Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar voiced strong concerns over the increasing commercialization of education, warning that it is detrimental to the quality of learning in the country.
Speaking at an event hosted by a private educational institute in Sikar, Rajasthan, on Saturday, Dhankhar stressed that education, once a charitable and noble pursuit, has now largely turned into a profit-driven business. "What began as charitable work has now become commerce. This shift is not good for the future of the nation," he said, emphasizing that the commercialization of education is adversely affecting its standards.
Dhankhar lamented that education, historically regarded as a medium for building a healthy society through sacrifice and service, is now being treated as a commodity. He cautioned that in some cases, the sector has even taken on the form of extortion, which he described as deeply concerning. While he acknowledged that educational institutions need financial sustainability, Dhankhar urged industries to take on more responsibility by supporting educational initiatives. He called on corporate houses to use their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to help build institutions and fund new courses, arguing that such collaboration would significantly contribute to national progress.
The vice president also raised the issue of brain drain, highlighting how many Indian students seek education abroad despite ample opportunities within the country. He urged educational institutions and industry leaders to hold seminars to inform students about the diverse range of job opportunities available in India across various sectors, beyond the conventional career paths.
In addition to this, Dhankhar underscored the importance of technology in improving the quality of education and praised the National Education Policy (NEP) as a “game changer” in this regard. He called for the optimal use of technology in education to enhance learning outcomes and ensure that students are prepared for the future.