India, a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and faiths, pulsates with the energy of over 1.42 billion souls. It stands not just as a nation but as a testament to the extraordinary fusion of variety and democracy. Within this vast human tapestry lies both strength and challenge, as the diversity inherent in India presents both opportunities for unity and hurdles to inclusivity.
Central to India’s democratic ethos is the pivotal role of elections, which serve as the cornerstone of governance. As the world’s largest democracy, India affords its citizens a unique opportunity to shape the nation’s trajectory through the power of voting. Elections provide a platform for expressing collective ambitions, expectations, and demands, enabling citizens to choose representatives who reflect their voices in legislative bodies.
However, amidst the fervor of political manifestos and promises, it becomes imperative to distinguish between genuine commitments and empty rhetoric. The essence of a true manifesto lies not in hollow assurances but in its ability to address the developmental needs of the citizens and offer practical, implementable solutions.
The SIO Student Manifesto rises as a powerful instrument for change, amplifying the collective voice of students across the nation. This document, meticulously crafted through in-depth research and extensive consultations with students at the grassroots level, tackles critical issues that define the student experience.t
More than just a list of concerns, the manifesto acts as a roadmap for a transformed educational landscape. It delves into issues of accessibility and quality in education, confronts the challenges of youth unemployment, advocates for environmental sustainability, and pushes for a more just society.
By articulating the real struggles faced by students today, the manifesto proposes concrete policy solutions. It’s a clarion call to action, urging stakeholders to address the systemic issues hindering student success and pave the way for a brighter future.
Transforming India’s Education: A Call for Equity and Innovation
Education stands as the cornerstone of societal progress, empowering individuals and shaping nations. It is a transformative journey that equips individuals with critical thinking skills, fostering innovation and social cohesion. However, in India, the educational landscape mirrors a troubling narrative, marred by systemic issues that hinder equitable access and quality learning experiences.
Rote learning, a legacy of colonial times, continues to pervade classrooms, stifling creativity and original thought. The disconnect between teaching and research further hampers knowledge assimilation and inhibits the emergence of socially relevant insights. Moreover, India’s literacy rate, although showing improvement, remains below global averages, reflecting persistent disparities in educational attainment.
The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 falls short of addressing deep-rooted inequities. While it acknowledges challenges such as school dropout rates, it overlooks structural inequalities that perpetuate educational disparities. Despite aspirations to allocate 6% of GDP to education, actual expenditure remains stagnant, hindering initiatives for improvement.
Regarding community-wise breakdown in higher education, SCs are 15.3%, STs are 6.26%, OBCs are 37.7%, Muslim minorities are 4.8%, and the other minorities are 2.09%. The rest are general-category students. (AISHE 21-22). A closer examination reveals stark disparities in community-wise representation in higher education, underscoring the need for affirmative action. Implementing recommendations such as those from the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission in addressing reservations to Muslims and minorities as per recommendations could redress this imbalance, fostering inclusivity and diversity within educational institutions.
Furthermore, India grapples with staggering inequities in educational access and attainment. Despite strides in literacy rates, marginalized communities continue to face barriers that impede their educational journey. The recent economic survey underscores the urgent need for increased investment in education, echoing the aspirations set forth in the National Education Policy 2020 and Sachar committee recommendations.
Moreover, the educational landscape bears witness to a concerning trend of declining learning outcomes, as evidenced by reports such as the National Achievement Survey and the Annual Status of Education Report, which emphasized the depriving quality of Indian education. This underscores the pressing need for a paradigm shift—a move towards holistic evaluation methods that prioritize not just exam scores but also critical skills and extracurricular engagement.
As we chart a course toward educational reform, several key initiatives emerge as essential pillars of transformation. Ensuring free and compulsory education, effective implementation of the Right to Education Act, establishing chairs for Arabic and Islamic Studies, recognizing qualifications from madrasas that can broaden educational horizons and foster cultural understanding, and bolstering infrastructure in minority-centric institutions are critical steps towards fostering inclusivity and equity.
