In a rapid-fire interview, HR Minister Kapil Sibal tells Shree Lahiri right to education is about implementing viable, long-term plans
Listen to this article
'It's Vision 2020 and not Twenty20 cricket for us'
x
00:00
In a rapid-fire interview, HR Minister Kapil Sibal tells Shree Lahiri right to education is about implementing viable, long-term plans
The greatest benefit of education lies in not what you have learnt, but in working out how to learn. Formal education is the beginning of the journey of learning.
If no infrastructure is in place in the country, then how will our children go to school? To ensure RTE, several things have to be done. The framework has to be made now. The media has a critical role to play and is an important stakeholder in this.
How do you plan to implement RTE?
We have a Vision 2020; it's not Twenty20 cricket for us. Today there are 14 million (1.4 crore) students getting educated. This figure is estimated to go up to 42 million (4.2 crore), which means the number will go up three times. Where are the schools, colleges, the universities they will go to?u00a0
I have to prepare the ground. We have to open up the education sector, allow education centres to mushroom, make sure girls, scheduled tribes, minorities are educated. We have to put systems in place to build excellence in education.
You published a book of poems 'I Witness' in 2008. What was your inspiration?
It's a commentary on India. It's India's vision, it's India's nuclear deal. It's what I see around me.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
