Opinion

Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) prohibited protests in its admin block, which has sparked a storm of indignation among students, especially the All India Students' Association (AISA). The move came at a moment when campus tensions are running high following AISA's protest last week against the suspension of a student.

University Declares Administrative Zone a No-Protest Zone

A university administration notice on Wednesday established the new restrictions, stating protests would no longer be allowed from Gate No. 1 to the Dara Shikoh Library on the Kashmere Gate campus. The reasons for the decision, the administration reaffirmed the requirement of a "peaceful and orderly environment," and issued the administrative area as a no-protest area.

While the university has reserved a particular space for protest assembly, prior approval by the Proctor's office is now mandatory for all demonstrations, further straining administrative control on campus demonstrations.

AISA Condemns the Decision as an Attack on Student Rights

Acting fast to the ban, AISA released a statement condemning it as a well-crafted assault on democratic rights of students. "First, they banned a student. Now, they have banned students from gathering. The entire campus has been barricaded, movement has been halted, and the administration has now banned protests outside the Vice Chancellor's office," the statement said.

The Suspension That Sparked the Storm

The stir at AUD recently is due to the suspension of a student from the Global Studies department. The student, who is an AISA member, broke the institution's code of conduct when they used the official university mail system to send "derogatory and disrespectful language" to Vice Chancellor Anu Singh Lather on January 28, as per the university's proctorial board.

After a disciplinary hearing, the committee held the student culpable and handed down a suspension order on March 21, excluding them from campus for winter semester 2025.

Procedural Failures and Political Targeting Allegations

AISA has been highly critical of the ruling as having procedural flaws in the disciplinary process. The organization contends that:

Less than 12 hours' notice was provided to the student prior to the hearing.The complainant's identity was not revealed.The disciplining panel comprised only men except for a virtual woman.

As an added incitement of the outrage, AISA asserts that one panel member asked the student's religion while debating the demolition of Babri Masjid—a move which they interpret as an act at intimidation and political targeting of the student.

Timing of Suspension Under Scrutiny

The timing of the disciplinary action has also been questioned. AISA contends that the delay in suspending the student is a sign of politically driven crackdown and not an even-handed application of university policy. The student body continues to demand the reversal of the suspension, vowing to ignore the new protest bans despite warnings from the administration.

A Broader Trend in Campus Politics?

The events at AUD are symptomatic of larger tensions on Indian campuses, as student activism is being increasingly countered with administrative and state intervention. Silencing of protests and disciplinary action against student leaders has consequences for shrinking democratic spaces on campuses.

With AISA's movement building, the future of this confrontation will define not only AUD's campus policies but also the larger dynamics of student activism in India.

DMK MP Kanimozhi’s revelation that Tamil Nadu’s Kendriya Vidyalayas lack permanent Tamil teachers while Hindi and Sanskrit appointments flourish is more than just an administrative oversight—it is a glaring example of how language politics continues to dominate the education system.

The statistics shown—86 permanent Hindi teachers and 65 Sanskrit ones, but not a single one for Tamil—show a stark contrast in language inequity. It evokes some fundamental questions regarding the policy of the Union Government concerning regional languages. If one of India's six classical languages, and a language of deep historical and cultural richness, Tamil has no representation of its own in its nation in a centrally governed system of education, what does it convey to the people of Tamil Nadu?

Kanimozhi's stand against the BJP regime is targeting the very core of an age-old problem—whether India's multi-linguality is progressively eroded in favor of a Hindi-imperializing strategy. Although Hindi or Sanskrit is not prescribed by the Indian Constitution as the "national" language, such policy measures as these are indicative of an unspoken inclination that invigorates regional displeasure.

The lack of permanent Tamil teachers in central schools is more than an issue of administration or recruitment; it is proof of a global effort at language imposition. If federalism and inclusion are the underlying principles of our democracy, why should Tamil Nadu, with its unique linguistic and cultural identity, constantly have to struggle to maintain its language rights within national institutions?

Education policies must encourage diversity, and not push regional languages to the periphery. The Union Government is responsible, not only to Tamil Nadu, but to all Indians who aspire for an egalitarian education system.

