Opinion

The NEET scandal exposes deep-rooted problems in India’s education system. The removal of Pradeep Kumar Joshi as the Director General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) has raised serious concerns about the fairness of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). How could someone in such a high-ranking position be trusted to investigate irregularities within the exam when they were responsible for conducting it? It’s quite ridiculous that Joshi has only been removed now as the Director General of NTA, right before the 18th Parliament session. It seems like a desperate attempt to cover up the deep-rooted problems in our educational testing system, which will surely cause a stir in Parliament.

Just imagine an investigator tasked with uncovering corruption within NEET, only to discover that the person leading the investigation is also in charge of conducting the exam. It sounds absurd and almost comical. But for millions of Indian students and their families, this is a serious matter with far-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident of conflict of interest. Our system is plagued with such cases.

While it is necessary to remove Joshi from his position, it’s too little, too late. The damage has already been done, and its impact goes beyond the examination halls. Thousands of people, driven to despair, have protested against this systemic failure. Their voices echo the collective frustration and loss of trust in our institutions, and they paint a bleak picture of the future for the younger generation.

But who is Pradeep Kumar Joshi? Before his tenure at NTA, he served as an additional secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution. He also spent nine years in the Chhattisgarh Secretariat, working under a three-time BJP Chief Minister. While his qualifications are not in doubt, his appointment raises eyebrows. Are there no other qualified individuals to lead such crucial projects? Or is there something more sinister at play?

The extension granted to Sanjay Kumar Mishra as ED Director, which required Supreme Court intervention, only adds to the suspicion. As the Hindi saying goes, “Kya Daal Mein Kucch Kaal Hai Ya Puri Daal Kali Hai?”

The NEET scandal is just the latest in a series of failures plaguing India’s examination system. From UGC NET to CSIR UGC NET, and from NCET 2024 to countless others, our exam system is leaking, barely surviving amidst a sea of scandals and corruption. With each new revelation, public trust in our educational institutions crumbles further.

Behind the statistics and headlines lie shattered dreams and broken spirits. Imagine dedicating years of your life to a goal, only to have it taken away by a corrupt system. The toll on students’ mental health is immense, with exam-related suicides painting a grim picture of despair. Are we raising a generation of disillusioned youth, whose faith in the system is irreparably damaged?

Families across India are engaged in a heart-wrenching struggle for their children’s future. They pour their hard-earned savings into an educational system that is high-risk and uncertain. The tragedy lies not only in the immense pressure but also in the rigged nature of the game.

The wealthy can afford coaching, influence exams, and secure coveted spots in top universities, while the less fortunate face discrimination and injustice. The system, which should provide equal opportunities, becomes a barrier that favours the privileged few. This inequality not only affects individuals but also weakens our healthcare system, stifles our economy, and diminishes our global standing.

Simply reshuffling leadership, as in Joshi’s removal, is like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound. What we urgently need is a complete transformation of the system. We require transparency and technology-driven approaches that minimize human error and manipulation. Additionally, we need to prioritize robust support for the mental health of our students.

The current state of education in India demands a radical departure from the status quo. We, as citizens, can no longer be passive observers in this critical situation. It’s time to move beyond empty promises and take concrete action. We deserve a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of this systemic failure.

The NEET scandal is not just another scandal; it is a wake-up call that reverberates through the halls of power and the homes of ordinary citizens. It is our responsibility to respond for the sake of our students, our families, and the future of India. Our brightest minds deserve better than a system that gambles with their futures.

For Climate Change article : Are your AC’s responsible For the climate Change. Read here

The temperature just hit a scorching 50 degrees Celsius, and you’re probably reaching for the AC remote right now. But wait a minute before you crank it up and feel guilty about that cool blast of air. Here’s the thing: while your AC does use energy, is it the villain in the climate change story?

Rather than feeling guilty about using our air conditioner for relief, we need to re-focus on our thinking.  Is your AC unit truly the main contributor to a large carbon footprint? Or are there other parties deflecting blame onto you, making you wrongfully feel responsible, while they make billions of profits, You start feeling guilty for all their sins.

