It’s June in Delhi.
Monsoon clouds loom large over the capital, and so does another kind of storm: school fees.

If you’re a parent in Delhi, chances are your WhatsApp groups have been buzzing. Not with memes this time, but with screenshots of fee hike notices. In this week’s Policy Mandala, we unpack the Delhi School Fee Crisis and the policy response that followed: The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Ordinance, 2025.

Today’s Mandala unfolds like a drama set in a documentary. Parents and schools are locked in conflict, and the government plays the ever-watchful big brother. At the core lies a delicate balancing act — affordability vs aspiration, autonomy vs accountability.

This edition explores what the government must do, and just as crucially, what it must avoid, to untangle the growing puzzle that is India’s education system.

Let’s go.

First, this isn’t new.
Not to Delhi. Not to India.
And this also isn’t the first regulation. Nor will it be the last.

So, why are we talking about it?

Because this is Delhi — one of the most educated regions in India, the launchpad of much-hyped and talked-about education reforms like Mission Buniyaad, the Happiness Curriculum, and a public school system that became a poster for political campaigns across states.

It’s also home to some of India’s most elite private schools. Nearly 8 of India’s top 20 private schools are located here. And yet, Delhi now finds itself at the heart of a growing public outcry — private school fees rising faster, unpredictably, and without much transparency.

Parents protested.
The media picked it up.
Politicians — both in power and opposition — jumped in.
And finally, the Delhi government responded.

The Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Ordinance, 2025.

Cleared last week, the ordinance proposes a three-tier framework to approve, audit, and adjudicate school fee hikes. It bars schools from increasing fees more than once every three years — and only after committee approval.

The move is being positioned as a win for the middle class. Parents seem cautiously hopeful. Schools, less so — but accepting, for now.

But why an Ordinance, Not a Bill?

The Delhi government didn’t wait for the monsoon session. With the Assembly not in session and public anger rising — protests outside schools, legal petitions piling up, and social media outrage from parent groups — the government needed a quick fix.

An ordinance offered that. Instant enforcement, no legislative wait.

The DPS Dwarka incident became a tipping point — where parents were shocked by a steep fee hike and students were allegedly removed for non-payment. The government pulled the emergency lever and the ordinance kicked in immediately.

A full-fledged bill is still expected in the upcoming session — where it will go through debate, amendment, and vote.

So, what exactly does the ordinance say?

Picture this.

Mohan, a 40 year old, is a sales manager in a car showroom. His annual increment barely keeps up with inflation — 4 to 6%. It covers rent, food, petrol. But when his daughter’s school hikes fees by 22%, his entire budget falls apart. He’s not against paying for good education — he just didn’t expect the school’s inflation to outpace the country’s.

This is where the ordinance tries to bring some order.

First, it sets up a three-level oversight system — like an escalation ladder:

1. Start at the school-level committee.

2. If unresolved, go to a district appellate body.

3. If still stuck, a state revision committee steps in.

Each of these committees is meant to be diverse and balanced—comprising not just school management, but also teachers, parents, government nominees, and even financial experts.

Second, schools can only raise fees once every three years. No more annual shocks. And fee hikes must be justified — based on tangible inputs like infrastructure upgrades, audited accounts, and the services offered.

Third, the ordinance introduces strong safeguards:

• Penalties up to ₹10 lakh for violations.

• A ban on coercive fee collection methods.

• Time-bound dispute resolution — for instance, school-level committees must respond within 30 days, after which the matter escalates to the next level.

But the real question: Who does this actually help?

The Delhi elite — those paying ₹6–10 lakh annually — can absorb the shocks.
The urban poor mostly rely on government schools or low-fee private ones.

It’s the middle class — stuck between aspiration and affordability — that’s gasping for air. And they’re the ones who risk losing access to quality schools.

Opening a school in Delhi reportedly requires over 125 documents and 150 procedures. Regulatory overload suffocates small, low-fee schools — the only affordable option for many families. If regulation becomes too rigid, smaller schools may stop expanding, cut corners, or shut down. Between 2015 and 2018, over 2,469 schools were shut down across India for not meeting RTE norms.

Innovation may also stall. Think of AI-enabled classrooms, digital labs — they all need investment. But if increasing fees becomes a bureaucratic minefield, schools may choose to stay stuck in traditional curriculums.

To add to it, The Delhi High Court in 2023 ruled that private schools must pay teachers as per the 7th Pay Commission. Salaries are now a huge burden — especially in moderate-fee schools. And there’s no rule ensuring fee hikes actually benefit teachers.

So schools can raise fees — without improving salaries or quality.

So what makes schooling so expensive?

One word: land.

In Delhi, land is prohibitively expensive.
CBSE norms say urban schools must have at least 1,500–2,000 sq. metres of land. That’s ₹15–20 crore worth of land in many Delhi neighbourhoods — even before construction begins.

RTE norms add more pressure — playgrounds, labs, boundary walls, a classroom per teacher. Together, these rules choke supply.

The result? Few new schools, rising demand, and soaring costs.

Real estate dynamics quietly fuel fee inflation. Often, land is bought decades ago and schools are built later, riding on massive appreciation. These costs get passed on to parents. Meanwhile, schools with freehold land often escape regulatory scrutiny — slipping through the cracks.

This brings us to a deeper question: What are parents really looking for?

It’s not just academics. It’s safety, discipline, English-medium teaching, infrastructure, and increasingly — brand value.

But cost remains central.

According to NSSO 2017–18, the average annual private school fee in Delhi at the secondary level was ₹32,003 — nearly three times the national average of ₹11,026. For a family earning ₹5–15 lakh, schooling two kids can cost over ₹60,000 a year.

Add books, transport, coaching, and extra-curriculars — and education can take up 15–25% of disposable income. Especially for households juggling EMIs and high urban living costs.

And Delhi isn’t alone.

A LocalCircles survey of 31,000 parents across 309 districts found:

• 36% faced fee hikes of 50–80%

• 8% saw hikes over 80%

• 93% said state governments had failed to act

The problem is national.
Delhi just happens to be the epicentre.

