An alumnus of the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Trilok Singh Bist is principal of the CBSE-affiliated Jodhamal Public School, Jammu (JPS, estb.2005). With teaching and admin experience acquired in the Scholars Home Senior Secondary School, Dehradun followed by Doon International School, Palia and Unison World School, Dehradun, Bist was appointed principal of JPS in 2011.

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

Not at all. Given that 80 percent of children in India are enrolled in government schools, the Central government needs to allocate at least 25 percent of the Union budget for funding public education. Jodhamal Public School has adopted three government schools and it’s evident how underfunding has adversely impacted students’ lives. This year’s budget allocation for education will add to unemployment, poverty and illiteracy.

The Union government proposes to scrap the no-detention until class VIII provision of the RTE Act. Are you in favour of this amendment?

Yes I am in favour. The no-detention policy has made parents and students passive participants in the learning process. Students have no urge to study as they are sure no teacher can detain them until class VIII. I believe scrapping the no-detention policy will restore the academic rigour of students, parents and teachers.

What’s your solution to reforming the country’s exam/assessment system?

I believe in a system which assesses not only student but also teacher performance.

What are your Top 3 suggestions for reforming K-12 education?

• We must attract the best brains of the country into teaching. Towards this end, salaries of teachers need to be revised upwards.

• Rote learning must make way for experiential and application-based learning.

• Marks-based assessment needs to change. Test scores don’t reflect a student’s capabilities.