OPINION 11 > Volume IX Number 21 | 2 AUGUST 2015

basic principles about the application of the es, relatively minor cogs were hanged -- and, strong crowd at Memon’s funeral. death penalty. Was this really one of the remember, these were two of the four people Certainly, there is something wrong After a “rarest of the rare”? hanged by the Indian state in the past 13 when the Indian judiciary seems intent in There is no question that the 1993 bomb years. Genuine questions therefore can and filling out death row even when the judicial Questions about application of death penalty blasts were a hideous crime. However, there should be asked about how the death penal- system never seems to get around to carrying is also the question if Yakub Memon’s crime, ty is being applied. Does it reflect the nature out these sentences. According to data pub- he early-morning hanging of Yakub impression of paying close attention to this of being a bit player in a terror conspiracy — of the overall crime? Is this in keeping with lished by the National Crime Records Bureau, Memon last Thursday, who was case. However, it is also true that much con- the accountant at that — is really a crime the “rarest of the rare” concept? Death penal- only three people were hanged between 2004 convicted of participating in the troversy attaches to this case, and to Memon’s that fits the idea of the “rarest of the rare”. ty opponents will point out that such ques- and 2013; but 1,303 capital-punishment ver- Tconspiracy that led to the place- execution. What leaves a bad taste in the You do not need to be a strict abolitionist tions are always being asked about the appli- dicts were handed out in those years. Worse, ment of bombs in Mumbai in 1993 that killed mouth is the revelation, late in the day and when it comes to the death penalty to raise cation of the penalty: there is much more than twice that number of death sen- 257 people, was preceded by considerable through a posthumously published column, these questions — after all, they were not subjectivity attached to a decision that is tences were commuted to life in prison. last-minute drama in which a bench of the that the late B Raman, an intelligence oper- raised when , the convicted 26/11 claimed to be objective. And others will wor- Clearly this is a systemic problem. The num- Supreme Court met at 3 am — unusually, in ative who had participated in the operation attacker, was executed. This case, instead, ry that, when subjectivity is perceived in such ber of commutations, in addition, calls into the court premises, and to an attentive audi- that led to Memon’s arrest, had misgivings, reflects the concerns raised when Afzal Guru, high-profile decisions, there are political question the assumptions underlying the ence — in response to a petition filed by and felt that national security would be com- convicted of participating in the conspiracy implications that could attack the founda- original judgments. The entire death penal- Memon’s lawyers. It is difficult to argue that promised by executing him. The concerns to attack Parliament in 2001, was executed. In tions of the Indian state. This was the fear that ty debate needs to be revisited taking these the Indian judicial system did not give every related to this execution also ran deeper, to both the Parliament and the bomb blast cas- many felt when they saw the thousands- basic questions into account.

Delhi’s children deserve quality education IMF gets smart Schools in the national capital lag even the generally dismal quality of ’s primary and secondary education about Greece

RITIKA KATYAL & ASHOKA MODY MOHAMED A EL-ERIAN reforms, including those DELHI’S DISHONOUR that cross the his party’s “red n the recently announced Delhi govern- National Achievement y hesitating to play a lines.” ment budget, the newly elected Aam Survey Class III (2014) 273 full financing role in These are risks worth tak- Aadmi Party (AAP) — the self-styled rep- 257 the latest bailout pro- ing for the IMF. 264

I 253 B resentative of the common man — has Figures show 252 gramme for Greece, the In the two earlier average scores increased by 50 per cent the funds allocated to 244 International Monetary bailouts, the IMF was forced education, raising the proposed outlay for the „ Delhi Fund risks alienating both by political pressures (main- coming year to ~980 crore. „ National the Greek government and ly from Europe but also from But a shortage of money has not held up Average its European partners. Yet the US) to participate in pro- educational advancement either in Delhi or „ Kerala the institution’s approach grammes that, in addition to in India more generally. Delhi’s education Language Mathematics isn’t just warranted; it could facing design flaws and con- budget has risen steadily. Indeed, the worry well hold the key to the suc- siderable implementation is that the increased budget will once again be National Achievement Survey Class VIII (2012) cess of the challenging task uncertainties, violated two hijacked by glamorous but wasteful projects, of restoring Greece’s growth of its long-standing condi- including in higher education. Successive 277 and financial viability with- tions: first, “financial assur- national and state governments have been 261 in the euro zone. ances” that underpin seduced by higher education, and — while 257 The IMF, although will- domestic implementation 251 248 247 some achievements have been valuable — 247 ing to join in the creditor with sufficient external the nation’s educational foundation has 245 negotiations with Greece, funding; and “debt sustain- 237 237 remained shaky. 236 has indicated that its will- ability” to ensure that

