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The Last Word
De-grading the Grades
Rajen Kumar
Nov 2009
Nov 2009
A bright-eyed Doordarshan (our sarkari news channel) correspondent visits the HRD Ministry for a conversation with the Minister on the proposed changes in the education system at the CBSE level.
Correspondent, attired in freshly dry-cleaned suit and tie and followed by his camera crew, makes sure that his tie is in place as he is led to the Minister\'s room.
The sprawling room is empty. The Doordarshan team is allowed to set up their camera and the lights as the correspondent gives a stern look to the crew as if cautioning them of no slips.
A good 20 minutes go up in wait as the PA to the Minister opens the door to announce, “Be ready, mantri ji is on his way.”
The correspondent adjusts his tie once again as his body language changes. Crew stands up in rapt attention. The Minister enters and the \'good morning sir\' from all the Doordarshan members evinces a full throttled smile from the minister.
Minister (as he makes himself seated on the chair): How much time you will take?
Correspondent: Just 15 to 20 minutes sir.
Minister: Ok Ok. I have to rush to a meeting. So please hurry up and let\'s start.
The Minister shoots an easy look to the camera and the lights as he asks them: Are you ready gentlemen.
Camera Team (in chorus): Yes Sir.
Correspondent (hurriedly opens his notes): Sir, you have done a great job by suggesting revolutionary changes in the education system especially when you have proposed to replace the rustic examination system with grading.
Minister: See. Such a change was long overdue. No one could do this although the will was there. But I mean business. I am not here for nothing. (smiles)
Correspondent: Sir, there is an impression that you did things rather in a hurry. I mean what was the urgency of the proposal in just 100 days without any debate and discussion whereas the government was elected for more than 1700 days.
Minister: Urgency (pensive mood)? We have wasted 60 long years debating and discussing important issues. I know we are around for over 1700 days but is there a surety for me to stay in the ministry for this period? Don\'t you know how politics works in India.
Correspondent: You are right sir. But there is a fear that grading system may not degrade intellectual quotient as the child will be careless in the absence of any pressure to study and sit for the exams.
Minister: This is exactly what we want. We don\'t want a child to be under pressure at all. And mind it, we just can\'t bargain stress for IQ. And imagine how many advantages we are going to have in the grading system? Young boys and girls commit suicide because of exams (smiles). So many young lives will be saved. (smiles)
Correspondent: Sir, it is said that basic education is the foundation of a sound career. By grading system, are we not going to weaken the foundation?
Minister: People don\'t understand this. Look at yourself. In your times, exams were there and what pressure you must have gone through. You would have been a much better journalist and would be working in a foreign channel had the pressures of exams were not there. Am I right? (smiles). Look at me. I have had my higher education in the States who streamlined their system. And look where I am today.(smiles).
Correspondent embarrassed, half smiles): Yes Sir. Just explain me how grading will help a child in higher classes. Who will like to be downgraded? Every child would want top grade. Somewhere along the line, he has to face stiff competitions and examinations in life.
Minister: This is the only problem we envision. In my view there should be no examinations in life. Everyone has a right to flourish without questions. All human beings are born free and equal. Everyone has a right to become doctor, engineer and IT engineer, professor, scientist etc. etc. by grading system. Look at the poverty in India.
Correspondent: Sir, if everyone becomes a high profile professional then how about our village folks and who will till the land. Who will be become labourers?
Minister (smiles): We are living in a modern era. We must develop technology which will do away with the very concept of poverty. We have been groping in dark for long now. Time has come to start a new revolution and that revolution can only come when we change everything – from our education system to our way of life. (smiles).
Correspondent (confused): Sir, but we have had great educationists, scientists, and philosophers as our leaders and how come no one could think of the changes as you do? Moreover don\'t you think that a sudden change will not help remove the looming poverty and illiteracy in India?
Minister (smiles): I am myself confused why the great visionaries did not think of effecting the change. Removing poverty and illiteracy from India is not as difficult as we think. “Education for all without examinations is the mantra.”
Correspondent: Sir, you first recommended grading and examinations and left it to the child to opt whatever he wants. I am sure most of the students may not like to go for examinations. Sir, you can as well do away with the classroom education.
Minister (smiles and pause and a quick glance straight into the camera): That is one option with me. I know that will save us a lot of botheration as it is there are less schools and teachers and more children wanting to study.
Correspondent: What is next cooking up in your mind? Any revolutionary changes?
Minister: If it is unto me, I will want to do away with the very concept of education. Nature is the best classroom. And mind it 60% of Indians live in natural environ of the villages. In that way we will kill many birds with one stone.
Correspondent: Just explain sir.
Minister (smiles): Very simple (smiles). Number one: we will achieve 100 per cent literacy. Number two: It will save the exchequer huge money we are spending on education and raising infrastructure. Number three: Imagine the increase in the per capita income. Then no one will say that every third poor on this earth is an Indian.
(The P.A. appears as a reminder to the minister that time is up.)
Minister: We must end it here as you have already taken more than 30 minutes. I must rush to the meeting.
Correspondent begins to rise from his chair as camera and lights are put off.: Thanks sir. A very dynamic interview sir.
Minister (leaveing his office): Edit it properly and no cuts. Thank you gentlemen.
Correspondent (perplexed): Sir, it was a live telecast.
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