Page 16 - EW September 2024

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In particular your practical schema can determine if they are better
to raise an additional Rs.7.81 lakh suited for the medical career.
crore for quick investment in the Radical reform measures need
country’s outdated education system to be taken urgently to rectify the
is laudable. patently flawed NEET-UG by replac-
Equipped with resources five ing it with IIT-JEE (joint entrance
times the budget for education this exam)-style test.
year, I believe the BJP/NDA 3.0 Diganth Sukumar
government can deliver quality basic Bengaluru
primary education.
However, I am shocked to read
that for the past decade since your SMU revelation
esteemed magazine introduced the I READ with great interest about
schema and forwarded it to eminent Singapore Management University
economists, not one has cared to (EW August) in your information
respond! Such apathy for something packed Institution Profile section.
AUGUST 2024 I regard as a great public initiative is I travel to this island republic
unacceptable! quite frequently on work but was
Dinakar K. unaware that SMU is modelled on
Shocking neglect CHENNAI the top-ranked Wharton School
CONGRATULATIONS FOR a well- of the University of Pennsylvania,
researched cover story ‘Skilling , USA, which has a lengthy roll-call
reskilling, upskilling fever raging Constructive news report of distinguished alumni. Wonder-
countrywide’ (EW August) and YOUR DELHI education news titled ful news especially for students in
informative graphics on the prog- ‘Advice for EdAC’ (EW August) is a the subcontinent who aspire for a
ress report of government skilling good example of constructive news Wharton-style management educa-
schemes thus far. reporting. Constituting an Educa- tion not far from home.
Yet it’s a moot point whether skills tion Advisory Council was the need Monali Jain
education can be provided to a 560 of the hour after the NEET, UGC- DELHI
million-strong workforce in quick NET exam scandal. Given that the
time. I agree with Ajay Khanna’s establishment of numerous school
views that although there is a dedi- and higher education monitoring Obituary: Hannan Ahmed
cated ministry for skill development, committees has been mandated by WITH GREAT sor-
“actual results remain far from set NEP 2020, there is urgent need for row and regret we are
targets”. The Economic Survey 2023- more clarity on EdAC’s role. obliged to share the
24 estimates 4.4 percent of the work- It would be better if the new panel news of the sudden
force countrywide is formally skilled restricts itself to ensuring transpar- death of our valued col-
with 16.6 percent skilled informally. ent and fair conduct of examinations league Hannan Ahmed,
More shockingly, 48.75 percent rather than take other responsibili- EducationWorld’s Delhi-based Re-
of college graduates are unsuitable ties for which NEP 2020 has man- gional Head for 15 years. His life was
for employment in government or dated more than enough regulatory gentle, his manners impeccable and
industry, No wonder the stampede committees. the elements so mixed in him that he
for vocational education is spreading Meghana Alva enabled numerous education institu-
across the country in this new age MANGALURU tions in North India to transform
of automation, AI and new digital into national brands.
technologies! We thank Hannan for his dedica-
Maria D Souza Unsuitable exam tion, commitment and contribution
KOCHI DR. KRISHNA Kumar’s essay on to the growth and development and
‘NEET-UG 2024: Deep rot symp- aiding EducationWorld’s mission to
tom’ (EW August) highlights the “build the pressure of public opinion
Unacceptable apathy unhealthy condition of our education to make education the # 1 item on
IT WAS interesting to read your system. The author rightly questions the national agenda”
Budget 2024-25 analysis in your how 200 multiple choice ques- May God grant his family strength
special report ‘Soaring ambition tions that NEET-UG candidates are and courage to bear this irreparable
neglected foundation’ (EW August). required to answer at “furious speed” loss. RIP Hannan! — EW Team

16 EDUCATIONWORLD SEPTEMBER 2024