So, what would a better solution look like?

First, regulate existing student fees — not new admissions.
If a child is admitted at ₹80,000, schools shouldn’t hike it more than 6–8% a year. But let them set market-driven rates for new students — like colleges do.

Second, link fee hikes to teacher salaries.
If fees go up, schools must show that a fair share supports better pay or improved facilities — not just admin perks or brand building.

Third, target regulation where it matters.
Schools charging more than ₹1.5 lakh or having over 1,000 students should face tighter scrutiny. But leave the budget private schools alone. They’re already struggling under infrastructure and recognition pressures.

Fourth, revisit the not-for-profit mandate.

Private schools in India don’t operate as charities by choice — they’re legally required to. The law mandates that schools be run by trusts or societies.

But here’s the irony — coaching centres for IIT and NEET prep can function as full-fledged businesses, charging ₹2–3 lakh a year.

So why not schools?

Why not let them be honest, tax-paying private enterprises, with transparent books and public audits — instead of operating in legal grey zones?

The current setup creates a shadow economy.
Schools route profits through complex fee structures or related-party deals.
It’s neither clean nor fair.

Finally, let’s not forget the real fix: public education.

Until government schools offer aspirational, reliable, and dignified learning — the pressure on private schools will stay high. Regulation will remain a band-aid.

The real cure lies in restoring trust in public systems.

The Delhi ordinance is a signal that the current model isn’t working.
But it’s also a warning, that regulation without reform can do more harm than good.

So here’s the question we leave you with:
Can India protect its middle class without choking the institutions that serve them?

Until next week,
Policy Mandala.

The team behind Policy Mandala has launched a 4-month policy program for professionals, the Policy Pioneers Program, in collaboration with IIM Raipur and the Public Systems Lab at IIT Delhi.

Know more about it here.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: Rethinking Public Institutions in India

Authors: Devesh Kapur, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, and Milan Vaishnav

About the Book:
In Rethinking Public Institutions in India, editors Devesh Kapur, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, and Milan Vaishnav bring together a sharp and wide-ranging set of essays that dissect the institutional backbone of Indian democracy. From the Parliament to the judiciary, from the Election Commission to financial regulators, the book interrogates whether these public institutions are still capable of meeting the demands of a 21st-century India. Rather than romanticizing the state, it offers a clear-eyed analysis of where institutions are fraying, how accountability mechanisms are weakening, and why deep reform — not just tinkering — is urgently needed.

Our Take:
What makes this volume deeply relevant to today’s policy conversations — including those around education regulation — is its bold insistence that India's future depends on institutional renewal, not just policy ambition. In the context of school fee regulation, for instance, it reminds us that no ordinance or reform can succeed without strong, responsive, and citizen-centric public institutions. For anyone grappling with the complexities of governance in India — be it in education, health, or fiscal federalism — this book is an indispensable guide to both the promise and the perils of state-led reform.

Co-authored by Mrinal Rai and Aswathi Prakash.

Hope you liked today’s Policy Mandala!

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Hello Policy Mandala Readers,
We have a great news for you!

The team behind Policy Mandala has launched a 4-month policy program for professionals, the Policy Pioneers Program, in collaboration with IIM Raipur and the Public Systems Lab at IIT Delhi. Know more about it here - https://theindiahouse.org/policy-pioneers/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=PM.

“Bacche do saal mein Kota se nikal jaate hain, par Kota saalon tak bacchon se nahi nikalta.”

If you chuckled, nodded, or sighed while reading that line, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Maybe you’ve binge-watched Kota Factory. Maybe your cousin did a two-year vanvaas in Kota chasing that elusive IIT seat. Or maybe you’re one of the few who survived the daily practice papers, weekly tests, and the monthly “All India Test Series” in India’s most intense coaching town.

Because Kota isn’t just a city—it’s an emotion, and an industry. It’s also India’s coaching capital. Every year, over 2 lakh students descend upon it with dreams of cracking JEE and NEET, while a parallel economy rises to serve them—hostels, messes, autos, chai tapris, and a never-ending stream of photocopied question papers.

But why are we discussing Kota in Policy Mandala?

Because a few weeks back, the Rajasthan government introduced the Rajasthan Coaching Centre (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, which aims to bring some structure—and a little compassion—to this high-pressure industry. Though it primarily impacts Kota, it opens up a much-needed conversation for the whole country.

Before we dive into the fine print, let’s zoom out.

Kota’s coaching industry employs over 3.5 lakh people, pays ₹700 crore in taxes, and generates ₹5,000 crore in revenue annually. That’s more than 7 times what the Rajasthan government allocates for funding startups across the state in a year. Zoom out even further, and India’s coaching industry is now valued at ₹58,000 crore, growing at 15% annually.

But there’s a dark side. In 2023, 28 students in Kota died by suicide. That number shook the country. It forced policymakers to look closely at what’s broken in the coaching model—and how to fix it. The first result was a bill in 2024. It never reached the execution stage. So in 2025, a revised version made its way to the Assembly, with new energy—and a few notable changes.

The Rajasthan Coaching Centre (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, is structured around three big themes: government oversight, mandatory mental health support, and district and state-level regulatory committees.

Compared to the 2024 draft, this version carries sharper penalties, clearer mandates—and a few curious omissions.

One of the most welcome additions is a rule on fee refunds. If a student decides to withdraw, the institute must refund the unused portion of the tuition, hostel, and mess fees—within ten days. But this applies only to coaching institutions; independent mess and hostel owners are not covered under this mandate.

The fines have also been ramped up. The penalty for a first violation has jumped from ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakh. Repeat offences? ₹5 lakh, up from ₹1 lakh. Sounds tough—but in an industry where a top teacher might earn that much in less than a week, one wonders: are these fines serious deterrents, or just symbolic gestures?

Now, let’s talk about what the new bill quietly drops.

Between the 2024 and 2025 versions, the provision barring students under 16 from joining coaching institutes seems to have vanished. There’s no official explanation, but the coaching lobby had pushed back hard on this in 2024. So, did the government bend—or compromise? We can only guess until they clarify.

