Whether we like it or not, 27 per cent reservations for the OBCs is here to stay. The big question exercising most people is whether we have the infrastructure to accommodate the increased intake. The problem is that we are looking for solutions within the existing parameters, instead of searching for alternatives.

We should look at how the southern states addressed the issue. At one point, there are only 14 government engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, eight in Andhra Pradesh and one in Karnataka. Today there are 252 engineering colleges in TN, 250 in AP, and 125 in Karnataka. How did this happen? The governments of these states realised that they just did not have the resources to set up new institutions to meet the demand. Either they could keep sticking to the ‘principled’ approach of not allowing the intrusion of private technical institutions on to the hallowed turf of professional education, or adopt a pragmatic approach and permit private parties to establish engineering, medical and management colleges. They adopted the latter course.

Of course, a number of these institutions do not maintain high standards of teaching; they charge exorbitant capitation fees and indulge in other malpractices. But the best should not be made an enemy of the good. These institutions have also made a notable contribution in enabling these states to lead the country in the field of technical and professional education. Suitable regulatory mechanisms can be devised to rectify some of the malpractices. Other steps would include prescribing minimum standards of teaching and making suitable provision for labs and libraries.

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