Google Hangout by Dr. Shashi Tharoor

New Delhi, May 6: The Minister state for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor has said that the intervention by the Ministry in controversy over the Four Year Degree Course by the Delhi University will set a bad precedent.

Replying to a volley of questions by the people belonging to the various parts of the country and abroad over hour long social media, ‘Google Hangout’ in New Delhi today, he said the Ministry’s role is to frame policy and to see that all the due process are observed by the University authorities. It is the prerogative of the University to bring in the change they deem it are required. Replying to another question on why the majority of the schools in India place so little emphasis on giving students knowledge and skills required by them, Dr. Tharoor admitted that our existing system is for preparing kids for examinations. But efforts are being made by encouraging more research and providing University with greater flexibility.

Replying to another question on the implementation on RTE, the Minister said, to keep children in school, particularly belonging to weaker section of the society including girls, SC and ST is a big challenge. The Government is trying to give incentives to stay in school and not to drop out by providing toilets in schools and setting up girls hostel for the disadvantaged groups. He emphasizes the role Mid Day meals schemes in checking dropouts of kids from school.

In response to another question on problems of higher education, the Minister said the Government is focusing on expansion with equity and promotion of excellence. The Minister highlighted the role of greater linkage between academics and Industry for imparting skills to the students to enhance their employability. When asked about disruption of Parliament by opposition, the Minister said disrupting Parliament is complete betrayal to democracy and the people they represent.