The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes ofManagement (IIMs) need to revise their curriculum to compete at theinternational level, newly-appointed Union Minister for Ministry of HumanResource Development (MHRD), Kapil Sibal,

Explaining his stance on revising the IIT/IIM curriculum, he said:"Because of technology and automation, the economy has changed and it hasbecome difficult for graduates to find jobs. So, there has to be a change inthe school and university curriculum."

Some IIMs agree there is a need to change the curriculum so that they areabreast with changing times. "Our education system has been slow inresponding to the changes around us. For instance, management institutes likeus are now questioned about the relevance of the management education that isbeing offered after the economic slowdown. So, for us to live upto what isexpected from us, we will have to incorporate the changes," said DeviSingh, Director, IIM-Lucknow.

However, another IIM professor countered: "IIMs have always upgraded thecurriculum as and when required. We are conscious of the fact that we have toadjust and respond to the changing needs. However, if the ministry expects usto incorporate some changes, we will do it."

When contacted, Bhargava said: "I believe education is a very importantministry ? among the top three ministries in India ? but has not been given itsdue. Mr Sibal's appointment gives a great degree of hope that the educationsector will see a lot of reforms soon."

Commenting on the reservations in education because of the OBC quota, he saidthat all new policies have teething problems. As for the recommendations madeby the Prime Minister-appointed National Knowledge Commission (NKC) whose termended in March, Sibal said, "NKC is pivotal for creating a knowledgeeconomy but this does not mean that whatever it says should be embraced oradopted. If the need arises, their recommendations will be adopted."

On the school education front, the minister said school fees are an area ofgreat concern and that anyone in need, would receive financial aid so that nochild is denied education because of lack of resources. Teacher training is an'exceptionally serious' problem and so is ragging in schools and colleges thatwill be looked at. Skill development is another area of concern for theministry.

Explaining the similarities and proximity between MHRD and his previousministry of Science and Technology, Sibal said, "There are synergies betweenthe MHRD and Ministry of Science and Technology and these will be included inMHRD."