Also missing are requirements for disabled-friendly infrastructure and batch segregation based on academic performance. These were meant to support inclusivity and create healthier learning environments—but perhaps they were seen as “too much” for coaching centres to comply with. Again, the government hasn’t said why these have been removed.

To be fair, this isn’t Rajasthan’s first attempt at coaching regulation.

In 2022, the government tried to introduce a similar law—the Rajasthan Private Educational Regulatory Authority Bill—but it never made it to the floor, owing to objections from legal bodies. Even earlier, in 2018, the state had issued guidelines asking institutes to cap daily study hours and maintain attendance. But those were advisory.

Other states have tried too. Tamil Nadu, back in 2019, attempted to cap coaching fees. Several others—like Haryana (2024), Bihar (2010), Goa (2001), Uttar Pradesh (2002), Karnataka (2001), Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir (2010)—have also passed coaching regulation laws in their respective jurisdictions. But enforcement has been patchy, and coaching lobbies, predictably, powerful.

Compared to those efforts, the 2025 Rajasthan Bill appears to have some legal and institutional teeth, finally giving regulators the power to intervene, at least in small but meaningful ways.

So where do we go from here? What should India’s roadmap look like when it comes to regulating—and ultimately, rethinking—coaching?

At India House, we believe it needs a multi-layered approach.

Let’s start at the top. At the central level, we need to break the tyranny of the once-a-year exam. Multiple attempts, multiple pathways—aptitude-based entry, even vocational routes—can help reduce the make-or-break anxiety students face in competitive exams. This is already part of NEP 2020’s vision—but we’re still waiting for it to move from paper to practice.

Next, we need a strong state-level push. States must invest in decentralised education hubs, so that students don’t have to leave their families and travel halfway across the country at 14 or 15. Better local infrastructure means students can study closer to home, in safer, less isolating environments. Some states like Telangana and Maharashtra have tried—but the effort has fallen short of what’s needed.

And finally, at the Rajasthan level, the current bill needs to go further. A minimum age cap for coaching admissions must return. Independent mental health counsellors should be made affordable and accessible—whether through subsidies, incentives, or other mechanisms. Coaching hubs like Kota should be mandated to offer well-being services—from mindfulness centres to sports facilities—so that students have outlets beyond their books. Everyone needs a pressure valve.

Because, for lakhs of students and their families, Kota is both a lifeline and a burden. It helps students reach their dreams—but often at the cost of their mental peace, social life, and well-being.

The bigger question we must ask is: should we keep fixing coaching institutes, or fix the education system that made them necessary in the first place?

The answer probably lies somewhere in between.

But the real work begins when we ask these questions—not just in Parliament, but in every parent-teacher meeting, every policy brainstorm, and every drawing-room conversation. Because the future of India’s young minds should not be left to chance, pressure, or photocopied notes. It should be built on care, creativity, and a system that believes in nurturing—not breaking—them.

Hopefully, our policies will evolve from mere regulation to also becoming a guiding light. Because let’s not forget—while the ink on the Bill is still drying, eight dreams have already been extinguished by the weight of expectation—and the calendar still reads April.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: The Beautiful Tree: Indigenous Indian Education in the Eighteenth Century
Author: Dharampal

Dharampal’s The Beautiful Tree challenges the widely held belief that India lacked a structured education system before the British. Based on archival records from colonial surveys, the book paints a fascinating picture of a decentralized, community-driven schooling system that was inclusive, widespread, and largely self-sustained. It highlights how schools in 18th-century India functioned across regions, cutting through caste and economic divisions, and provided practical, need-based learning.

However, British interventions systematically dismantled this indigenous model, replacing it with a rigid, standardized system that prioritized administrative efficiency over holistic learning. The book compiles records from a survey ordered by Thomas Munro, Governor of Madras (1822), detailing indigenous schools across 21 districts of the Madras Presidency. It also includes reports by W. Adam (1835-38) and G.W. Leitner (1882) on education in Bengal and Punjab.

Our Take:

Dharampal’s research is both an eye-opener and a provocation. It forces us to rethink whether our present education system—marked by intense competition and coaching dependence—is a natural progression or a deviation from a more balanced, community-centered learning tradition. The Beautiful Tree serves as a reminder that the needs of the education system in India may not lie in borrowed models but in revisiting and reimagining its own historical strengths.

For those interested in education policy, history, and systemic reform, this book is an essential read. It not only questions the roots of our current learning crisis but also opens the door for rethinking what meaningful education should look like in India.

Co-authored by Mrinal Rai and Aswathi Prakash.

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If you walk down a bustling street in Delhi and ask young people, “What’s the biggest problem in India today?”, you’d expect a predictable range of responses: corruption, unemployment, traffic jams that seem to last a lifetime. But when we actually did this, one answer stood out across the board: education.

We repeated this experiment in rural Jharkhand, a college campus in a Tier-2 town, and even in an IT hub like Bengaluru. The responses varied, but education consistently topped the list. It’s as if young people across India, despite their diverse backgrounds, feel let down by the very system meant to empower them, especially higher education. Call it the recency effect or a personal grudge against the system, but higher education seems to be failing at its core job: making Indian youth more confident and capable contributors to nation-building.

So why does higher education feel like such a broken promise?

For decades, India’s higher education system has been rigid, outdated, and painfully disconnected from reality. Degrees have felt like mere checklists, with little relevance to actual careers. From engineers who never touch engineering again to humanities postgraduates running businesses—degrees have never been more irrelevant. A system meant to create knowledge leaders has instead produced graduates who often feel unprepared for the real world.

But here’s the good news: the University Grants Commission (UGC) has been on a reform spree, rolling out six landmark policy changes that could fundamentally reshape higher education in India. In this week’s Policy Mandala, we break down these six big changes—and why they matter.

Let’s dive in!

