Andhra Pradesh Minister for Secondary School & Intermediate Education D Manikya Varaprasada said the state government was studying the Yashpal Committee recommendations. “But we want to continue the Class X board examination. Some sort of an examination is required. We want to examine his proposals. We will come to Delhi soon and discuss the issue,” Varaprasada said.

Haryana Education Minister Mange Ram Gupta said, “He (Sibal) has made some proposals. It is his view, not ours. When he calls a meeting of state ministers, we will see.” Pressed on his government’s stance, he said, “If I say no, you will say we are opposing the Central minister. Why should I say that?”

Rajasthan Education Minister Master Bhanwarlal said: “We are examining the proposals. But our secondary education board is the No. 1 board in the entire country. We must think about it. The (Central) government should think about it.” He said the state government had no plans to scrap the Class X examination.

Assam Education Minister Akon Bora said the state government was yet to take a stance on Sibal’s proposals. “Whatever Sibal has said is through the media. There is no final decision. There is no instruction from the Centre. They have to first discuss with states. It (Sibal’s proposals) is not very easy,” he told The Indian Express.

Congress-ruled states are also concerned about the proposed Foreign University Bill which Sibal is trying to push.

Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Minister D Sridhar Babu said, “Before we take up the issue of private foreign universities, we have to equip our state universities and Central universities in the state to bring up academic standards. At all levels, there has to be a level-playing field. There are so many issues. The poor, lower middle class and deprived people cannot afford these foreign universities. As long as their interest is protected, we have no problems. The Chief Minister is open about it. The Centre has not asked us yet. It comes under the Concurrent List. The state government always has the option to go for it or not go for it.” Babu also said that the Andhra Pradesh government was not in favour of abolishing its intermediate board “as of now”.

... contd.