The educational system of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is facing serious challenges. The government schools in the area are weighed down with old syllabi and system inefficiencies, which have led to growing numbers of parents looking for private schools as the only acceptable option for good quality education for their children. But in place of a genuine alternative, the private schooling system has resulted in an exploitative trend whereby accessibility and affordability are crying issues.

Falling Standards in Government Schools

Government schools in PoJK have been suffering from systematic neglect, infrastructure shortages, and long-term underfunding. The curriculum is still archaic, not teaching students contemporary skills or readying them to cope with competitive educational and professional environments. Additionally, teacher absenteeism, political meddling, and poor supervision have also contributed to the decline of the sector. Despite assurances by the government to revamp the education sector, little has been done, and the learning environment is still not favorable for the students.

All the schools lack well-qualified teachers, decrepit buildings, and inadequate learning materials. Failing any sincere attempt at a solution, the schools continue losing face, forcing desperate parents to resort to private schools despite the financial struggle.

Exploitation in Private Schools

Although private schools first came across as a respite forailing government schools, their quick commercialization has led to children and parents being exploited by them. Undue fees, secret charges, and justifiable increase in fees are the order of the day now, rendering quality education a luxury and not a right.

Most private schools are unregulated and driven by profit margins more than pedagogy. The instructors are usually overworked and underpaid, and the quality of instruction suffers. Coercive tactics such as retention of students' records against non-payment of fees, economic extortion of parents, are also followed in certain schools.

Insufficient data presented by the state has allowed private institutions to go unaccounted for. With increasing demands for reform, governments have failed to institute regulatory systems that ensure quality and affordability.

The Consequences for Students

The implications of this education crisis are serious. As government schools are not delivering even minimum standards of education and private schools are becoming exorbitant, a high percentage of students in PoJK are now facing academic deprivation. The majority of families, being incapable of meeting the expenses of private schooling, are compelled to withdraw children out of formal education altogether, thus contributing to child labor and illiteracy.

Additionally, students in PoJK are being denied the right to compete with their peers elsewhere. Lack of quality education is not just an educational problem but a socioeconomic one that threatens the future of the young generation.

The Need for Immediate Reforms

Educating the PoJK crisis calls for a multi-faceted approach. Reform in government schools must be the highest priority of the government by way of new curricula, better teacher training programs, and proper infrastructure. Concurrently, strict regulation of private schools must be done so as not to leave space for exploitative behavior and fee disclosure.

The establishment of scholarship programs and scholarship schemes for economically disadvantaged students can also close the gap between accessibility and quality education. Additionally, promoting community-based educational schemes can act as an auxiliary support system for disadvantaged students.

Unless drastic action is initiated, the learning gap in PoJK will further increase, and a whole generation will be at risk of being left behind. The time for reforms is now—before the harm is done irretrievably.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has just announced the dates for the 2025 board exams, and the students have a mixed reaction. Some students welcome that the exams start later than usual, while others worry about the reduced amount of time remaining for preparation.

The CBSE board examinations for 2025 will start on February 15, 2025, and end on April 10, 2025. The exam schedule for this year has been rescheduled to suit the upcoming assembly elections. However, the shorter period for preparation has made some students nervous and stressed.

"I'm glad the exams are coming a little late, but then again, I'm also scared about less preparation time," noted Ria, a Class 12 student. "I would have appreciated the CBSE allowing us a better preparation time. The shortness of the preparation time is going to be problematic for us," added Rohan, a Class 10 student.

In spite of the fear, the CBSE has reassured students that the exam dates have been fixed so that the students will have enough time to prepare. The board has also announced that it will offer extra help to students in the form of extra study materials and counseling sessions.

While a section of students welcome the additional help, others are doubtful. "I do not know how much additional study materials and counseling will benefit. We require additional time to prepare, not additional resources," stated a Class 12 student who preferred not to be named. 

CBSE's decision to postpone the exams might have its advantages and disadvantages, but it is certainly beyond doubt that students will have to make the best of it and make the most of the time at hand.