When addressing curriculum content, efforts should focus on promoting scientific inquiry while curbing the propagation of unscientific subjects like astrology. Additionally, establishing chairs for Arabic and Islamic studies and recognizing qualifications from madrasas can broaden educational horizons and foster cultural understanding.
Investment in research and innovation ecosystems is imperative to propel India as a global knowledge hub. By nurturing talent and fostering collaboration, India can position itself at the forefront of knowledge creation and technological advancement.
Furthermore, legislative measures such as the proposed Rohit Act are crucial in combating discrimination and violence in educational institutions. Granting enforceable jurisdiction to bodies like the National Commission for Minority Education Institutions can ensure accountability and safeguard the rights of marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the journey towards educational equity and excellence demands concerted efforts across stakeholders. By prioritizing inclusivity, innovation, and social relevance, India can harness the transformative power of education to propel itself towards a brighter, more equitable future.
Scholarships and student suicides:
As inflation soars and living expenses surge, the inadequacy of current scholarship budget allocations poses a significant hurdle for aspiring students. Compounded by a lack of awareness and cumbersome application processes, the path to securing financial aid becomes arduous and time-consuming. Moreover, educational loans, often difficult to obtain and burdensome to repay, cast a long shadow over the lives of recent graduates.
Among religious minorities, Muslims face a unique set of economic, health, and educational challenges. Economic disparities worsen due to their low participation in formal employment and reliance on the informal sector. Additionally, diminishing budget allocations for minority affairs further compound these challenges. Despite strides made in the past, recent years have seen the discontinuation of key educational schemes and a gradual reduction in expenditure on minority programs.
While scholarship awards for minority students showed promise between 2006 and 2013, with numbers rising from 75,000 to over 70 lakh, recent years have seen unfulfilled pledges. The Centre’s announcement to provide scholarships to one crore minority students annually remains unrealized, reflecting a concerning trend of unmet commitments.
A 2022 report by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA) underscores the declining trend in budget allocation towards minorities. Notably, the last quarter of the fiscal year appears to be the primary time for the disbursement of funds allocated for scholarships, thereby delaying support to beneficiaries.
To address these challenges, the reinstatement of the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) is crucial to ensure sustained support for eligible candidates. Additionally, making the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) accessible to all eligible candidates would foster inclusivity in the registration process.
The stagnant monthly fellowship amount under the non-NET scheme, unchanged at Rs 8,000 for PhD students over 11 years, fails to keep pace with rising living costs. We urgently demand to increase the fellowship amount to at least Rs 25,000 per month and ensure timely disbursement of funds.
Niti Aayog’s proposal for augmenting pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships, along with Maulana Azad National Fellowships and National Overseas Scholarships, offers a ray of hope. The recommended 15% annual increment from 2019–20 onwards, coupled with a 10% yearly rise in scholarships for girls from minority communities, must be swiftly implemented to alleviate financial burdens and promote educational equity.
In conclusion, equitable access to scholarships is paramount to empowering minority students to pursue higher education and break free from cycles of poverty. By addressing budgetary constraints, streamlining application processes, and ensuring timely disbursement, India can foster a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens.
Simultaneously, India grapples with a mental health crisis among its youth, as evidenced by alarming rates of student suicide. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2020 reveals a grim reality: a student takes their life every 42 minutes, amounting to 34 student suicides daily. Educational pressures, family expectations, and societal stressors contribute to deteriorating mental health, necessitating urgent interventions.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Policy changes must prioritize mental well-being, integrate mental health education into school curricula, and increase awareness through media campaigns. Establishing mental health centers and counseling services in colleges can offer vital support to struggling students, fostering a nurturing environment conducive to learning and growth.