Primary education is the foundation of a 228 ingness (indeed, ability) to growth isn’t undermined by country’s progress. The East Asian growth participate in a new funding the persistence of excessive miracles ensured education for all from the Reading Mathematics Science Social Science arrangement depends on debt. In the process, the IMF very start, which was central to their phe- progress on some important risked its own credibility nomenal economic development. Today, and long-standing unfin- and effectiveness while China boasts of some of the best schools in the ruption bill was blocked by the opposition in ished business. It wants to exposing its members’ fund- world. But nearly 70 years after independ- the state assembly. At that point, instead of see a comprehensive pro- ing to considerable Greek ence, high-quality primary education is out of regrouping, Kejriwal chose to contest a nation- growth economic reform default risk down the road. reach for a vast majority of India’s popula- al election, in which his party was rightly oblit- programme for Greece; This time the IMF is tion. Today, over 40 per cent of Indian chil- erated. progress in its implementa- insisting on better analytical dren drop out before finishing primary school. But such is the revulsion against the tradi- tion; guarantees for the and operational anchors for a tional parties that AAP was voted back into country’s fina- new arrange- Delhi’s shame power in Delhi in February 2015 with the kind ncing needs; This time, the IMF ment for In spite of its advantages, being the nation’s of majority that only dictators in rigged elec- and debt relief. is seeking to abide Greece. And it is capital and the location of its elite colleges, tions can aspire to. But once again Mr Kejriwal The IMF is by the harsh right to do so, Delhi’s schools lag even the generally dismal and the AAP leaders are intent on throwing right to insist lessons of its own since it isn’t quality of India’s primary and secondary edu- away the opportunity with self-indulgent on these four past and avoid only the integri- cation. In 2013, Delhi’s Class III students were infighting. conditions. Wi- making yet ty of the institu- significantly below the national average in AAP’s emergence comes at a critical junc- thout them, the another costly tion that is at language achievement and in mathematics, ture, and history is trying to convey an latest bailout mistake. In the stake. Its brave according to the National Achievement “model schools.” If this is to be more than classroom, and, to some extent, create incen- urgent message. Delhi has the opportunity to agreement process, it is stance, in- Survey conducted by the National Council of words, here are some guideposts. tives to learn. But more ambitious effort is plant a seed that could flower across the would face the pointing to one of cluding the four Educational Research and Training (see Teachers’ incentives are crucial. Teachers needed. A Unesco 2014 study finds that India country. same fate as the the few ways this conditions that accompanying chart). For Class VIII students, do not show up. When they do show up, they has one of the lowest frequencies of curricu- After decades of neglect, a stronger pri- previous two, third Greek bailout it is insisting on, the performance of Delhi students was well do not teach. And, if they do teach, are they lum reform, having updated its curriculum mary education system will lead to superior which bought can succeed is critical for the below the national average in mathematics, good teachers? The AAP initiative of installing only three times since 1950 as compared to student achievement, the ability to pursue some time for success of this science and social science. Delhi is lag relative CCTV cameras in schools will bring teachers eight times in South Korea. An updated cur- higher education, and quality domestic Greece and its euro-zone expensive third bailout. to Kerala is stark. These differences almost to class — but who is going to monitor the riculum with a more practical and learning- research and entrepreneurship. ‘Make in partners but at a high cost. Almost 14 years ago, the entirely reflect the quality of education in CCTV cameras? by-doing orientation can help make school India’ will become more than a slogan. More Those bailouts neither IMF was bullied into lending government-run schools. Economists Lant Pritchett and Rinku fun. Contract teachers can be hired for reme- widespread opportunity for primary educa- reversed the damage to the yet again to Argentina when Other surveys corroborate Delhi’s poor Murgai propose a “career ladder” so that dial after-school teaching to underprivileged tion will create a playing field for competitive country’s languishing econ- it was clear to many that the standing. A 2014 survey by the Annual Status teachers — appropriately children, with (performance- medical, engineering, and