In the pursuit of building a convivial society, we must first address the pervasive issue of 'capitalitis'. This disease, as described by public health expert John Oommen, manifests in the belief that policies devised in the national capital can be effortlessly applied to the rest of the country. The symptoms are widespread, often leading to decisions that fail to consider the diverse needs and challenges of various regions. A prime example is the On-Screen Marking system (OSM) implemented by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in its Class XII examinations. The CBSE's decision to roll out OSM without a comprehensive pilot project across its 22 regional centers, and instead relying solely on teachers from Delhi-based schools, is a clear case of capitalitis. This approach overlooked the practical issues faced by teachers in areas with erratic power supplies, intermittent internet, and limited resources. The result? A system that was not only inefficient but also non-representative of the broader student population.
The issue of capitalitis is not isolated to education. In my own experience, serving on a committee tasked with devising a national-level graduate examination, I witnessed the negative impact of this disease. The committee, composed of academics from across India, worked tirelessly to create an examination that would identify those who would benefit most from advanced training. However, the introduction of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and its centralized structure has disrupted this convivial and collaborative process. The NTA's reliance on contractual employees, who are overworked and susceptible to short-notice deadlines, has replaced the passionate involvement of individuals committed to a larger purpose. This shift has subverted the strength of our federal system, which was once diffuse, flexible, and consensus-based.
The combination of capitalitis and AI presents a further challenge. While AI can generate questions and evaluations efficiently, it lacks the conviviality and diversity that are essential for a truly inclusive society. The idea of a centralized AI system, located in the national capital and manned by staff with no intrinsic attachment to a larger purpose, is a recipe for disaster. It would be efficient but not convivial, and it would fail to address the unique needs and challenges of different regions.
To achieve conviviality, we must first cure ourselves of capitalitis. This requires recognizing the disease for what it is and taking steps to address its symptoms. It means embracing diversity, accommodating different perspectives, and measuring performance not solely by industrial-level efficiency. A convivial society is one where no center holds absolutely, and where the project of building a social nation is underpinned by a deep commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. A Viksit Bharat, or developed India, should also be a convivial Bharat, where the benefits of progress are shared equitably across the country. Only then can we truly build a nation that is not only efficient but also convivial, and where the diverse needs and challenges of all regions are taken into account.
