Please cooperate with the Chair. We will take up ‘Zero Hour’ at 7 o’clock. 

… (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: We are taking up ‘Zero Hour’ at 7 o’clock, and we have accepted it. 

Mr. Basheer, please wind up your speech. … (Interruptions) 

 

E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER : The Prof. Yash Pal Committee Report has suggested a new mechanism of regulatory body, which is most welcome. I would like to say that we must have a threadbare discussion on Prof. Yash Pal Committee Report, and the new Education Bill. It is better to have a discussion among the academicians outside the House also. 

As far as SSLC is concerned, I am not in favour of stopping examinations for the Tenth standard. As regards reservation, I would like to say that we are all talking about the marginalized section of the society, and we say education for all. But our real purpose cannot be served until and unless we take some affirmative action. Therefore, I am suggesting that reservation should be implemented in the professional courses and other courses also. 

Lastly, I would like to make one more point. Why cannot we think about creating a new all-India cadre, namely, Indian Education Service (IES)? This point was discussed once in the Central Advisory Board for Education. The IES would be a good thing like IAS, IFS, etc. Normally, we are appointing IAS officers as heads of educational institutions and departments. … (Interruptions) 

MR. CHAIRMAN: The suggestion is well taken. 

E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: IES will be the best option, and the attitude is also very much required in this. 

 

Lastly, I would like to mention that DIETs are also doing a marvelous contribution for quality improvement of the educational institutions and schools. Therefore, DIETs will have to be strengthened. Similarly, CeMAT also will have to be strengthened. 

 

With these few observations, I would like to conclude my speech.