The unexpected resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has left many international students, especially those from India, pondering what the future holds for them in Canada. While the resignation has sent ripples through the political landscape, it is important to remember that Canada’s immigration policies are unlikely to change abruptly in the immediate future. With the Canadian Parliament now prorogued until March 24, no new legislation can be passed during this period, which includes any changes to the country’s immigration laws.

For Indian students, who represent a significant portion of the international student population in Canada, there is understandably some anxiety about the potential for changes under new leadership. Speculation is inevitable, especially with ongoing discussions about reforming the Express Entry system. If additional points for job offers are eliminated, as some reports suggest, it could impact the chances of Indian students gaining entry through this highly competitive pathway. However, experts caution that it is too early to predict the specifics of any policy changes, and it is crucial not to jump to conclusions without clearer information.

Another growing concern is the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, which has been observed in various countries as global migration trends continue to shift. While this is an issue that requires attention, Canada’s reputation as a stable democracy committed to inclusivity and protecting the rights of immigrants provides some assurance. For all the uncertainty surrounding the political transition, the core values that have made Canada a popular destination for international students remain intact.

In recent months, Canada has already introduced several significant changes that have affected Indian students. The cap on international students, for instance, has led to a 35% decrease in the approval rate for study permits, making it more difficult for aspiring students to secure a place. In addition, changes to work hour regulations, which now allow international students to work 24 hours per week during term time, have had both positive and negative implications for students trying to balance their academic and financial needs. The new language proficiency requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) are also noteworthy, as they pose additional challenges for students relying on this program for post-study opportunities.

As Canada prepares for a transition in leadership, Indian students must remain vigilant. While the political shift may bring about future policy changes, the best course of action is to continue with the application process as usual. Students should stay informed by regularly checking for updates from official sources and consulting immigration professionals for guidance. Now more than ever, the key is staying prepared for the evolving landscape and ensuring that plans for study and work in Canada remain on track.

Jagdeep Singh, the Indian-origin CEO of QuantumScape, has shattered records with his staggering daily earnings of ₹48 crore, making him one of the highest-paid executives globally. But beyond the jaw-dropping numbers lies a story of groundbreaking innovation—and a brewing debate on the ethics of executive compensation.

Singh’s journey is emblematic of the global Indian diaspora's resilience. From humble beginnings in India to earning an MBA at Stanford after his engineering degree from UC Berkeley, Singh epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit. His early career at Intel set the foundation, but his leadership at QuantumScape transformed him into a corporate icon.

At QuantumScape, a pioneer in solid-state battery technology, Singh’s vision has propelled the company into the limelight. By prioritizing efficiency, safety, and sustainability, QuantumScape has reshaped the electric vehicle industry. Strategic collaborations with automotive heavyweights like Volkswagen and BMW underscore the trust placed in Singh’s leadership.

QuantumScape’s batteries, lauded for their transformative potential, have accelerated the green energy revolution, marking a significant shift in global transportation paradigms.

Singh’s ₹48 crore daily compensation—a blend of stock options and performance incentives—has sparked widespread discourse. Proponents hail him as a revolutionary leader whose contributions justify the reward. After all, his decisions have not only enriched QuantumScape but also bolstered the broader push for sustainable technologies.

Yet, critics argue that such astronomical earnings amplify the chasm between corporate elites and everyday workers. At a time when income inequality remains a pressing global issue, Singh’s paycheck is both an inspiration and a lightning rod for critique.

Singh’s success is undeniably inspirational. His journey from a young Indian immigrant to a global leader demonstrates the transformative power of vision, persistence, and innovative thinking. For entrepreneurs, his story is a beacon of what’s possible with the right combination of intellect and opportunity.

However, his astronomical earnings also compel a broader conversation about fairness and equity in the corporate world. While Singh’s leadership drives monumental progress in the green tech space, it also underscores the need for a more inclusive dialogue on wealth distribution and corporate responsibility.

Jagdeep Singh’s rise is a tale of triumph. Whether it’s celebrated as a hallmark of achievement or questioned as an example of excess depends on which lens you choose to view it through.