Chanda Raisinghani is president and trustee of the Ardee Group of five schools in North and Western India and principal of The Ardee School, New Friends Colony, Delhi. 

How satisfied are you with the Union Budget 2018-19 allocation of Rs.85,010 crore for education? 

Not at all. The country is facing an acute shortage of teachers and a higher budgetary allocation is required to nurture new talent, introduce technology in education, improve infrastructure facilities, quality of mid-day meals and fulfill other requirements mandated by the Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This budget contradicts the government’s proclaimed intent to develop the next generation. 

Across the country, state governments are increasingly interfering with the autonomy of private independent schools, particularly through fees regulation. What’s your comment?

Fees have to be determined on the basis of quality of education, infrastructure, sports and extra-curricular activities provided by a school. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula and factory model of education is outdated. In a free market economy, education institutions have the right to determine their fees for the services they provide. 

What is your solution to the challenge of increasing government regulation of private K-12 education?

The RTE Act has undermined the education system by limiting the growth of private schools. The norms, conditions and policies of this legislation are restrictive. Unless this Act is amended, many private schools will fall by the wayside and hopes of starting new schools will become a distant dream. 

Your Top 4 suggestions for reforming K-12 education?

Government and schools. Society is changing education instead of education changing society. De-politicise school curriculums, textbooks and school policies.

Teachers. There was no protest by media or public when a school principal was shot dead recently. Give teachers respect and special facilities in public spaces to enhance their self-esteem and encourage more people to join this profession. 

Curriculum. Evolve curriculums which are skill rather than textbooks-based, bearing in mind the skills required for the job market in the decades to come. Update curriculums and books every three years and devise assessment systems which are success rather than failure-driven. 

Students. Students should design their own quality criteria and set their own study goals. Encourage them to research, learn experientially, use technology and take charge of their progress.