Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial – February 13, 2025

Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 1 : We Owe This to the Youth

Introduction

The integrity of the education system is under siege. Recent scandals involving high-ranking officials—including vice-chancellors, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) representatives, and university professors—have exposed the deep-rooted corruption in institutional rankings. These arrests for bribery and fraudulent accreditation practices have shaken public confidence in the very bodies entrusted with maintaining academic excellence.

Despite previous reform efforts aimed at eliminating corruption through digitization and structural overhauls, these incidents highlight persistent vulnerabilities. The stakes are high—not just for institutions seeking better rankings for financial gains but for the entire nation, as these malpractices ultimately compromise the quality of education for millions of students. Addressing these systemic flaws is not just a policy requirement but a moral obligation. We owe this to the youth.

Past Reforms: Progress and Pitfalls

While corruption in education is not new, multiple reforms have been introduced over the years to enhance transparency and credibility. Let’s examine how these measures have fared.

1. Digitization Efforts: A Step Toward Transparency

The introduction of digital processes in accreditation aimed to minimize human intervention and reduce the scope for manipulation.

Key Measures Implemented:

• Online Submission System: Institutions were required to submit accreditation applications online, reducing physical paperwork and direct interactions with officials.
• Deficiency Reporting & Approvals: The entire accreditation cycle—from application to approval—was made transparent through digital dashboards.
• Real-Time Updates: Institutions were encouraged to update their data regularly, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

Outcomes and Challenges:

• Improved Institutional Credibility: With reduced face-to-face interactions, the likelihood of bribery decreased.
• New Loopholes Emerged: While human intervention was reduced, manipulation of online data and collusion between officials and institutions remained a concern.

2. AICTE and NBA Reforms: Strengthening Governance

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) underwent significant restructuring to curb discretionary powers that previously enabled corruption.

Pre-Reform Challenges:

• Lack of transparency allowed regulatory bodies to exercise unchecked power.
• Accreditation decisions were often arbitrary and susceptible to external influences.
• Institutions exploited procedural loopholes, often bribing officials to secure higher rankings.

Post-Reform Measures:

• Introduction of E-Governance: Digital monitoring systems were introduced to track applications and approvals.
• Staff Restructuring: To break long-standing networks of corruption, permanent staff were transferred, and new officials were deputed.

Impact:

• Improved Credibility of Accreditation Bodies: AICTE and NBA became more structured and accountable.
• Persistent Challenges: The reliance on self-reported data and limited oversight mechanisms meant that some institutions continued to game the system.

Systemic Challenges: Why Corruption Persists

Despite past reforms, corruption in the education sector continues to thrive. Understanding the root causes is key to developing effective solutions.

1. Regulatory Vulnerabilities

Accreditation bodies hold monopolistic power, making them susceptible to conflicts of interest. Institutions, aware of the financial benefits tied to better rankings, do whatever it takes to secure higher ratings—even if it means resorting to bribery.

Core Issues:

• Lack of Independent Oversight: Regulatory bodies have the final say, with little external scrutiny.
• High-Stakes Accreditation: A top ranking translates into higher admission fees and increased revenue, incentivizing unethical behavior.

2. Cultural Normalization of Corruption

• Many stakeholders see bribery as a routine administrative shortcut rather than an ethical violation.
• The lack of stringent penalties means that even if corruption is exposed, consequences are minimal.
• Institutional leaders often set the wrong precedent, prioritizing financial gains over academic integrity.

3. Financial Pressures Driving Unethical Practices

Institutional rankings have a direct financial impact, influencing:

• Tuition fees: Higher-ranked institutions can charge exorbitant fees.
• Student enrollments: Better rankings attract more students, increasing revenue.
• Funding & Grants: Government and corporate funding often depend on institutional rankings.

As a result, institutions are pressured to manipulate rankings at any cost, perpetuating a cycle of corruption.

Proposed Solutions: Building a Transparent Future

To restore trust in the accreditation system, structural, technological, and cultural changes are essential.

1. Structural Reforms: Rethinking Accreditation Models

Binary Accreditation System (NAAC Proposal)

• Instead of ranking institutions on a scale, NAAC proposes a simple “accredited” or “not accredited” model.
• Pros: Reduces the incentive for manipulation.
• Cons: Risks oversimplifying institutional quality, potentially failing to differentiate top institutions from average ones.