1. Say Hello to the ‘Professor of Practice’

Traditionally, academia has been an exclusive club where only those with PhDs and years of research experience could teach. But does having a PhD always make someone the best teacher? Consider two candidates:

• Karan: 35 years old, has a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in economics, spent the past seven years as a researcher with a research group in New Delhi, and now wants to become a professor.

• Arjun: 35 years old, has a Master’s in economics but has spent the last 12 years at the World Bank, working on development economics worldwide, and now wants to teach.

Until now, only Karan could fulfill his dream of teaching at an Indian university. Arjun, despite his practical experience, would have been shown the door.

This changed with the ‘Professor of Practice’ regulation. Now, industry experts with 10+ years of experience can be appointed as faculty, bringing real-world insights directly into classrooms.

Imagine learning business strategy from a CEO, public policy from a former diplomat, or artificial intelligence from a tech entrepreneur—not as one-off guest lectures but as full-fledged courses. This move bridges the long-standing gap between theory and practice, making education more dynamic and relevant.

2. No More ‘One Shot’ Admissions

Missing the July-August admission cycle used to mean waiting a whole year to try again. But not anymore. Under the new reforms, universities will now have two admission cycles—one in July/August and another in January/February.

This aligns Indian higher education with global norms and gives students more flexibility. Missed the first cycle because you were undecided? No problem. Taking a few months more to figure things out? There’s another window waiting for you.

3. Education à la Carte: Part Education is a Reality

One of the biggest frustrations with higher education has been the ‘all or nothing’ nature of degrees. If you dropped out after two years, you left with nothing but the label of being a ‘drop-out’. That’s changing. Now:

• Complete 1 year → Get a certificate

• Complete 2 years → Get a diploma

• Complete 3-4 years → Get a full degree

And if life forces you to hit pause? Your earned credits are safely stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). You can return later and pick up where you left off. Think of it like Netflix for education: pause, resume, or exit as you need.

4. Breaking the Silos

An economics professor knows and teaches only economics. A historian knows and teaches only history. But knowledge doesn’t work that way in the real world—everything is interconnected.

The new UGC guidelines allow for interdisciplinary teaching. You could do your bachelor’s in engineering, master’s in economics, and still become a professor of public policy if your PhD is in that domain.

This shift toward holistic education allows for richer, more connected and interdisciplinary learning. Imagine a political science class that includes economic theory or a tech ethics course that draws from philosophy. Finally, academia reflects the complexity of the real world.

5. From Research Papers to Real-World Impact

Until now, publishing papers in top-tier journals was the only way professors could climb the career ladder. But now, successful startups, patents, and real-world impact will count too, with the decision on what to value made with their university boards themselves. Colleges can decide if they wish their professors to be more entrepreneurial or ‘researchy’, based on what they value more.

If a professor develops an innovative AI tool or launches a successful public health initiative, it’ll be valued just as much as publishing a research paper on the same topic. That’s a game-changer. Finally, doing is as important as writing about it.

6. Colleges Get More Autonomy

Previously, key parameters on research, curriculum, and faculty promotions were centralized. Now, these powers and decisions are being delegated to individual institutions. This means:

• Colleges can decide their own research priorities

• Institutions can choose which journals to recognize for faculty promotions

• Universities with higher NIRF and NAAC rankings get more funding incentives

This encourages universities to compete for quality rather than just compliance, making higher education institutions more dynamic and responsive.

So, What’s Next?

India has over 1,100 universities and 45,000+ colleges—implementing these changes across such a vast and diverse landscape won’t be a cakewalk.

To make this transition smoother, students and faculty need to fully understand these reforms to take advantage of them. Universities will need to revamp infrastructure, upgrade faculty training, and overhaul systems to bring these policies to life.

And let’s not forget the ‘Professor of Practice’ model—its success hinges on how seamlessly academia and industry can work together.

But here’s the good news: the wheels are finally turning. Higher education in India is shedding its outdated skin and stepping into an era of flexibility, relevance, and innovation.

Will these reforms truly deliver on their promise? That’s a question only time—and good implementation—will answer.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: The Educational Heritage of Ancient India: How an Ecosystem of Learning Was Laid to Waste
Author: Sahana Singh

About the Book:
The Educational Heritage of Ancient India: How an Ecosystem of Learning Was Laid to Waste by Sahana Singh explores the rich and advanced education system that once flourished in ancient India. The book delves into the intricate network of universities, gurukuls, and knowledge centers that attracted scholars from around the world.

Sahana ji meticulously traces how this thriving knowledge ecosystem was systematically dismantled due to invasions, colonial policies, and a shift in socio-political priorities. While documenting India’s lost legacy she also invites readers to reflect on how the nation can reclaim its educational strengths.

Our Take:

Sahana Ji’s The Educational Heritage of Ancient India is a thought-provoking and well-researched account of India's once-flourishing education system. The book is both a tribute to the intellectual prowess of ancient Indian scholars and a lament for the destruction of a world-class learning tradition.

She paints a vivid picture of how ancient universities were centers of holistic learning, attracting global scholars long before the rise of European universities. The Educational Heritage of Ancient India is undoubtedly an interesting read for history enthusiasts, educators, and policymakers who seek to understand India’s past to shape its future.

Hope you liked today’s Policy Mandala!

We believe nation-building needs a community of changemakers—so we’re creating Bharat Mandala, an ecosystem for impact. Be a part of our journey here!

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Analysis #1: India’s Data Future: Let’s Keep It In-India, Shall We?

‘India’ no longer just lives on land, but lives online!

From ordering chai to paying rent, from finding a soulmate to accessing a government scheme, there’s an app for everything in India.

With 90 Crore+ Internet users in India, we consume and create tons of data. And every click sends our personal data globetrotting. Which means, with global corporations including banks and internet giants, the data about your political views on social media could be having fun in California, and your bank details could be chilling in Singapore. Yes, with data centers across the globe and no strong rules around data localization needs in India, this is our current reality!

Last week, India expressed its desire to change that.

India released the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules and has attempted to set up boundaries to ensure our personal data stays protected and under control.

