Features
Unshackling varsities
Such politically active teachers and employees are seldom able to attend their respective workplaces, let alone perform their duties relating to teaching, research and extension effectively.
By A K GHOSH
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, in his address to the nation in 1985, referred to education as an area which required urgent attention. This led to the New Education Policy (NEP) which was finalized in August 1986.
Prime Minister Modi, in 2022, held that NEP (2020) is essential to create the New India of the 21st century. We hope these are not voices in the wilderness, though there is always a surrounding cacophony that endeavors to drown the voices. They come from experts who seemingly believe it is necessary to go on reiterating a few indisputable propositions as parts of education policy.
Well, truism may not be disputed. What may be disputable, however, lies around the question of their relevance for finalizing what needs to be done. It is time to decide whether a large number of richly endowed world class universities will serve our needs in the higher education sector better than the small number of meagerly endowed universities that we have now.
Higher education today is confronted with a number of challenges in regard to its management in an effective manner owing to a number of factors including growing interference of government leading to a sharp erosion in autonomy, snowballing financial resource crunch chiefly caused by spiraling prices of goods and services, and fixation of grants by some state governments at previous levels, hike in different fees by the universities making it difficult for the poor to pursue it, privatization and even internationalization of education at a cost beyond the reach of commoners, and sharp deterioration in work culture.
Universities are so badly managed that quite often there are agitations on the part of students, teachers and employees leading to widespread indiscipline and chaos. Work culture among all sections related to management is seen at a low ebb.
Classes are not properly taken, and extension programmes are not properly taken care of in our educational institutions. Use of unfair means cannot be ruled out; question papers are leaked; evaluation is ever questioned; favoritism is distinctly visible.
The atmosphere is politically surcharged mainly because of the patronage enjoyed by the leaders of various political parties on the campuses. Even cases of forged degrees made available through employment of corrupt practices come to light.In such a scenario, the universities today are found to be performing merely two functions ~ admission and examinations. The real functions of teaching, research and extension have been generally relegated to the background. This sordid state of affairs puts a big question mark on their very existence as institutions of higher learning, particularly from the standpoint of their role in promotion of human and social development.
Universities no longer remain autonomous institutions either academically or financially or administratively as they once used to be. State governments have acquired powers to frame even their courses as per their ideological commitments. Financially, decisions regarding annual grants-in-aid which might be a small portion of the expenditure are taken by respective state governments. As a populist measure, the state governments sometimes fix the fees to be realised from students pursuing regular as well as selffinanced courses. Moreover, again in order to gain popularity, governments sometimes sanction class III and class IV posts in bulk and even teaching positions without any obligation to meet the financial burden.
University campuses have been highly politicized. All the constituent elements of the university system ~ teachers, employees and students are associated with various political parties through their organisations ~ generally not on the basis of ideological commitments but on the basis of personal convenience, especially from the standpoint of their self-aggrandizement. Such politically active teachers and employees are seldom able to attend their respective workplaces, let alone perform their duties relating to teaching, research and extension effectively.
Most students are not interested in acquiring knowledge; they continue their studentship for students union elections or to occupy seats in hostels or to gain a certificate as a passport to a job.
University administrations being bound by legal provisions and precedents and being subjected to pressure of varied kinds are forced to adopt an apathetic attitude and as a consequence, either refrain from taking any initiative and doing innovative work or do only enough to sustain the system.
Use of the latest information and communication technology requires sound financial bases as also competent manpower. Unfortunately, in most universities either required financial resources are lacking or the teachers and staff who, in many cases, have been selected on the basis of considerations other than merit, are incompetent.
In the present era of globalization of education, there are distinctly visible two types of insidious opportunities for education at all levels ~ the first provided by renowned private organizations that charge exorbitant fees and provide quality education by hiring competent teachers and employees and making use of latest ICT; and the second offered directly by the government as part of fulfillment of its obligation to provide education to all who get enrolled. Since in pursuance of its policy of liberalization and privatization the state is gradually withdrawing itself from education to its citizens, and also since a major part of the budget is spent on payments of salary to staff and other infrastructural expenses, a nominal part is actually spent on education. Corruption in the entire machinery has further worsened the situation.
