The Complex Reality of Arvind Kejriwal’s Administration: Insights into Delhi’s Challenges and Improvements
Delhi, the bustling capital city of India, has long been a subject of intense political debate. Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, the city faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. This article delves into the multifaceted workings of the Kejriwal administration, focusing particularly on the state of government-run schools and the broader implications for the city and Indian politics.
Efficient: Changing for the Better
While Arvind Kejriwal’s administration has faced numerous challenges, there have also been visible improvements. One such area of development is the enhancement of government schools across Delhi. Renovations have been carried out, and an effort has been made to transform them into world-class institutions. These improvements are not just superficial; they signify a commitment to providing better educational opportunities to the city’s children.
The Darker Side: Challenges and Controversies
Despite these visible changes, the reality for many government schools in Delhi remains far from ideal. Renovation efforts, while commendable, are often just an eyewash that hides underlying issues. The classrooms, for instance, often accommodate more than 100 students, making it extremely difficult for teachers to effectively manage and teach. As a result, individual attention to each student is virtually impossible, leading to a strain on teachers and low pass percentages in exams.
The Impact on Teachers and Students
The situation is further complicated by the administrative demands placed on teachers. No clerical or administrative personnel are employed in these government schools, leaving teachers to handle all these responsibilities. This leaves them with little time to truly focus on teaching, and when students' performance deteriorates, the teachers are often held solely responsible. An additional layer of complexity arises from the introduction of new subjects such as 'Happiness', 'Desh Bhakti', 'EMC', among others, which are expected to be taught by the existing teachers. This imposes an unnecessary burden on the teachers, who may struggle to juggle more responsibilities and student numbers.
The Politics of Results
In an effort to maintain positive outcomes, higher officials often force teachers to manipulate results, artificially inflating pass percentages. This is not just a moral or ethical issue; it reflects a deeper societal concern about the integrity of educational assessments. It's a practice that undermines the true educational achievements of the students and perpetuates a cycle of misrepresentation.
A Leadership with Flaws
Beyond the issues within the education sector, Arvind Kejriwal’s administration faces criticism for its priorities. While the leadership is praised for its energetic approach, there is often a lack of focus on critical issues like education. One striking example is the amount of time and energy devoted to mistrusting and criticizing other parties and political entities, often at the expense of substantive governance. This approach results in a skewed balance, with too much time spent on negative critiques and not enough on addressing the real issues facing the city.
Balance and Accountability
It is concerning that while Kejriwal has a supportive Secretary in the Chief Minister, who accompanies him everywhere outside of Delhi, he lacks the time to adequately engage with central government agencies and investigating bodies. This disparity is emblematic of a broader issue: the need for balance in governance. For Arvind Kejriwal to truly achieve meaningful reform, he must ensure that there is a healthy balance between criticizing corruption and engaging in constructive dialogue and action.
Conclusion
The administration of Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi is a mixed bag. While there are certainly positive developments and notable improvements, especially in terms of school renovations, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. Education reform, in particular, is a critical issue that requires focused attention and adequate resources. Beyond these specific issues, the overall governance framework must be balanced and fair, ensuring that criticism and engagement are both present and constructive.