Back in 2023, the government came with the DPDP Act, and finally, after a wait of 16 months, we have the rules around it. This is India’s first-ever law to protect your personal data - from securing it and ensuring Indians have claim over it, to also imposing legal penalties in case of violations. Think of it as a protective shield for your online self.

But wait. Why do we need to protect it?

Well, because data is the new oil. Like oil, data seems to be a universal asset in this information era. From shopping and banking to healthcare and education, the data we create is a treasure trove. A treasure trove to understand human behaviours and identify opportunities for business and influence. One that can train AI engines and hack systems.

But here’s the catch: if we let this treasure flow out to foreign lands unchecked, we risk losing control. Not just for individuals, but also for our national digital sovereignty: The DPDP Rules step in to say: let’s keep that treasure right here, in India.

Sounds good, right? Well, as always, there’s more.

The DPDP rules focus on four big things:

• Data Localization: Keeping your sensitive data within India’s borders—no more letting foreign companies control what’s ours. This means stronger security, fewer cyberattacks, and better privacy for everyone. Yay!

• Your Data, Your Control: The best part? It’s all about YOU. You’ll get simpler ways to say "yes" or "no" to data sharing, and you can even erase your data if you don’t want it out there anymore. No more endless legal jargon!

• Protecting Kids’ Data: For parents, there’s extra protection for children’s data, with verifiable parental consent to keep their info safe and sound.

• Big Players Follow the Rules: Major companies will have to secure your data with encryption, set clear limits on how long they store it, and notify you if there’s a breach.

But does it apply to all companies? Will a startup need to check if their cloud service provider is storing data in India or abroad? Well, no. Small businesses and startups won’t face the same burdens as the big companies. But the big guys? They pretty much have no choice..

Sounds like a solid plan, right? Well, policymaking isn’t always that straightforward. Here’s where the current draft rules have us scratching our heads:

1. Too Little, Too Late: This has been delayed by over a decade. Europe got this sorted ages ago!

2. Old Data Woes: What about the data already out there? Shouldn’t the government require at least a copy of old data to be stored within India? It’s not just about privacy—it’s a big deal for national security too.

3. Vague and Weak Rules: Some terms are left undefined, and critical areas lack clarity. A little more elaboration wouldn’t hurt.

So, why the delay? Looks like internet companies weren’t too thrilled about data localization—it’s costly to move data and build infrastructure. Sure, there are challenges, but if the rules demand it, they’ll have no option but to comply.

However, it seems Indian and global corporations have been bracing for this moment for a while. Since 2014, Reliance Jio has been leading the charge and has recently announced plans to build gigawatt-scale data centers in Gujarat to drive India’s AI-powered future. Reliance already operates nine data centers across India, managing and storing data in spaces totaling the size of about 10 football fields (650,000 square feet)! Now that’s stepping up.

So, what’s in it for us, the people of India?

Well, this data revolution will create jobs—tons of them. From data security experts to cloud engineers, the DPDP Rules will set the stage for an entire new industry in India. Remember the news about Noida allotting over 50 acres for Data Centres? Well, these rules seem to validate those preparations. Major tech companies like Yotta, Adani Group, and Microsoft have already made investments in these lands. So these data centers clearly aren’t just cool tech hubs; they’re job creators and economic growth drivers.

The rules are promising but don’t quite meet expectations.

We are hoping that you can help. Here’s something you can do. The government is asking for public feedback until February 18, 2025. This is the moment for you to speak up! Do you think the rules are strong enough to protect your privacy? Do you see areas that need more attention?

This is your chance to ensure that your digital rights are safeguarded. Don’t let Facebook and Google call all the shots—head to the Innovate India portal and make your voice heard. After all, it’s your data we’re talking about.

Analysis #2 Sink or Swim: Is India Ready for the End of No-Detention Policy?

Imagine trying to teach someone to swim by throwing them into the deep end—without ensuring they’ve had proper lessons first. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? That’s exactly what the recent repeal of the No-Detention Policy under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 feels like. Now, with detention back on the table, we’re left wondering: is the system ready to support students, or are we setting them up to sink?

Let’s take a trip down the memory lane.

Picture this: It’s 2009, and India introduces the Right to Education (RTE) Act with the No-Detention Policy at its core. The idea? Let kids learn without the fear of failing and being held back. No more dreaded “pass or fail” labels for students up to Class 8. It sounded great—dropout rates could drop, and marginalized kids could finally get their fair shot at education.

Fast forward to 2019, RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019 gave states the option to reintroduce exams and the possibility of detaining students in Classes 5 and 8 if they didn’t meet standards. But, the real action didn’t start until 2024, so the changes aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE).

Fast-forward again to 2024, and the RTE (Amendment) Rules officially roll back this policy, putting detention back on the table. Hence, the debate.

What prompted the repeal? In recent years, both government and private studies have highlighted an alarming learning gap in India’s schools. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, in 2022, fewer than half of Class 5 students (42.8%) could read a Class 2-level text and only 25.6% of Class 5 students could solve basic division problems. Those advocating for the return of detention argue that the No-Detention Policy was directly responsible for this decline. While the policy had noble intentions, they believe it was misinterpreted along the way—schools saw it as “no assessments at all,” effectively giving a free pass to students regardless of their learning outcomes. This, they argue, contributed to a decline in academic standards.

But does bringing back detention fix this?

Well. Critics argue it’s like throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and we agree.

They say the rollback could backfire and cause more problems than it solves, especially for marginalized kids. What’s at stake, you ask?

• Dropouts on the rise: Marginalized kids, already struggling to stay in school, might be the first to go.

• Same old, same old: Students who repeat a grade will likely get the same overworked teachers, outdated methods, and limited resources.

• The tuition trap: Many families can’t afford extra help for their kids. Detention just adds pressure without offering solutions.

Even the TSR Subramanian Committee (2016), which was set up to give us a new education policy, saw this coming. They admitted the policy wasn’t perfect but found it did boost enrollment for marginalized kids. Their advice? Keep it for kids up to Class 5 and strike a balance between accountability and inclusion.

