Consequences of Privatisation of Higher Education and high Fees have started surfacing

Long time back some economists and thinkers were drawing our attention towards adverse and undesirable consequences of privatisation and high costs of education. In west, students were selling kidneys and women were selling their  body to pursue higher education. I was thinking that it is highly exaggerated observation.  

In India people sell their assets and properties and also incurs debts.  Gradually it seems other ills have started manifesting. I was aghast to learn that a 21 year student was caught by police in Surat for indulging in flesh trade. As per media reports, she did not have money to pay for  her education expenditure. It is very unfortunate. But it is alarming.

There are many people who silently help girl students. I know the Provost of Vanita  Vishram  Women University Dr Dakshesh Thakar who extend monetary help to his students without getting noticed. Coincidentally, I happened to be there in his office on couple of occasion to witness his noble gesture.

Very few people are sensitive and concerned  for such issues. 

Individuals will continue to play their role . But we all have to collectively think about financing of higher  education.  The state should not  withdraw her responsibility in providing  affordable and quality education.  If person has to sell his organ or woman has to sell body, it should not be accepted by the society. 

It is time to reexamine our strategy to provide education in India . National Education Policy is a welcome initiative. But financing is equally  important .

PS:

Research by Swansea University shows one in 20 students has worked in the sex industry while studying for a degree, and men are more likely to do so than women.

Students are involved in everything from prostitution and escorting to stripping and internet work, the Student Sex Work Project report found.