The Hindu : New Delhi News : ‘Commercialisation of education has shadowed ethics, moral values'

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Sunday, Feb 27, 2011
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‘Commercialisation of education has shadowed ethics, moral values'

Staff Reporter

Seats in many private colleges, institutions are literally buyable, says Sibal

— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

The Graduates:Jubilant graduates at the Delhi University Annual Convocation in New Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Commercialisation of education has not only shadowed ethics and moral values but also generated a “plethora of problems” which will hollow the education system, Union Human Resource Development Minster Kapil Sibal said at the 88th Annual Convocation of Delhi University on Saturday.

Ironic

“Ironically, the purpose of education has been reduced to merely acquiring a certificate or a degree which can help a person in getting a high-income job. The rush for short-cuts to achieve economic prosperity has pushed moral values into the background,” Mr. Sibal said.

“Highly remunerative business”

Ruing the discouragement of idealism and welfare intentions of students, the Minister said that education has become “a highly remunerative business, and thrives on raising income expectations of students. Education has become so commercialised that seats in many private institutions and colleges are literally buyable”.

The government machinery is considered to be “bureaucratic, unresponsive and corrupt,” admitted Mr. Sibal, adding that it “is capable of conducting fair general elections in the country, which is one of the biggest management exercises in the world.”

“In recent times, we have witnessed the fall of once large and proud international and national corporations, well-known personalities, politicians and sportspersons due to their greed. This gives rise to serious questions about the ethical values and right conduct in controversial situations,” he added.

Despite the immense diversity in the country with regard to religion, language, caste and income, Mr. Sibal said, the country still has a “vibrant political system, a very independent media and a true democracy.”

Change country's image

Noting that the country needs to become “a nation of hard workers”, Mr. Sibal said “we have to change the image of India from being a ‘nation of holidays' to a nation of people who enjoy hard work.”

He exhorted the students to be active agents of change and to work with commitment and dedication.

Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh, who presided over the Convocation, urged the students “to follow the conscience and lead a life of rectitude with courage and honesty”.

More than 120 medals, including around 50 gold medals, 46 university medals as well as about 50 prizes, were distributed. A total of 381 Ph.D. degrees were also awarded.

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