Commendable evolution

CONGRATULATIONS FOR bringing out the mammoth 344-page EducationWorld India School Rankings issue (EW September). It’s undisputedly the most comprehensive schools rankings survey in the country, and perhaps worldwide. In particular, special thanks for bringing back the sports education parameter and continuing with the critical parameter of mental and emotional well-being services to assess schools in seemingly normal times.

This year’s inclusion of vintage legacy schools — 90 years and above — in eight sub-categories is also a welcome innovation — a well-thought and much-needed classification. Not only does it set these schools apart from the rest but also levels the competitive playing field. Another positive development is the rising number of school teachers taking the 30-minutes CENTA online test to improve teacher competency scores.

The annual EWISR — the world’s most comprehensive and detailed schools rating and ranking survey — is continuously evolving for the better. Congratulations and keep up your good work!

Dharmendra Singh, Chandigarh

Mapping error

A REGULAR reader of EW, I would like to point out an error in the latest edition of your September EWISR survey issue. On page 41, the survey has included schools from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, in accompanying maps the islands have not been represented. In the interest of your educated readers, care must be taken to draw an accurate map of India to include all islands including Lakshadweep, regardless of whether schools from that region are ranked or not.

Fahad M, Mumbai

Shocking corruption

YOUR EDUCATION news report from Maharashtra ‘Suffer little children’ (EW September) has left me in utter shock and disbelief. I have always venerated teachers for doing under-paid work. Therefore it’s shameful that aspiring primary school teachers are involved in ugly exam malpractices. The state’s unscrupulous agriculture minister has exposed himself by turning a blind eye to his own children indulging in malpractices, as also chief minister Eknath Shinde for failing to take timely action. I agree with the author when she says that ultimately the price of corruption is being paid by our children. Time for some serious introspection.

Raghunandan Chetty, Hyderabad

Unwarranted focus

I READ Sudheendra Kulkarni’s ‘Outrageous perversion of justice’ essay (EW September) with interest. But I fail to understand why the religion of innocents like Bilkis Bano is overplayed while the severity of the crime itself is downplayed. Can we not put our petty ideological mindsets aside and stand with Bilkis and her family unconditionally and provide her the support she needs whatever her caste or religion? In this respect we are failing the women of this country time and again. Wake up India!

Daisy Pinto on email

Vague innovation

WHILE FLIPPING through the voluminous EW India School Rankings 2022-23 issue, I noticed an exclusive 1+ rank awarded to schools in the national and state rankings tables. Curious to learn more, I read your cover story but was disappointed to find a rather vague explanation which fails to define the specific areas in which the school has excelled.

Sushma Bagchi, Howrah

Advice solicitation RE THE EducationWorld India School Rankings 2022-23, we are pleased to learn that we are ranked #2 in Dehradun and Uttarakhand, but a little disappointed that we couldn’t retain our first rank of 2021- 22. Please advise why we are not ranked #1 in Uttarakhand this year. We look forward to your advice so that we can work on our deficiencies and regain our #1 ranking in the next academic year.

Bro Jeyaseelan Principal, St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun

-Since EWISR sample respondents are not the same every year, their perceptions often differ — Editor

Corrigendum: IN THE EWISR 2022-23, Shishuvan School, Matunga has been inadvertently classified in the vintage co-ed day category. Please note it is in general co-ed day category. The error is regretted – Editor.