Let’s Discuss!

Here’s the thing: while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to stay cool, the bigger problem lies elsewhere. Big companies and powerful leaders have a much bigger impact on climate change than your AC.

Politicians Who Point Fingers Instead of Taking Action

Politicians are supposed to protect our environment, but many haven’t been doing a great job. Instead of listening to scientists who warn about climate change, they sometimes downplay the issue or even blame regular people for the problem. They say the climate hasn’t changed, we have.
They might suggest things like using less electricity at home, but they avoid talking about the giant corporations that pollute the most. This is a major problem because it blames the wrong people!

Now the question still arises, should we feel guilty that every increased minute we are running an AC ?

The numbers Don’t Lie

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the residential and commercial sectors account for only about 12% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the industrial and transportation sectors, which are dominated by large corporations, account for over 80% of emissions.

So, who are the real culprits then?

Corporations That Pollute the Most

Studies show that a small number of big companies are responsible for most of the world’s climate pollution. These companies, which are often in industries like oil and gas or manufacturing, care more about making money than protecting the planet. They keep polluting because there aren’t always strict rules in place to stop them.

Studies have consistently shown that a small number of large corporations are responsible for the majority of global greenhouse gas emissions. A 2017 report by the Carbon Disclosure Project found that just 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global emissions since 1988.

Now let’s compare your AC to these big polluters

The truth is, your AC has a much smaller impact than these giant companies. While using AC does use some energy, it’s nothing compared to the massive amount of pollution corporations create. These corporations prioritize profit over the environment, and often work behind the scenes to influence politicians. They want you to shoulder the blame for using one extra bulb or an AC, while they continue to pump out harmful emissions with little to no consequence. This tactic is a clever way to distract from the real issue and avoid responsibility

What Celebrities and Politicians do

Celebrities and politicians who could be role models often contribute to the problem themselves. They fly around in private jets, burning massive amounts of fuel for short trips, and live in giant houses that guzzle energy. Their lifestyles, living in extravagant Palaces and even fighting for Sheesh Mahals at the cost of taxpayers’ Money are far removed from the everyday reality of most people. This hypocrisy makes it even more frustrating when they point fingers at regular people for using a little too much AC.

So what is the solution?

Stricter Rules

Governments need to create and enforce stricter laws that:

• Limit pollution: Set clear limits on how much pollution companies can release into the air and water.
• Encourage sustainable practices: Offer tax breaks or subsidies to companies that invest in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable production methods.
• Hold companies accountable: Implement fines and penalties for companies that violate environmental regulations.

Transparency

Companies should be required to be upfront and honest about their environmental impact by:

• Regular reporting: Mandate companies to publish annual reports detailing their greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. This allows consumers and investors to make informed choices.
• Standardized reporting formats: Ensure all companies report environmental data in a consistent and easy-to-understand way, allowing for clear comparisons.
• Support Sustainable Businesses: People and governments can make a difference in their purchasing power:

Choose sustainable brands

Look for companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices and invest in clean technologies.

• Support local businesses: Buying local produce and goods reduces transportation emissions and strengthens your community.
• Invest in clean energy: If possible, consider switching to renewable energy providers for your home or business.

Vote for Climate Action

When you cast your vote, you have the power to influence policy

• Research candidates’ stances: Learn where candidates stand on environmental issues and choose those who prioritize science-based solutions to climate change.
• Support climate-focused organizations: Get involved with groups that advocate for strong environmental policies.
• Hold Politicians Accountable: Don’t let your elected officials forget about climate change:

Contact your representatives

Write, call, or email your representatives to express your concerns about climate change and urge them to take action.

• Attend town halls and meetings: Show up to public events and ask questions about their plans to address climate change.
• Be a Responsible Celebrity: If you have a platform, use it for good:
• Promote sustainable living: Use your influence to encourage others to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.
• Support environmental causes: Partner with organizations working to address climate change and raise awareness about the issue.
• Lead by example: Choose a sustainable lifestyle and inspire others to do the same.

By working together and holding those in power accountable, we can create a future where everyone can breathe clean air and enjoy a healthy planet.