NOWADAYS even education is being politicised, as the two decade-old practice of taking an entry test to be eligible for admission to professional colleges has suddenly become controversial.
The Punjab government wants the entry test abolished, perhaps, to accommodate the sons and daughters of politicians and leaders.
I recall my high-school days in Lalamusa when most of us pedalled our bicycles or travelled by tonga to attend classes. There was no concept of cheating in class or during exams.
Sometimes when we were too mischievous in class, we could be punished by the teacher by making us spend the entire period standing. When we did not study properly or did badly in the exams, we were caned by the headmaster.
Gradually things started changing. When cheating became common and bribes a ticket to passing the exams, the only way out was the entry test to provide an even playing field to students whether they were commoners or belonged to the influential class.
However, it did not suit the elite class.
Hence, they looked for a way way around it, citing various flimsy excuses.
The chief minster of Punjab should realise that the children of lower and middle classes deserve his attention more than those of the rich who can easily manage to go abroad for higher studies.
