Remarks by Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar about how the British dealt with icons of Indian freedom struggle today touched off a controversy, forcing him to issue a clarification.
In a video of his comments in Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh), which went viral, Javadekar is heard saying,"Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, Pt Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru sabhi phaansi par chadhe (all were hanged)".
These comments gave an impression that, like Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Nehru and Patel were also hanged by the British.
Clarifying his remarks in a series of tweets, Javadekar said,"I am amused with the news. I paid my respect to all the freedom fighters since 1857.
"I mentioned leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Subhash Bose. It was a full stop.
"In the next sentence I recounted those who were hanged, jailed and suffered at the hands of the British.
"There was no confusion in the minds of those who listened. I hope this removes all confusion.
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Javadekar also interacted with the students and faculty of IISER, Mohali and got feedback on improving the performance of these institutions. He was accompanied by the Union Minister of State for HRD Mahendra Nath Pandey. IISER Mohali's Director N Sathyamurthy was also present on the occasion.
We need to be cost effective for which we need to be more productive, which can happen only when we innovate, Javadekar said, adding, "Now more companies are focusing on research, I hope that these firms promote research and innovation not just for their own benefit, but for the country's benefit also."
About his interaction with students, he said, "They gave so many ideas about their research, passion. Their intent was very visible. Therefore, we will continue our dialogue with students and teachers and the education community."
The Union Minister is also scheduled to meet the Vice Chancellors of 41 Central Universities at Banaras Hindu University on October 6.
The meeting will focus on actions taken and proposed for improvement of quality of education, research, internal resource generation, infrastructure, student-centric initiatives, and e-governance initiatives.
About private educational institutions mushrooming in various parts of the country, with some allegedly compromising on the quality of education, Javadekar said, "We are going to hold a meeting of education ministers of the states and this is going to be a big issue."
"Only a few indulge in malpractices, but most provide quality education. We remain committed to improve the quality of education and check any malpractice," he said.
On the proposal to make NCERT books online, Javadekar said, "I have assured that I will look into it, and after reviewing, I will take a call."
About scholarships granted to students from Jammu and Kashmir this year, he said, "Under the Prime Minister's scholarship Yojana, 3,800 scholarships have been granted this year."
"We have increased number of engineering colleges. Around 1,800 students of J&K got admissions in engineering colleges with this scholarship. Students have also gone in medical, hotel management, nursing and general education stream," Javadekar said.
About the New Education Policy, he said, "Suggestions will come till September 30 and then we will have a one-day workshop of the MPs, where they will give their suggestions. We will scan all these and come up with a formal draft."
"I hope within the next three to four months, the main draft will be ready," he said.
About the fund crunch in Punjab University, the Union Minister said, "If the Centre has to play a role in this, we will see.