Independent Oversight Committees

• Establish third-party audit panels to cross-check accreditation decisions.
• Rotate officials periodically to prevent long-term corruption networks from forming.

2. Technology-Driven Solutions

Technology	Function	Expected Impact
DigiLocker	Real-time document verification	Reduces data manipulation
AI & Data Analytics	Detects discrepancies in accreditation data	Improves fraud detection
Blockchain Records	Secures accreditation history	Prevents tampering

3. Cultural & Ethical Shifts

OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría emphasized that anti-corruption efforts must be deeply embedded in institutional culture.

Key Actions:

• Ethics Training for Officials: Regulators and university heads must be trained in transparency frameworks.
• Whistleblower Protection Policies: Encourage insiders to report fraud without fear of retaliation.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate students and faculty on the long-term consequences of corruption.

4. Strengthening Accountability Measures

• Regulatory leaders must lead by example, demonstrating transparency in all accreditation-related dealings.
• Strict penalties should be imposed on institutions caught engaging in fraudulent ranking practices.

The Way Forward: Restoring Trust in Education

To protect the credibility of the education system, we must implement a multi-pronged approach:

Reform Area	Key Actions
Digital Safeguards	Expand DigiLocker usage, integrate AI-based fraud detection
Accreditation Metrics	Balance binary models with qualitative assessment tools
Ethical Leadership	Mandatory transparency training for regulators
Public Accountability	Media campaigns to expose corrupt institutions

Conclusion: A Debt to the Next Generation

The cost of corruption in education is not just financial—it robs the youth of a fair and quality-driven system. When institutions manipulate rankings, students suffer the most, receiving subpar education under the illusion of excellence. The responsibility to fix this broken system lies with regulators, university administrators, and policymakers alike.

A transparent, corruption-free accreditation process is not just a necessity; it is a moral obligation. We owe this to the youth—the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of our society.

FAQs

---

Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 2 : Don’t Go It Alone

Introduction

In recent years, Indian farmers have voiced strong concerns about the World Trade Organization (WTO), demanding that India withdraw from the global trade body. Their primary grievance revolves around WTO rules that they believe obstruct their demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP). The fear is that international trade agreements prevent the Indian government from fully supporting its farmers in a way that ensures fair prices and income security.

However, while these concerns are valid, withdrawing from the WTO would not solve the problem. Instead, it could isolate India from crucial global trade benefits, expose its exports to severe restrictions, and weaken its ability to influence international trade rules. Rather than stepping away, India must focus on strengthening its position within the WTO and advocating for reforms that align with its national interests.

Understanding WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) and Its Impact on MSP

1. Why Does WTO View MSP as a Trade-Distorting Subsidy?

Under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), the WTO classifies MSP as a trade-distorting subsidy because:

• If a government guarantees a fixed price for its farmers, it artificially inflates domestic prices.
• This could give local farmers an unfair advantage over international competitors, making agricultural trade unequal.
• To maintain a level playing field, WTO imposes strict limits on such subsidies to prevent market distortions.

2. The Issue with External Reference Price (ERP)

A major flaw in the WTO’s calculation system is that it compares India’s MSP with an outdated “External Reference Price” (ERP) from 1986-88.

• Over the past three decades, inflation has surged, making the ERP outdated.
• This artificially widens the gap between the MSP and ERP, wrongly inflating India’s subsidy levels in WTO’s records.
• India has been negotiating for an updated ERP that reflects inflation-adjusted prices, but no significant progress has been made.

3. India’s Fight for Fair Reforms at WTO

Despite actively engaging in WTO negotiations, India has not yet secured structural changes to address this pricing discrepancy. The imbalance in trade rules disproportionately affects developing countries, reinforcing the need for a more just and equitable system.

Flexibility Within WTO: Can India Protect Its Farmers Without Exiting?

Instead of withdrawing, India has existing policy options within the WTO framework to support its farmers while staying compliant with trade rules.

1. The Peace Clause: A Temporary Relief Measure

• The Peace Clause allows India to exceed WTO subsidy limits for rice and wheat without facing legal penalties.
• However, this protection is limited—it only applies to food security programs, not all crops, leaving many farmers vulnerable.

