EXCLUSIVE: Madhya Pradesh governor determined to revamp higher education

“I do not need any advice regarding my constitutional role. I'll use my rights freely to stop or prevent anything that I feel is wrong within my scope of office, including any penal action,” Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon said in an exclusive interaction with THE WEEK recently.

Reacting to a question on the governor's role in the state, Tandon, a seasoned politician, said that the Constitution has bestowed several rights upon the governor and he would not hesitate to use them if he sees anything wrong. “In the welfare of society, the state and the country, I will take necessary steps without coming under any pressure,” the governor said.

Tandon's remarks become significant in view of the recent developments in Madhya Pradesh, particularly his displeasure over the fact that Congress leader and senior lawyer Vivek Tankha made a social media comment over the role of the governor in the context of passing an ordinance on indirect mayoral polls.

Tandon refused to discuss any political issues directly during an extensive interaction with THE WEEK. However, on the issue of the state government proposing to establish a legislative council (upper house) in Madhya Pradesh, Tandon said that while there is a constitutional provision for the purpose, some states that had a bicameral legislative system were giving it up, while others were trying to adopt it.

“In the present context, I can only say that those who are taking a decision in the matter should look at all the aspects. Running of a legislative house entails financial costs of running a big welfare scheme. This should be considered in the present context when such decision is taken,” Tandon said, adding that the final decision even after the process by the state government will require a presidential nod.

Focus on higher education reform

All through his discussion with THE WEEK, Tandon, who is also the chancellor of all state-run universities, made it clear that his main focus was on reforming higher education in Madhya Pradesh in a way that it becomes truly useful for progress of society and a vehicle to make the future generations in the state self-dependent in life.

Tandon, who has been in office in Madhya Pradesh for about four months now, took several steps to improve the higher education scenario in Bihar and received a lot of accolades for the impact. He is applying some of the methods tested in Bihar, and some new ones, in Madhya Pradesh to bring about the requisite reforms and says that this is the most important thing he would like to continue to do as the governor and chancellor.

The governor said that earlier there had been attempts by the governments across the country to scuttle the rights of governors vis-à-vis higher education, but those attempts were not successful. Due to this attitude, higher education, which should have been among top priorities of governments, was pushed back.

“There is no use of education that does not reform society and becomes the vehicle of its progress. But higher education scenario was relegated to such a state that some universities did not have teachers, while others did not have students,” Tandon said.

The chancellor said that he had an experience from Bihar where things were completely anarchic, but with strict and effective steps, a big change could be brought about. “I ensured that there was strict action against top officials, however powerfully connected they were, whenever they failed to deliver. This sent a strong message down the line and things started getting in shape,” Tandon said.

In Madhya Pradesh, too, he noticed that almost 50 per cent posts in universities were vacant and he directed immediate filling up of these posts. “The process of recruitment has started and would be completed soon,” the governor said.

Emphasis on infrastructure, academic discipline

He then put the focus on bringing three basic types of infrastructure—laboratories, libraries and toilets—into shape. Also, there is strong focus on green and clean campuses with an emphasis on becoming self-dependent in water (through water harvesting) and power (through solar energy) and having clean environment through massive tree plantation. “All these plans have been put into action by all universities and are in various stages of completion,” Tandon mentioned.

In addition, strict steps were taken to ensure academic discipline by enforcing biometric attendance for teachers. Similarly, very strict emphasis was laid on implementation of the academic calendar. “In Madhya Pradesh, university infrastructure is comparatively better, but the academic discipline was severely lacking. I made it clear that even minor negligence in implementation of academic calendar will not be tolerated. The admissions, classes, exams and results... all have to be right on time from the next academic session. Several results of the last academic session had not been declared by universities here and I gave them a deadline till October 15. Maximum results have since been announced and the few left will be announced soon,” Tandon said.

Tandon added that he has also made it mandatory for the universities to go for accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and targets have been set for them. A review meeting was first conducted together for all universities, and now one-to-one review meetings are being held to check their progress on the goals set for them. Also, the universities have been asked to hold convocations every year.

Changes according to need

Tandon said that earlier the higher education sector was driven by vision of political parties, but now the political pressure is gone and, for the first time, there is emphasis on complete change in the education system in a way that students are prepared to be self-dependent and be able to engage in and generate self-employment.

“Earlier, the only focus was to give degree or certificate, without bothering as to whether the students become employable. This ruined the career of the students as they could not find jobs. Now such courses are being promoted that could hone their basic skills and give them the basis to earn livelihood respectfully. This will also help the artisans and others engaged in small jobs shrug off the inferiority complex they were made to feel earlier,” Tandon declared.

“Also those interested in going for business or setting up an industry would have the right academic backup and the government has also made provisions of loans for such persons. So overall, improving employability and turning the younger generation into responsible and productive citizens is the focus of higher education now,” Tandon said.

The governor made it clear that he is making all efforts in this direction. “I am implementing my vision for higher education and there is no interference from the government in this regard. I have no agenda, but to make education useful for the younger generation and will put all my strength and power for the fulfilment of this goal. I am also satisfied that steps are being taken to implement this goal and I am confident that major changes would be visible soon in higher education scenario in the state,” Tandon concluded.