Does This Match the NEP’s Vibe? The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, is all about making learning fun, stress-free, and meaningful. Think less cramming, more “Oh, I get it!” moments. But detention? That’s like walking back into the stress-filled exam hall we were trying to leave behind. NEP asks to focus on conceptual clarity and not rote memorization, and to create a supportive environment for disadvantaged groups.

Reintroducing detention doesn’t exactly scream “inclusive” or “innovative,” does it?

Now, where are the teachers—the unsung heroes—in all this? They’re overworked, under trained, and often left juggling too much with too little. So instead of fixing what’s broken—like teacher training, resources, and the overall system—it feels like we’re pinning the blame on students.

What’s the solution then? What we really need is a thoughtful, gradual approach that prioritizes teacher training and support, child-friendly assessments that focus on actual learning, and systemic reforms to make education accessible and meaningful for all—all of which the NEP 2020 can address once implemented.

An idea is only as strong as the system supporting it. For now, the rollback feels like putting the cart before the horse. Putting detention back on the table might seem like a quick fix, but it’s like patching a leaky boat without addressing the bigger problem. Without strong teacher support, innovative teaching methods, and systemic reforms, we risk leaving the same kids behind—again. So it’s time to shift the focus from who gets held back to how we can all move forward, together.

What do you think? Are we ready to say goodbye to the No-Detention Policy, or should we be asking bigger questions about what accountability really means and where it should lie?

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened to each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: Co-Intelligence
Author: Ethan Mollick

About the book: Ethan Mollick explores how AI is re-shaping our lives and the world we inhabit. The central proposition of the book is to treat AI as a 'co-intelligence' and harness its potential, rather than succumbing to (sometimes justified) fear of it and risking being blindsided by its rapidly evolving capabilities.

Our Take: Both the language and content are impressively accessible. Ethan provides a fairly balanced view of the developments in AI, avoiding both evangelism and fear-mongering. The book is a good primer for anyone who'd like to be caught up on the discussions/concerns regarding AI and what it means/could mean for all of us.

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Analysis #1: India’s Education System: A Step Towards Flexibility

Ask anyone educated in India, “What’s the biggest problem facing the country?” Chances are, you’ll hear one word: Education.

From stressed-out parents to overworked teachers, confused students to skeptical employers—everyone in this education “supply chain” feels there’s a problem. Sometimes it’s clearly defined; other times, it’s just felt. But it’s there.

Last week, the University Grants Commission (UGC) decided to tackle one piece of this puzzle. They released draft guidelines aimed at shaking up the rigidity of degrees in India. The proposed solution? Flexibility in education.

The draft suggests some significant changes, including biannual admissions, flexible degrees, multiple entry and exit options, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

One standout proposal is the ability for students to hit a pause on their education with the possibility to continue later, without losing earned credits. This means learners can accumulate certifications, diplomas, or degrees at their own pace. Under the National Credit Framework (NCrF), students will also be able to transfer credits across institutions and even between online and offline modes of study. Think of it as “Netflix for degrees”—pick up right where you left off, no strings attached.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) adds further sweetness to the reform proposal. It allows skills gained through workplace training or informal learning, to be convertable into academic credits. This could bring a seismic shift in how technical and vocational skills are valued.

Add to this biannual admissions and flexible degree structures, and you have a system designed to reduce the dreaded “gap year” while encouraging exploration across disciplines.

These changes tie directly to the vision of NEP 2020: a more flexible, skill-oriented, and inclusive education system. And let’s face it—the numbers highlight just how urgent this shift is. According to the India Skills Report 2023, only 50.3% of Indian graduates are employable, largely because many lack industry-relevant skills, and this reasoning is strengthened by India’s abysmal ranking of 116 out of 174 countries on the World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020, underlining the pressing need for quality education that prepares students for real-world challenges.

But are flexible degrees the solution? Can this model work in a nation full of degree seekers?

Well, we believe: Yes.

Look no further than India’s Chartered Accountancy (CA) program for inspiration. Run by an industry body, ICAI, it emphasizes rigorous, skill-based evaluations over classroom hours. Imagine this model applied to other disciplines—a dynamic, credit-based system that prizes skills over seat time.

Needless to say, challenges remain.

From standardizing credits across diverse institutions to the struggle of smaller or rural colleges to match the flexibility of urban universities. Due to the limited capacity of state governance systems, administrative inefficiencies and recurring issues like exam paper leaks also raise concerns about implementation. The readiness of the employer ecosystem to shift from a college placement model to an open hiring model will also take some time, especially for mega recruiters.

Right now, the draft is open for public feedback, offering everyone a chance to shape this potential revolution in education. Whether these reforms succeed in moving us from degree obsession to skill obsession will depend on how well they are executed.

So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is India ready for a system that values skills over degrees?

Let’s hope the answer is “yes,” because the future of education isn’t about the years spent in classrooms—it’s about the value of the skills carried into the world.

Analysis #2: Railway Amendment Bill 2024: India’s Missed Opportunity in Reform

In a democracy, the power to decide lies with the cabinet. This cabinet shapes policies and steers the government in a particular direction.

But when expertise is needed, they appoint committees—groups of specialists tasked with studying the system, identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and drafting recommendations. These recommendations are ideally translated into policies.

For Indian Railways, there have been ten such committees in the last three decades. The current government has contributed two of its own. We expect this as a showcase of intent and need for expertise to drive Railways into a better shape in service of the nation.

These committees have pitched bold ideas: establishing an independent tariff regulator, opening the services ecosystem to private players, granting financial autonomy to railway zones, setting higher service benchmarks, and overhauling internal management systems. Financial reform proposals abound, too—monetizing assets, pushing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and rationalizing passenger tariffs.

This week, the Lok Sabha passed the Railway Amendment Act 2024, hailed by the cabinet ministers as a leap forward. Media houses from The Hindu to Swarajya joined the applause.

But here at Policy Mandala, we dig deeper.

Yes, the Act merges two laws and simplifies some bureaucratic processes, but transformative? Not quite. Let’s break it down:

• Passengers? Nothing changes for them.