2. Alternative Support Mechanisms: Income Support Instead of Price Support

To reduce reliance on MSP while still supporting farmers, India has implemented direct income support schemes, such as:

Scheme Name	Description	Trade Impact
PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi	Direct cash transfer of ₹6,000/year to small farmers	Classified as non-trade-distorting, meaning it does not violate WTO rules
Subsidized Credit & Insurance	Financial assistance for inputs like seeds and fertilizers	Encourages farm productivity without distorting market prices

While these programs provide some relief, India’s recent budget did not expand these initiatives, missing an opportunity to strengthen farmer support within WTO-compliant frameworks.

What Would Happen if India Exits WTO?

Leaving the WTO might seem like a simple solution, but in reality, it would create far more economic and trade complications.

1. Losing Global Trade Benefits

If India exits WTO, it risks losing two key advantages in global trade:

• Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Status
  • WTO ensures equal treatment for Indian exports in global markets.
  • Without MFN, Indian products could face higher tariffs and trade barriers, making them less competitive.
• National Treatment Rules
  • Currently, Indian exporters enjoy the same rights as domestic businesses in foreign markets.
  • If India exits WTO, countries could impose discriminatory policies against Indian goods, hurting industries like IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

2. Trade Negotiations Would Become More Difficult

Without WTO protections, India would need to renegotiate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with multiple countries. This process would be:

• Time-Consuming & Expensive: Diplomacy, legal documentation, and compliance costs would skyrocket.
• Potentially Unfavourable: Powerful economies like the US or EU might impose stricter conditions, limiting India’s bargaining power.

3. Losing Access to WTO Dispute Resolution

• The WTO provides a rules-based dispute resolution system that India has used successfully in the past.
• Without it, India would struggle to challenge unfair trade practices by developed nations.
• Even though WTO’s Appellate Body is currently facing a crisis, the existing mechanism is still more effective than relying solely on FTAs.

The WTO’s Role Beyond Agriculture: Why It’s Crucial for India

Although the MSP debate is at the forefront, WTO’s impact extends far beyond agriculture.

1. India’s Strategic Stake in WTO

Sector	How WTO Helps India
IT & Services	Ensures fair access to global outsourcing markets
Pharmaceuticals	Protects India’s generic drug exports from unfair trade restrictions
Manufacturing	Safeguards Indian exports from discriminatory tariffs

A weakened WTO would mean rising protectionism worldwide, allowing larger economies to dictate trade terms in ways that harm developing nations like India.

2. The Geopolitical Angle: US-China Rivalry

• The ongoing US-China trade war has already destabilized global trade.
• If the WTO weakens further, countries might resort to unilateral sanctions, making international trade more unpredictable.
• India needs a strong multilateral system to protect itself from arbitrary trade policies imposed by powerful nations.

Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Position in WTO

Instead of withdrawing, India must focus on three key strategies to create a fairer trade environment.

1. Advocate for Policy Reforms in WTO

• Update ERP Calculations: Push for inflation-adjusted pricing mechanisms.
• Expand Peace Clause Coverage: Extend protections to more crops beyond rice and wheat.

2. Strengthen Domestic Agricultural Policies

• Enhance Income Support Schemes: Increase direct transfers to farmers, reducing reliance on MSP.
• Invest in Agri-Infrastructure: Improve storage, irrigation, and market access to make Indian agriculture globally competitive.

3. Lead a Global Coalition for Fair Trade

• Strengthen Alliances with Developing Nations: Collaborate with countries facing similar WTO challenges.
• Push for Dispute Resolution Reforms: Advocate for the revival of the WTO’s Appellate Body to ensure fair trade dispute settlements.

Conclusion: Why India Must Stay in WTO

While the concerns of Indian farmers regarding MSP and WTO rules are understandable, exiting WTO is not the solution. Doing so would isolate India from the global trade system, weaken its export capabilities, and leave it vulnerable to trade discrimination.

Instead, India must continue advocating for fairer trade rules while leveraging existing WTO mechanisms to protect its farmers and industries. More importantly, clear communication with farmers is crucial—they must be involved in the decision-making process so that trade policies align with their needs without jeopardizing India’s global trade position.

In the evolving landscape of global commerce, multilateralism remains India’s best bet—and walking away from the WTO would only make the journey harder.

FAQs

---