other entrance omy nor relieved the great best its involvement could do of Education Report (ASER) found that only screened at entry — compete for Greater based) opportunity to progress to a tests, which — for better or for worse — are hardship for Greece’s long- is buy a few months for the 55 per cent of Delhi’s government school chil- the better paid permanent posts. opportunity permanent job. life-altering opportunities for Indian stu- suffering citizens. country — concerns that dren in Classes III-V could read at least a Appraisal and rewards based on for primary Finally, AAP’s lemming-like dents. Economically disadvantaged children Although Greece and its painfully played out when, Standard I-level text. Only 24 per cent of chil- 360-degree feedback from stu- education may pursuit of higher education initia- will finally have real reason to believe in a bet- European partners like dif- just three months later, dren in Classes III-V could subtract. Even in dents, parents, supervisors, and be the single tives is a mistake. In 2010, Delhi’s ter future. ferent parts of the IMF’s con- Argentina defaulted and its Patna, the capital of a state often considered peers would help keep teachers policy initiative colleges and universities awarded Primary education may be the single pol- ditionality, neither is happy economy imploded. the symbol of stunted development, not only focused on performance. A school that can do 17 per cent of all PhDs across India. icy initiative that can do as much for growth with the whole; and all wor- This time around, the IMF government-but even private-school children management committee or as much for Yet, the focus on higher education as it does for equity. Education is also the only ry that a less-than-fully is seeking to abide by the performed substantially better than in the another independent body could growth as it — in Delhi and in India — seems to real antidote to the corrosive daily humiliation committed IMF spells huge harsh lessons of its own past national capital. carry out random checks to does for equity have run into low and diminishing of corruption and the despicable sense of civic trouble for the third bailout. and avoid making yet anoth- In the ministry of human resource devel- increase accountability. An online returns. The amount of original responsibility. Without the IMF, some er costly mistake. In the opment’s Educational Development index, database of teachers, where they can be rat- research being carried out in Indian academ- If AAP’s only achievement with its stun- creditors (such as Germany, process, it is pointing to one Delhi was ranked 31st on outcomes at the pri- ed anonymously, could create necessary ic institutions is abysmally low. ning mandate is to promise a serious start in the European Central Bank of the very few ways that this mary school level. In fact, central Delhi was social pressure. life to every child in Delhi, it would have hon- and other European finan- third Greek bailout can suc- included in the list of 419 special focus dis- At the same time, giving teachers time and The stakes are high oured the aspirations that brought it to pow- cial institutions) would face ceed. tricts (SFDs) characterised by educational targeted training for professional develop- AAP represents the yearning of Delhi’s citi- er. The winners will be not just the children of trouble getting their leaders Others should follow the backwardness for 2012-13 under the National ment, and keeping teacher morale high by zens for relief from the daily indignities of Delhi, but millions of children throughout the to back giving large amounts IMF's lead, especially if Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. acknowledging good performance, both in life. But its leader, Arvind Kejiwal, has acted country as the governments of other states of new funding to Greece. Greece is to avoid a fate sim- monetary and non-monetary terms, will help. repeatedly to dash those hopes. After AAP are compelled to follow. Does Mr Kejiwal And without the IMF, Greek ilar to Argentina’s. The AAP challenge A mindset change in how teachers in India are was first elected to power on a wave of popu- understand why the stakes are so high? Prime Minister Alexis The AAP government plans to appoint 20,000 perceived and how they perceive themselves lar protest in December 2013, the new gov- Tsipras would find it hard to The writer is a Bloomberg View new teachers, install CCTV cameras in all is essential. ernment made irresponsible populist prom- Ashoka Mody is Visiting Professor in International mobilize the internal unity columnist. This column does not classrooms, build 236 new schools and Similarly, students require incentives to ises that would have hurt rather than helped Economic Policy at Princeton University. Ritika needed for the successful necessarily reflect the opinion of improve education quality by focusing on study. Mid-day meals, better infrastructure Delhi. The government then resigned, after Katyal is a Masters of Public Affairs candidate at implementation of unpopu- the editorial board or Bloomberg teacher training and developing replicable and motivated teachers can get students to the being in office for 49 days, when its anti-cor- the university lar domestic economic LP and its owners.

