Sibal's reforms: All on board?

On Monday, the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), a body that has representatives from all states met in Delhi and endorsed HRD Minister Kapil SIbal's proposed education reforms.

So, far many states including Congress ruled ones had opposed these. But now the question is whether this support translates into support in Parliament and state Assemblies.

But after today's meeting the HRD Minister was upbeat because he got support from virtually every state education ministry.

"All states have agreed...unanimous...it's a historic day," said HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.

This is a small political victory for Kapil Sibal as he tries to make the education system apolitical.

All states at the Central Advisory Board on Education (CABE) meeting agreed in principle with the slew of education reforms promised by the Union minister, which means they support him in:

Having an independent collegium to appoint Vice Chancellors to all central universities and education bodies
Implementing the grading system which discourages competition among students on the basis of marks alone
And even making Class X CBSE board examination optional

The above suggestions in the past have been questioned by the states. And even though the minister was categorical that state boards are out of its purview some states are still concerned.

"We are not yet ready to make class 10th board optional, the Centre needs to keep us in mind as well," said Archana Chitnis, Education Minister, MP.

However, CABE is just an advisory body which can only help build public opinion on Sibal's reform process when the suggested schemes come up as legislation.

But it's still the states that will implement it at the end of the day.