Moreover, the government aided universities are subjected to varied kinds of unwarranted restrictions which compel them to toe the line of government policy. The result is that they are not able to maintain the desired standards of education.University autonomy may be restored by making necessary changes in the University Act and Statutes in order that universities as institutions of highest level of teaching, research and extension may be able to operate independently.
They should have full freedom to frame their academic programmers, conduct research and chalk out extension activities in accordance with their mission of national development.They should be given a free hand in preparing their budget and identifying and mobilizing resources without contravention of the general laws of the land.
Educationists will agree that the university bodies should be supreme in academic matters. The university is not the tool of the government, still less it is the instrument of the political powers of the day. Sometimes, it is vulnerable to government blackmail because it has to receive financial support from the government.
We are reminded of an old proposal to make universities accountable to legislators regarding utilization of public funds placed at their disposal.
Though their accounts today are looked into by government auditors, they are not placed before the legislatures except in one or two cases. From time to time this arrangement has been criticized by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
But as the Education Commission has rightly held, a debate in a legislature on the financial affairs of a university will only make it an issue in party politics which is far from desirable.All this is not to suggest that there should be not a check on how universities manage their financial affairs but to emphasize that any such control is best exercised by the UGC, which may devise a suitable system of internal audit.It is time for a national debate on who should be a Chancellor or Visitor. Are Governors/ President of India capable of providing academic leadership to the university community?
The vital question is about the role of the UGC or the Association of Indian Universities on issues like autonomy, credibility of head of the institution, inquiry into functioning of the administration, academic freedom, and intellectual dissent. Has our intelligentsia given any serious thought to dealing with allegations regarding irregularities in our universities?
Many of our academics often willingly play into the hands of vested interests when they become vice-chancellors. Irregularities in faculty selection, violations of university acts, statutes and ordinances, and manipulations in regard to the functioning of academic and executive committees vitiate the academic atmosphere.
The real problem is that top jobs in universities are largely allocated on the basis of social background, political ideology, or personal bias.When Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee became the VC of Calcutta University in the early 20th century, S Radhakrishnan was appointed the VC of Andhra University in the 1930s and Hansa Mehta took over as VC of Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda in the 1940s, no one asked where their affiliation lay. Only their scholarly accomplishments and institutional visions were taken into consideration.
(The Statesman/ANN)
Sri Lanka needs to take full stock of its current economic situation and use to the maximum the potential in its GSP+ facility for export sector growth. In the process, it should ensure that it cooperates fully with the European Union. The urgency of undertaking these responsibilities is underscored by the issues growing out of the recent US decision to sweepingly hike tariffs on its imports, though differentially.
These were principal ‘takes’ for participants in the Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassadors’ Roundtable forum held on April 8th at the Colombo Club of the Taj Samudra. The main presenter at the event was Ms. Carmen Moreno Raymundo, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The forum was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation. The event brought together a cross-section of the local public, including the media.
Ms. Moreno drew attention to the fact Sri Lanka is at present severely under utilizing its GSP+ facility, which is the main means for Sri Lanka to enter the very vast EU market of 450 million people. In fact the EU has been Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner. In 2023, for instance, total trade between the partners stood at Euros 3.84 billion. There is no greater market but the EU region for Sri Lanka.
‘However, only Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has seen considerable growth over the years. It is the only export sector in Sri Lanka which could be said to be fully developed. However, wider ranging export growth is possible provided Sri Lanka exploits to the fullest the opportunities presented by GSP+.’
Moreno added, among other things: ‘Sri Lanka is one among only eight countries that have been granted the EU’s GSP+ facility. The wide-ranging export possibilities opened by the facility are waiting to be utilized. In the process, the country needs to participate in world trade in a dynamic way. It cannot opt for a closed economy. As long as economic vibrancy remains unachieved, Sri Lanka cannot enter into world trading arrangements from a strong position. Among other things, Sri Lanka must access the tools that will enable it to spot and make full use of export opportunities.
‘Sri Lanka must facilitate the private sector in a major way and make it possible for foreign investors to enter the local economy with no hassle and compete for local business opportunities unfettered. At present, Lanka lacks the relevant legal framework to make all this happen satisfactorily.
