The controversy about new Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani’s educational qualification may have been about scoring political points, but it has sparked off a debate on the importance of education in the corridors of power.
Of the 272 wards in the three municipal corporations of Delhi, an analysis of councillors’ affidavits in 237 wards found that 39.66 per cent are graduates and above, 18.14 per cent had completed Class XII, 21.09 per cent had passed Class X and 9.7 per cent had studied up to Class VIII.
Two councillors declared themselves as illiterate, six as literate, eight as having passed Class V, while four came in the ‘others’ category and seven did not give any details of their education. This means that the majority of local body representatives in the Capital have not attended college. But, as far as the councillors are concerned, that is an irrelevant fact.
Leaders of both the Congress and the BJP in the civic bodies say education is important but that doesn’t mean that those who don’t have formal training are not capable of governance.
BJP leader and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee Chairman Satish Upadhyay said there was a need to expand the definition of education beyond traditional classroom learning.
“There are those with doctorates who are unable to solve local issues, while those who have decades of experience in their areas are able to govern better,” argued Mr. Upadhyay.
Mr. Upadhyay, who is a graduate himself, said the ability to deliver matters more than formal education. Mukesh Goel, the Leader of the Opposition in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, added that the ability of an individual to work for society matters. Mr. Goel, who describes himself as “literate” in his affidavit, said the councillors who are considered “un-educated” have been performing well in the civic bodies.
However, there are those who say having a degree gives councillors a leg-up. Leader of the Opposition in South Delhi Farhad Suri explained that education helps, but it depends on whether it is focused on a particular field.
The Leader of the House in the North civic body Mira Aggarwal said her law degree helps her in tackling the complicated rules that surround the civic bodies’ functioning. “Sometimes, officials tell me that a certain proposal cannot be executed because of some law or the other. But, I am able to point out other sections or laws to get the job done,” she reasoned.
However, she added that education is not the only criteria for judging elected representatives. “Experience in other fields like social work is also important,” she added.
Whether your local councillor went to college or not doesn’t matter, say municipal leaders. What matters is whether the streets of your neighbourhood are clean, the drains un-clogged and basic amenities provided. “It boils down to being able to deliver on sadak (roads), safai (sanitation) etc.,” summed up Ms. Aggarwal.
