Page 16 - EW December 2025

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fluency is a real asset for job seek- government’s inability to provide
ers. Fluency in English also expands acceptable quality education. With
opportunities in higher education, the education ministry unable to
internships, and employment, en- enhance learning outcomes — largely
abling global mobility and enhancing due to weak vision and inadequate
graduates’ employability. investment — the easiest way out is
Sandeep Pai via EMAIL to dilute exam passmarks.
However from the perspective of
students and parents, this directive
Realistic assessment may offer some relief. Fewer children
YOUR 26TH anniversary cover will now be labelled “failures” for
story provides a concise history of no fault of theirs, but because of the
landmark education initiatives of the poor quality and inefficiency of the
past quarter century and dispassion- education system. This decision will
ately evaluates their progress and also increase the number of students
outcomes. qualifying for PU and degree college
NOVEMBER 2025 It provided a realistic assessment admissions, boosting demand for
that should inspire policymakers more seats and institutions.
Welcome change and civil society to keep pushing In reality, this measure is only a
for meaningful education reform. temporary cover-up for the state’s
CONGRATULATIONS ON complet- Simultaneously, it made the point shortcomings in improving educa-
ing 26 years of uninterrupted pub- that sustained commitment — not tional quality and equity.
lishing! I enjoyed reading your cover sporadic interventions — is essential Dr. A.S. Seetharamu on EMAIL
story ‘Landmark Education Reforms: for lasting change.
Languid Progress’ (EW November), Kuhoo Sharma
presented in a refreshing visual DELHI Legislate strict penalties
format. YOUR EDUCATION News report
As a long-time subscriber of Edu- ‘Bomb Hoax Menace’ (EW Novem-
cationWorld, I was pleased to read Revealing joint venture ber) highlighting the targeting of 300
this new photo-intensive lead feature Your Eyewitness Report (EW schools across Delhi NCR neither
— a welcome change. I hope you will November) on Middle East College sensationalises nor underplays
continue to use stronger visuals, info- (MEC), Muscat was revealing. This this serious menace. Similar bomb
graphics, data visuals, and design-led Indo-Omani venture showcases the threats have also rattled several Ben-
storytelling in future issues. possibilities of South-South academ- galuru schools this year.
Chandrashekar P. ic partnerships. The Central government must
BENGALURU With the US, Canada, and the legislate stringent penalties, includ-
UK tightening visa restrictions for ing mandatory jail terms for bomb
international students, exploring al- hoax perpetrators. Strong deterrence
English importance ternative collaborations is an urgent is essential for children’s protection
THANKS FOR THE insightful Anni- necessity to ensure continuity, stabil- and restoring public trust.
versary Essay ‘Developing conversa- ity, and expanded opportunities for Prachi Shukla
tional English fluency’ (EW Novem- Indian students and institutions. NOIDA
ber). In particular, I appreciated how Debashri Bose
the authors highlight the wide gap CHANDIGARH
between academic and conversa- Powerful example
tional English. India Inc. has for long YOUNG ACHIEVER Advika Sahney’s
suffered because many graduates State cover-up profile (EW November) is inspir-
— especially from tier-II and tier-III YOUR EDUCATION News report ing. Having experienced repeated
towns — continue to struggle with ‘Level Down Directive’ (EW Novem- infections during swimming practice,
confident expression. ber) rightly deplores the Karnataka she was motivated to ideate DipSafe,
Moreover, in a world where government’s decision to lower a practical solution to check water
English has increasingly become minimum pass marks in class X and quality in swimming pools. Her
the common bridge across diverse XII state board examinations. problem-solving determination is a
educational and professional envi- This directive is a manoeuvre powerful example to young people.
ronments, mastering conversational to mask deeper issues in the state Manik Sharma on EMAIL

16 EDUCATIONWORLD DECEMBER 2025