‘Sri Lanka cannot opt for what could be seen as opaque arrangements with bilateral economic partners. Transparency must be made to prevail in its dealings with investors and other relevant quarters. It’s the public good that must be ensured. The EU would like to see the local economy further opening up for foreign investment.
‘However, it is important that Sri Lanka cooperates with the EU in the latter’s efforts to bring about beneficial outcomes for Sri Lankans. Cooperation could be ensured by Sri Lanka fully abiding by the EU conditions that are attendant on the granting of GSP+. There are, for example, a number of commitments and international conventions that Sri Lanka signed up to and had promised to implement on its receipt of GSP+ which have hitherto not been complied with. Some of these relate to human rights and labour regulations.
‘Successive governments have pledged to implement these conventions but thus far nothing has happened by way of compliance. GSP+ must be seen as an opportunity and not a threat and by complying with EU conditions the best fruits could be reaped from GSP+. It is relevant to remember that GSP+ was granted to Sri Lanka in 2005. It was suspended five years later and restored in 2017.
‘The importance of compliance with EU conditions is greatly enhanced at present in view of the fact that Sri Lanka is currently being monitored by the EU with regard to compliance ahead of extending GSP+ next year. A report on Sri Lanka is due next year wherein the country’s performance with regard to cooperating with the EU would be assessed. The continuation of the facility depends on the degree of cooperation.
‘A few statistics would bear out the importance of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the EU. For example, under the facility Sri Lanka benefits from duty free access in over 66% of EU tariff lines. The highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 was from the EU’s 27 member states. Likewise, the EU’s 27 member states rank second in the origin of inflows of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka; with Italy, France and Germany figuring as the main countries of origin. Eighty five percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU market benefits from GSP+. Thus, the stakes for the country are high.’
Meanwhile, President, In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, John Wilson said: ‘GSP+ should be seen as not only an opportunity but also as a necessity by Sri Lanka in the current international economic climate. ‘Implementation of local laws is what is needed. Considering the pressures growing out of the US imposed new tariff regime, a good dialogue with the EU is needed.
‘Sri Lanka’s level of business readiness must be upped. Among the imperatives are: An electronic procurement process, Customs reforms, a ‘National Single Window’, stepped-up access to land by investors, for example, a clear policy framework on PPPs and reform of the work permits system.’
It ought to be plain to see from the foregoing that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose the GSP+ facility if it is stepped-up economic growth that is aimed at. It would be in Sri Lanka’s best interests to remain linked with the EU, considering the aggravated material hardships that could come in the wake of the imposition of the US’ new tariff regime. Sri Lanka would need to remain in a dialogue process with the EU, voice its reservations on matters growing out of GSP+, if any, iron out differences and ensure that its national interest is secured.
Chit-Chat
Chiara Tissera
Mrs. Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2024, Chiara Tissera, leaves for the finals, in the USA, next month
I had a very interesting chat with her and this is how it all went:
1. How would you describe yourself?
I am a sensitive and passionate individual who deeply cares about the things that matter most to me. I approach life with a heart full of enthusiasm and a desire to make meaningful connections.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because the person I am today, both inside and out, is the result of everything I’ve experienced. Every part of me has shaped who I am, so I embrace both my strengths and imperfections as they make me uniquely me.
3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
If there’s one thing I could change about my family, it would be having my father back with us. Losing him six years ago left a void that can never be filled, but his memory continues to guide and inspire us every day.
4. School?
I went to St. Jude’s College, Kurana, and I’m really proud to say that the lessons I gained during my time there have shaped who I am today. My school and teachers instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of community, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I was a senior prefect and was selected the Deputy Head Prefect of our college during my tenure.
5. Happiest moment?
The happiest moment of my life so far has been winning the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2024 for Queen of the World. It was a dream come true and a truly unforgettable experience, one that fills me with pride and gratitude every time I reflect on it.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted feeling that often comes from a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. For me, perfect happiness is in moments of joy, peace and accomplishments … and also being surrounded by my loved ones.
7. Are you religious?
Yes, I’m a very religious person. And I’m a firm believer in God. My faith guides me through life, providing strength, dedication and a sense of peace in every situation. I live by the quote, ‘Do your best, and God will do the rest.’