Furthermore, strict enforcement of regulations in coaching centers and accountability measures for violations are crucial steps in safeguarding students’ academic pursuits. By prioritizing mental health initiatives and upholding academic freedom, India can nurture a generation of resilient, empowered youth ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Universities and Academic Freedom:
In a global context where academic freedom serves as a barometer of a nation’s intellectual vibrancy, India’s standing is cause for concern. According to recent reports from the V-Dem Institute of the University of Gothenburg, India ranks in the bottom 30% among 179 countries in terms of academic freedom. This index, encompassing aspects like research and teaching autonomy, institutional independence, and freedom of expression, reflects a worrying trend of constraints on intellectual exploration within Indian academia.
Instances of crackdowns on student voices at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) have amplified fears about the erosion of academic freedom. Resignations of prominent scholars from institutions like Ashoka University further underscore the challenges faced by educators in upholding academic integrity.
Compounding these concerns are directives from regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), which mandate displays of politically charged slogans at educational institutions. Such actions, perceived as aligned with political agendas, jeopardize the autonomy of academic institutions, impeding their pursuit of knowledge and unbiased inquiry.
Moreover, misuse of laws like sedition and defamation to stifle dissent poses challenges to India’s constitutional guarantees of free speech. The right to protest, a cornerstone of democratic discourse, is increasingly under threat, hindering efforts to address societal inequalities and injustices within university spaces.
Unemployment:
Despite India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy with a $3 trillion GDP, the growth hasn’t translated into enough jobs or increased wages proportionately. PLFS 2017–18 recorded the highest unemployment rate of 6.1%, with a recent report highlighting the high rate of youth unemployment. However, according to an ILO and UN report, India’s unemployment rate was 7.11%. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, with around 12 crore Indians losing their jobs during the initial lockdown, and companies continue to lay off employees.
Particularly affected are India’s youth, who are facing dwindling government job opportunities. Although there are approximately 10 lakh vacant positions across ministries as of March 1, 2023, the government has shown little seriousness in filling these vacancies. Corruption and inefficiency plague the selection process. This unemployment crisis not only impacts individuals’ livelihoods but also leads to mental distress.
To address this issue, the government must bridge the gap between education and industry requirements, tackle underemployment and job insecurity, and frame policies to promote job creation. Effective implementation of an Employment Guarantee Act, transparent recruitment processes for government and public sector jobs, and preventive measures against paper leaks are essential steps to alleviate unemployment.
Health Sector:
The healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, including inadequate access to essential medical services, shortages of medical professionals, low-quality assurance standards, insufficient health expenditure, and limited research funding. India’s public healthcare spending is only 2.1% of GDP, significantly lower than countries like Japan, Canada, and France, which allocate around 10% of their GDP to public healthcare. Schemes like universal health coverage should be implemented by providing basic necessities and diagnostics at rural and primary health centers.
Anti-Discrimination Law:
We must protect India’s diverse religious communities from discrimination and hate crimes. Amnesty International reported a 500% rise in hate crimes in the past decade, with 1,487 incidents affecting 32,419 victims’ lives and resulting in 265 deaths due to religious discrimination. We urgently need comprehensive legislation to combat religious discrimination and protect the rights of religious minorities. The current framework lacks adequate protection for religious minorities, highlighting the necessity for specific legislation to address discrimination, hate speech, and violence against them.
Privacy:
While the Supreme Court recognizes the right to privacy as a fundamental right, the new Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 grants excessive power to the government. The collection of personal data and exemptions for certain companies could infringe upon citizens’ privacy rights. Stringent data protection laws and privacy charters are essential to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
Environment:
The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 lacks specific guidelines for implementing environmental education in schools, leading to variations in quality across institutions. To ensure effective environmental education, we should provide clear guidelines. Additionally, integrating environmental education with STEM learning, embedding climate change perspectives into vocational education programs, and establishing an Environment and Sustainability Fund are crucial steps toward promoting environmental literacy and sustainability.
In conclusion, addressing the multifaceted challenges facing India requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. From educational reform to combating unemployment, enhancing healthcare, safeguarding against discrimination, and ensuring privacy rights, a concerted effort from government bodies, academic institutions, civil society, and citizens is imperative. By prioritizing these areas and implementing effective policies, India can pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future for all its inhabitants.
