A Master's and More

In Chile, a few weeks ago, frustrated by the current education system, students poured out on the streets demanding structural reforms in the sector. Three quarters of the universities in Chile are private. So, naturally education is expensive. Though the operators are barred from making profits but they resort to subterfuges and have set themselves as property companies that rent-out their premises to the universities.

Recently violent clashes broke out between youths and the police there. How many of us know about this development? Indian media, whose allegiance lies to one or the other business or political class, decided that the event is a no-news and hence no coverage was accorded (Swami Agnivesh at Big Boss was news). The same political and business classes, which have equity in media houses, have massive equity stakes in Indian private education too. Now, who would solicit a double whammy; a dip in colossal revenues and an ugly public debate as well?

Well, Chileans… Imagine their frustration. People descending on the streets to protest against unaffordable education and demanding free higher education. When street demonstrations occur, they are not random ruptures of frivolous bearings. They are reflection of years of cumulative anger where resentments are so overpowering that participants don’t mind putting lives at stake. What else can explain a readiness to surrender life than the conviction of the demand?

Back home, if all goes well, we will not see such ugly rifts, but what if we do? The sooner the State gets its acts together, the better it is. There is no regulation of private providers. Almost every one is functioning on their whims and fancies setting any fee structure they feel like.

State’s fees are affordable but it provides meager offerings. Where do I enroll for Master’s programme in Carbon Management or in International Education if I want to? Multi-disciplinary approach, diversity in State education system is zilch. Not only that, new-age programmes are light years away from being offered. For working professionals there is no flexibility for part-time offering or evening classes. How does one improve knowledge base; learn for the joy of learning or for better career-prospects? I will have to burn holes in my pocket to satiate my knowledge, turning overseas for my Master’s education, paying Rs 9-10 lakh for a distance learning programme!  What alternatives do I have? Indian private colleges? Hah? They only offer different flavours of MBA because that’s where the money is. Which private Indian college has Master’s in History or Zoology?

What choices do you have if you reside in an education –deficient country? Stepping on the streets in the only way out for long-pending structural reforms?

Chile, in the meantime, is making their protests continental, along with Colombia. The Chilean president has offered to increase the funding but it is said to be insufficient. It’s been six months of protest; let’s see what is in store for them.  But more importantly, at home, what is in store for us, besides the news that the leadership is attending ribbon –cuttings ceremonies at summits or heralding some expensive foreign university.