• Railway employees? Zero impactful reforms.

• Bureaucracy? Slightly tidier, but still crawling.

The Act repeals the century-old Railways Board Act of 1905 and combines its provisions with the Indian Railways Act of 1989. The result? Same rules, the same processes, just a different legal wrapper. Bold reform? Not even close.

This is disappointing for an entity that is the lifeline of the nation. Indian Railways transports 8 billion passengers annually, employs five times as many people as Reliance—India’s largest company by market capitalization—and plays a critical role in national development. For a nation aspiring to become Viksit Bharat in the next two decades, we need reforms that are disruptive, not cosmetic.

Imagine an independent regulator ensuring safety compliance and welcoming private players to inject competition and quality. Picture decentralizing power to the 17 railway zones, eliminating inefficiencies, and introducing specialized experts in logistics, AI, and operations. If we can land a spacecraft on the moon, surely we can fix train scheduling too.

That said, reforming Indian Railways is no small feat. It’s a behemoth with a massive, unionized workforce, operating in a bureaucratic maze that still considers paperless offices a novelty. But let’s be clear: reform isn’t optional. For India to rise as an economic powerhouse, railways must lead the way in connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

The Railway Amendment Act 2024 may have missed the mark, but the story isn’t over. A modern, efficient railway system is essential for India’s growth. Let’s keep advocating for meaningful reform because the nation’s progress is only as smooth as the tracks its trains run on—and right now, we’re hitting too many bumps.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: Power Within

Author: Dr. R. Balasubramaniam

About Book: Power Within by R. Balasubramaniam is a profound exploration of leadership. From anecdotes to leadership frameworks, from stories to value leadership, the author unravels the essence of self-awareness and how it shapes impactful decision-making. The book challenges readers to reflect on their values, choices, and actions, making it a deeply personal and transformative experience. It’s a guide to discovering the strength within to create meaningful change in the world.

Our Take: Reading Power Within felt like a leadership mentor training us on different dimensions of value-driven leadership. The way Dr Balu connects everyday challenges to larger life lessons is profound, especially leveraging Indic principles from spiritual and inspirational texts. One instance about navigating dilemmas with integrity struck a deep chord—reminding us how small actions can define leadership. The book doesn’t just offer lessons; it challenges you to think, introspect, and act with purpose in your own life. A must-read for anyone seeking clarity and direction!

Below, we discuss one recent policy update from the past week(s), and analyze them for you: From to! Let’s go!

Analysis #1: Government launches One Nation, One Subscription, or is this just repackaging an Old Scheme

Research is hard! Not just the possibility of creating new knowledge, but also because it requires access to new knowledge: research papers.

Traditionally, researchers pay a fee to access one or more published research papers, and it’s a massive sector of the economy with a worldwide revenue of $19 billion. Most of this revenue comes from universities buying subscriptions to these journals at a hefty pay to ease access from participating universities.

This is now set to change, with the government announcing last week about One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS)—a policy that’s as ambitious as its name suggests. But will it deliver? Let’s dive in.

India is a paradox when it comes to research. We’re the world’s third-most prolific publisher of research papers, yet a shocking number of these gems never get cited. Why? They’re either behind expensive paywalls or don’t make the cut in high-impact journals. Take this stat: 30% of Indian research papers went uncited in 2020, compared to just 20% in the U.S. and China. Meanwhile, Indian universities collectively spend over ₹1,500 crore annually on journal subscriptions. That’s a lot of money for access that’s still far from universal. And then there’s the “gold open-access” model—where researchers pay publishers to make their work freely available. Sounds good? Sure, if you’re a cash-rich researcher (read: not Indian academia). For many, this is just another cost to bear.

The One Nation, One Subscription policy promises to level the playing field by giving centralized access to 13,000 top journals. That’s not just a big number—it’s an all-you-can-read buffet for researchers, students, and scientists alike. With ₹6,000 crore allocated over three years (2025–2027), this initiative will fund subscriptions with 30 leading publishers. Phase 1 alone is set to benefit 6,300 institutions and 1.8 crore students and researchers. The government will handle these costs, saving institutions up to 18% on their library budgets, which can then be directed toward other priorities.

Sounds Exciting, right?

Well, yes and no. Yes, because we are talking about an at-scale project, and no because, we already have INFLIBET doing the same.

The difference here is scale. INFLIBNET’s reach was limited to 4,000 colleges, while ONOS is targeting 6,300 institutions in its first phase and has plans to eventually include more private colleges, Tier 2 and 3 institutions, and standalone research centers. Think of it as INFLIBNET 2.0—but with much bigger ambitions.

ONOS isn’t a standalone policy. It’s part of a larger ecosystem designed to make India a global leader in research and innovation. The NEP 2020 emphasizes integrating research into higher education, while the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is working to seed and promote R&D across universities and labs. Combine this with Digital India’s push to strengthen infrastructure, and the result is a robust backbone for research—provided we overcome systemic challenges.

So, what can ONOS achieve? With access to top journals, Indian researchers can aim for higher-quality, high-impact work, boosting India’s global research footprint. Institutions save money, students and faculty gain better access, and the playing field is leveled for researchers in smaller institutions and Tier 2/3 cities. However, challenges remain. Research Paper Access only partly solves the data equity process, the real process to boost research temperament will probably flow by creating an ecosystem, with ONOS playing a major role.

ONOS isn’t just about access—it’s about creating a culture where knowledge is democratized and innovation thrives. Whether it succeeds or stumbles will depend on execution and whether we address underlying issues like infrastructure and researcher habits. For now, let’s give credit where it’s due: the government is shaking up an outdated system and trying to make research accessible to millions. Whether ONOS will be India’s research revolution or just another acronym remains to be seen.

What do you think? Does ONOS excite you? Concern you? Or is it just another policy in the pipeline? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop us a note—we’re all ears!