> OTHER VIEWS Rainfall better than expected, Citizenship at midnight Threat of bogus degrees bringing some rural respite Pact on Teesta must be next step Vigilance mechanism needed But it will take more to relieve the A seminal event took place in “adverse possessions” or Fake lawyers are bad for the crucial the profession is. a few forgotten parts of India enclaves along the border — legal system, fake engineers Those contributing the most pressure on farm incomes and Bangladesh at the stroke will help quickly opera- may be the reason why some to the mushrooming danger of midnight. India and tionalise many other initia- structures are crumbling, and are fly-by-night institutes It seems now that 2015 won’t be a drought year similar to Bangladesh transferred 162 tives. Indian cargo vessels will fake doctors are a menace to issuing bogus certificates. 2014, despite a developing El Nino event on par with, if not enclaves, ending the sub- be able to use the Chittagong the good health of society The need to get a national stronger than, the one of 1997. The most heartening feature of human existence of over and Mongla ports in itself. The threat of unquali- register of graduates going is the monsoon this time has been its distribution, both tem- 50,000 stateless people. By a Bangladesh instead of going fied people getting degrees urgent. This system to poral and spatial. Rains have so far been normal to excess in quirk of history, there were “111 to Singapore. Indian goods and jobs as professionals is too authenticate degrees must be almost three-fourths of India, which includes the vulnerable Indian territories” in will transit through serious a matter to jest about. funded by the government pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals-growing tracts of Bangladesh and 51 Bangladesh instead of being The greatest danger to the and supported by all univer- Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The fear of a back- “Bangladesh territories” in transported to the North-East country is being posed by the sities, including deemed ones. to-back drought receding even with a “strong” El Nino does India. The enclave formations through the roundabout number of fakes getting This database should be the not, however, imply an end to rural distress. A normal mon- produced extremely unac- Chicken’s Neck corridor. But embedded in the system after standard point of reference for soon can, at best, deliver a production rebound. But farm ceptable outcomes: the 50,000 both governments have their bribing their way through col- any employer or authority incomes are a function of both output and prices, which are denizens of these enclaves had tasks cut out: to resolve the lege exams or simply pur- handing out a licence to prac- at present lower than last year for most crops, barring pulses never voted, were dependent problem of undocumented chasing a degree. There is no tice a profession. When we and onions. In many farm commodities — sugar, cotton, bas- on quacks, had no electricity migration, smuggling and vigilance mechanism to regu- can spend billions of rupees mati rice or maize - there is actually a crisis of over-production, and criminals had a free run of human trafficking. Mr Modi late the entry of millions of on a national data bank of reflecting a collapse in global prices and export demand. the place. also has to sign the Teesta riv- graduates every year into var- people’s identities, why not Rural incomes are likely to remain under pressure even nearly $10-per-barrel drop in prices of crude imported by The transfer of enclaves, er water sharing pact, another ious professions, and not all extend the operations to cov- assuming agriculture growth returns this year. Indian refiners since the last review in early June only one of the three main features hugely emotional issue in of them have a separate pro- er this crucial area of authen- The reduced upside risks to price increases, especially in strengthens the case for a significant cut in policy rates. of the agreement — the others Bangladesh. fessional entrance test. The ticating professionals? pulses and oilseeds, should embolden the RBI to slash inter- are demarcating the 6.5-km damage fakes do will be the est rates in its next monetary policy review on August 4. The The Indian Express, August 1 border and transferring The Tribune, August 1 greater depending on how The Asian Age, August 1