N. Ram says states should have the authority to make decisions on education

Veteran Journalist N. Ram Advocates for State Autonomy in Education Policy Decisions

In a significant intervention in India's ongoing education debate, veteran journalist and former The Hindu editor N. Ram has called for greater decision-making authority for states in shaping education policies. Speaking at a seminar on federalism and education reforms, Ram emphasized that India's diverse regional needs require more flexible approaches than a centralized system can provide.  

Ram pointed out that while education appears on the Concurrent List of the Constitution, giving both central and state governments jurisdiction, in practice states often find their hands tied by rigid national frameworks. "The current system doesn't adequately account for India's linguistic diversity, varying economic conditions, and distinct cultural contexts across states," he observed. The journalist cited examples like Tamil Nadu's long-standing resistance to the three-language formula and Kerala's successful localized education models as evidence that states can effectively tailor policies to their unique requirements.  

The remarks come at a time when the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is being implemented across the country. While the NEP does advocate for some decentralization, Ram argued it doesn't go far enough in granting genuine autonomy to states. He questioned why states with vastly different demographics - from tribal-dominated regions to urban centers - should be bound by identical curricular structures and teaching methodologies.  

Responses to Ram's proposal have been mixed. Many education experts and federalism scholars have welcomed the suggestion, noting that localized decision-making could better address issues like regional language instruction, vocational training needs, and dropout prevention. However, some policymakers have expressed concerns about maintaining uniform quality standards if states are given too much independence. A senior Education Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned that complete decentralization might lead to disparities in learning outcomes across state borders.  

Ram proposed a balanced approach where the central government would establish broad quality benchmarks while states would have flexibility in implementation. "True cooperative federalism means trusting state governments to understand and respond to their unique educational challenges," he concluded. As India continues to reform its education system, this debate over the appropriate balance between national standards and regional autonomy remains crucial for shaping the future of millions of students nationwide.