Analysis #2: Guarding Childhood: The Law Limiting Social Media Access for Minors

Did you know an Indian teenager spends over 4 hours a day on social media? That’s more than double the time they spend with friends in person. With 46 crore Indians on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, social media isn’t just part of our lives—it’s a way of life. From roti-making tutorials to political memes, these platforms dominate our attention spans.

But Australia thinks it’s time to hit the brakes—at least for teenagers.

Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 bans anyone under 16 from using platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. Starting in 2025, Australia’s teens will have to find new ways to entertain themselves: offline, no less. It’s a pioneering step to address mental health concerns and excessive screen time.

Australia isn’t the only country rethinking kids’ digital boundaries. France is testing smartphone bans for kids under 15 in schools, and China has mandatory real-name registration and time limits for minors online. In South Korea, the “Shutdown Law” restricts late-night gaming for minors. The US has also joined the action, with Florida requiring parental consent for social media users under 16.

So, should India follow suit? It’s tempting to imagine our teens spending less time on Instagram and more on, say, books. But in a country where digital platforms are key to education, creativity, and even livelihoods, a blanket ban could backfire. Instead of cutting screen time, it might push kids to unregulated corners of the internet, where the risks are far greater.

Social media’s influence extends beyond kids—it’s also reshaping how nations exert sovereignty. Remember when WhatsApp resisted traceability rules, or Twitter clashed with the government over content regulations? These platforms often act as global entities, sometimes ignoring local laws. Australia’s move isn’t just about protecting kids; it’s about reclaiming control over the digital space.

For India, implementing such a law would be a logistical nightmare. With over 1.4 billion people, diverse tech literacy levels, and our jugaad mindset, enforcing age restrictions would be nearly impossible. Tech-savvy teens can easily fake IDs, and monitoring compliance on this scale is a Herculean task.

This is where civil society must step up. Parents, educators, and communities need to work together to create a pan-India network that champions online safety. Imagine digital literacy programs in schools or parent-teacher associations evolving into watchdogs for safer internet use. A collective approach could protect young minds without cutting them off from opportunities.

So, should we #BanItLikeAustralia?

Maybe not. But we can’t ignore the impact of social media on young people—or the need for a balance that fits our unique challenges. What do you think? Let’s figure it out before our next scroll session. 😉

News Mandala: What, Why, and How of Recent Policy

Below, we discuss two recent policy updates from the past week(s), and present them for you: From India’s GDP Fall to PAN 2.0. Let’s start.

New#1: India’s GDP Growth Slows to 5.4%: Alarm Bells or a Momentary Blip?

India’s GDP growth for Q2 FY2024-25 slowed to 5.4%, the weakest in 18 months, down from 8.1% a year ago and 6.7% in Q1. Falling short of economists’ expectations of 6.5% and the RBI’s 7.2% projection, the data points to broad-based weaknesses across economic segments.

GDP, a key measure of economic growth, is derived from four components: private consumption (C), private investment (I), government expenditure (G), and net exports (Nx).

Private consumption, the largest driver of GDP, grew at just 6%, down from 7.4% in Q1. Urban households, hit by declining corporate wage growth, reduced discretionary spending. Private investment also weakened, with growth slipping to 5.4%, a six-quarter low. Manufacturing growth collapsed to 2.2% (from 14.3% last year), while mining contracted and construction slowed.

Government expenditure was modest, as capital spending was deferred due to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, export growth slowed sharply to 2.8%, widening the trade deficit amid high oil prices and global headwinds.

India faces challenges like weakening urban consumption, rural distress, and sluggish private investment amid global uncertainties.

However, signs of recovery, including rising GST collections and festive spending, offer hope. Achieving long-term growth and the $5 trillion economy target requires bold reforms and a manufacturing boost to compete with Southeast Asia. The slowdown underscores the need for systemic resilience, with the coming months critical for shaping India’s economic trajectory.

News #2: QR-Enabled PAN 2.0: Revamping the Tax Landscape

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Rs. 1,435 crore PAN 2.0 Project to modernize India's Permanent Account Number (PAN) system. This e-Governance initiative by the Income Tax Department aims to enhance the existing PAN infrastructure, making it more efficient, secure, and accessible for taxpayers.

Introduced in 1972 under the Income Tax Act, the PAN system was a game-changer in combating tax evasion by providing standardized taxpayer identification. However, with evolving technology and India's growing digital landscape, it required an upgrade. PAN 2.0 will introduce QR-coded PAN cards, ensuring faster services, consistent data, and alignment with the Digital India vision. Key features include improved accessibility, eco-friendly processes, cost optimization, and enhanced infrastructure security.

Existing PAN cards will remain valid unless unlinked from Aadhaar. The absence of a QR code will not invalidate them.

Before PAN, India's tax system lacked mechanisms to curb evasion and maintain transparency. With its introduction, compliance improved significantly, expanding the tax base and reducing revenue loss. By the early 2000s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of registered taxpayers in India. A trend that continues as PAN is increasingly integrated into financial and governmental services.

Complementing India’s ongoing tax reforms, PAN 2.0 promises greater digital integration. However, questions remain about whether these advancements will truly address tax evasion on a significant scale. Will this substantial investment bring transformative change, or will it merely create a façade of progress in an increasingly complex digital economy? The answer lies in its implementation.

Book Mandala

In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)

Book: The Gym of Leadership

Author: Anil Khandelwal

About Book: The Gym of Leadership by Anil Khandelwal reimagines leadership development as a fitness journey. With relatable analogies, it emphasizes building 18 core skills like emotional regulation and communication, vital for navigating today’s volatile and complex world. Aspiring leaders will connect with the book's practical tips, whether honing self-awareness or managing relationships. A transformative guide, it’s designed to equip readers with tools for personal and professional growth.

Our Take: This book felt like a wake-up call for leadership in a rapidly changing world. The author’s own experiences of leadership in transforming the Bank of Baroda as a chairman drive a lot of his leadership lessons. The fitness metaphor makes developing leadership skills seem achievable yet rewarding. It pushed us to rethink leadership as an ongoing commitment, not just a position. A refreshing blend of insight and practicality, let this book inspire you to strengthen your leadership muscles :)