8. Are you superstitious?
I’m not superstitious. I believe in making my own decisions and relying on logic and faith rather than following superstitions.
9. Your ideal guy?
My ideal guy is my husband. He is compassionate, understanding and is always there to support me, no matter what. He’s my rock and my best friend – truly everything I could ever want in a partner.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
The living person I admire the most is definitely my mummy. Her strength, love and unwavering support has shaped me into who I am today. She is my role model and she inspires me every day with her wisdom and kindness.
11. Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my family. They are the heart of my life, providing me with love, support and strength. Their presence is my greatest blessing.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
I would like to have my spouse as my companion. Together, we could make the best of the situation, supporting each other, sharing moments of laughter and finding creative ways to survive and thrive.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
There’s quite a few, for sure, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
14. Done anything daring?
Yes, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in a pageant. I had no experience and was nervous about putting myself out there, but I decided to challenge myself and go for it. It pushed me to grow in so many ways—learning to embrace confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate my own uniqueness. The experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also taught me the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.”
15. Your ideal vacation?
It would be to Paris. The city has such a magical vibe and, of course, exploring the magical Eiffel Tower is in my bucket list. Especially the city being a mix of history culture and modern life in a way that feels timeless, I find it to be the ideal vacation spot for me.
16. What kind of music are you into?
I love romantic songs. I’m drawn to its emotional depth and the way they express love, longing a connection. Whether it’s a slow ballad, a classic love song or a more modern romantic tune these songs speak to my heart.
17. Favourite radio station?
I don’t have a specific radio station that I like, but I tend to enjoy a variety of stations, depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll tune into one for a mix of popular hits, other times I might go for something more relaxing, or a station with a certain vibe. So I just like to keep it flexible and switch it up.
18. Favourite TV station?
I hardly find the time to sit down and watch TV. But, whenever I do find a little spare time, I tend to do some spontaneous binge – watching, catching whatever interesting show is on at that moment.
19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?
Mmmm, I’ve actually not thought about it, but I’d love to be born as someone who gets to explore the world freely – perhaps a bird soaring across continents.
20. Any major plans for the future?
Let’s say preparing and participating in the international pageant happening in the USA this May. It’s an exciting opportunity to represent myself and my country on a global stage. Alongside this, I am dedicated to continuing my social service work as a title holder, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my platform.
The formation of wrinkles and fine lines is part of our ageing process. However, if these wrinkles negatively impact appearance, making one look older than they actually are, then trying out some homemade remedies, I’ve listed for you, this week, may help in giving your skin a fresher look.
* Banana:
Bananas are considered to be our skin’s best friend. They contain natural oils and vitamins that work very perfectly to boost our skin health. Skincare experts recommend applying the banana paste to the skin.
Take a ripe banana and mash a quarter of it until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
* Olive Oil:
Olive oil works as a great skin protector and many types of research suggest that even consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil contains compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels. Yes, olive oil can be used as a dressing on your salads, or other food, if you want to consume it, otherwise, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil on your face, neck and hands and let it stay overnight.
* Ginger:
Ginger serves to be a brilliant anti-wrinkle remedy because of the high content of antioxidants in it. Ginger helps in breaking down elastin, which is one of the main reasons for wrinkles. You can have ginger tea or grate ginger and have it with honey, on a regular basis.
* Aloe Vera:
The malic acid present in Aloe Vera helps in improving your skin’s elasticity, which helps in reducing your wrinkles. Apply the gel once you extract it from the plant, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with warm water.
* Lemons:
Lemons contain citric acid, which is a strong exfoliant that can help you get rid of your dead skin cells and wrinkles. Also, as an astringent and a cleansing agent, it helps to fade your wrinkles and fine lines. You can gently rub a lemon slice in your wrinkled skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse afterwards and repeat this process two to three times a day.
* Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acid that moisturises the skin and helps to retain its elasticity. You can directly apply the coconut oil, and leave it overnight, after gently massaging it, for the best results.
Sun directly overhead Hatthikuchchi, Kalankuttiya, Halmillewa, Ipalogama, Palugaswewa and Habarana at about 12:11 noon. today [10]
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