The Education Sector in India Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights and Recommendations for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh
Amid the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the education sector in India is facing unprecedented times. Former Finance Secretary SC Garg has shared his thoughts on the unique situation in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, offering recommendations to address the issues at hand. In this article, we will delve into Garg’s insights and suggestions for enhancing the educational system in these states during these trying times.
Economic Setbacks and Calls for Special Class Status
Both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh have experienced significant economic setbacks in recent years. Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu points to the state’s struggles following the formation of Telangana, while Bihar’s government highlights losses in income and resources after the creation of Jharkhand in 2000.
In a bid to address these challenges, Chief Ministers Nitish Kumar of Bihar and Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh, key allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), have intensified their calls for special class status for their states. However, Subhash Chandra Garg, former Finance Secretary, believes that granting this status to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh is unlikely, given its historical context dating back to 1969 when it was exclusively granted to northeastern and Himalayan states.
Recommendations for Progress
While special class status may not be feasible, Garg suggests alternative solutions for the states. He points to provisions in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act for grants and special packages between 2014 and 2018, proposing a mutually agreeable special package as a way forward. Similarly, for Bihar, he recommends the adoption of another special package, citing the Bihar package of 2003 as a potential model.
S Nagesh Kumar, former Resident Editor of The Hindu, emphasizes the importance of addressing the special class status issue for Chandrababu Naidu. Despite promises of support from the central government in 2014-2015, Naidu remained dissatisfied with the outcomes. On the other hand, Ashok Chaudhary, Bihar’s Minister of Rural Works, remains hopeful that the central government will consider their demands in the upcoming union budget, whether through special class status or other forms of assistance.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The support of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party is crucial for the BJP, which lacks a majority on its own. The issue of special class status has previously strained relationships, leading to Naidu’s decision to sever ties with the BJP in 2018. As the debate continues, the future of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh’s educational systems remains uncertain.
while the road ahead may be challenging, exploring alternative solutions and fostering collaboration between state and central governments could pave the way for progress in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh’s education sectors.