A common observation is that government teachers, despite earning substantial salaries, send their children to private schools where the pay for educators is significantly lower. This situation marks a stark contrast to the pre-independence era, when national leaders did not rely on private educational institutions. Post-independence, however, the proliferation of private schools and colleges led even government officials to opt for private education for their children.
A decade ago, on August 18, 2015, Justice Sudhir Agarwal of the Allahabad High Court advocated that all government employees, including legislators and ministers, should enroll their children in government schools. The then-Chief Minister chose to disregard this recommendation. Justice Agarwal argued that such a move would dramatically improve government schools. Had this advice been heeded, the current deplorable state of these institutions might have been averted. Today, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is considering closing numerous primary schools, a decision likely influenced by the dominance of private schools.
Without government schools, parents will inevitably seek private education. While the quality of education in private schools isn’t always superior, they often provide stricter discipline and focus on homework, compelling students to study diligently.
The healthcare sector faces similar issues. Government hospitals, primary health centers, and community service centers exist in every district, yet they frequently lack doctors and essential medicines. Patients often have to undergo tests outside these facilities, leading families to private hospitals. These private hospitals may subject patients to numerous unnecessary tests, draining their finances. While the government has introduced health cards like Ayushman, it rarely verifies whether private hospitals accept them. Moreover, the quality of care in private hospitals isn’t guaranteed, potentially leaving patients financially burdened. Furthermore, management in private hospitals often lacks empathy.
Where is the public welfare in a ‘welfare state’? Governments worldwide that prioritize public well-being offer free medical treatment. Even with high taxes, citizens are generally accepting if education and healthcare are free. While we can look beyond Western models, Bhutan, our neighbor, provides free healthcare. Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Spain, Taiwan, and Cuba also offer free treatment. Brazil even allows foreign nationals access to free treatment in government hospitals. The United States, however, does not offer free healthcare; treatment is expensive but often reliable. The US is ranked first in medical education.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent statement highlights the poor state of education and healthcare, which are now driven by commercial interests rather than service. He notes that while there are many educational institutions and hospitals, they are inaccessible to the common person. His concern is valid, but addressing this issue requires action. The current government is BJP-led.
In response to Bhagwat’s statement, the Congress has become critical of the BJP. However, the commercialization of these services has been a trend across political parties. Ashok Gehlot, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, implemented the Chiranjeevi Health Scheme, providing free treatment up to 25 lakh rupees for every resident. EWS families were exempt from premiums. Those not receiving pensions and ineligible for government healthcare could access the scheme for an annual fee of 850 rupees. However, this scheme was discontinued after the change in government. No similar scheme has been implemented in any other state.
Education and healthcare are state subjects, but the central government could take initiatives to benefit the entire nation, possibly through additional taxes. This could standardize education levels across the country. While private institutions should continue to operate, the government can play a crucial role in monitoring private services and restoring government services. Rapid investigations into complaints are also essential. Recently, a judge from the Ghaziabad District Court passed away after a hernia operation at a private hospital. This incident underscores the need for stringent monitoring of private healthcare, particularly given the often-reported instances of negligence. In the USA, hospitals may be expensive, but they can face license revocation for negligence.
Where is the vision of Ram Rajya?
The commercialization of education and healthcare is a significant concern, as highlighted by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The dream of Ram Rajya, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and focused on accessible fundamental rights, especially education and healthcare, remains unfulfilled. Ram Rajya, according to Tulsi Das, signifies a state devoid of sorrow and suffering, which are often rooted in the lack of access to these essential services.