Ashish Gupta writes:

Subject: Keep it up, Punit

I completely agree. Good job.

Kathryn writes:

Subject: Very insightful

I found your argument very insightful, especially the implications for increased primary education funding. Your article made me aware of how critical a time it is right now for this issue. You seemed to argue some similar points to the economist Atanu Dey. Very sensible extension of free market principles for the benefit of advantaged and disadvantaged students alike. Quality is an increasingly important issue for primary, secondary, and tertiary education in India, as you rightly point out. It seems in everyone's interests to align incentives in such a way that quality is promoted. Well argued!

Veronica Reeves writes:

Subject: impressive

I am impressed with the author's clear, concise argument, as well as his supporting documentation. Working in an international environment I am often forced to justify the high cost of an American education, particularly to my Indian colleagues. I believe this article makes a strong case which even prospective students would be hard pressed to reject.

Ragini Chaudhary writes:

Subject: India- An expensive cheap education policy

This article makes a lot of sense. It diagnoses the problem of Indian Education systems - quality v/s quantity, pvt vs/public, and cost related issues with precision and also goes on to provide innovative doable solutions. I hope Indian policy makers are listening.

A comment on style of writing - very simple and minimal, without skirting the key issues.

keep writing.

Neeli R. writes:

Subject: well-written and eye-opening!

The education policy clearly has room for improvement but it certainly sounds like it's within arm's reach. Great job!

Neeli R. writes:

Subject: well-written and eye-opening!

The education policy clearly has room for improvement but it certainly sounds like it's within arm's reach. Great job!

Neeli R. writes:

Subject: well-written and eye-opening

The education policy clearly has room for improvement but it certainly sounds like it's within arm's reach. Great job!

Julia Barth-Knowles writes:

Subject: Excellent Article

This is a timely and well-argued piece on such a seeming contradiction. Wonderfully insightful!

Linda writes:

Subject: Disheartening, but educational

As an educator, I like to read about educational systems in other countries, and after reading this article, I feel like I should be doing much more of it! I am impressed by the manner in which the author can get across the complexities of the higher education dilemma in India. I am at the same time disheartened by the situation, but I believe the author suggests a promising solution and am thrilled that he has recognized education as a key to improvement.

Diana writes:

Subject: other applications?

This article takes a counter-intuitive look at public education and begs more research into how the delivery of education in a country impacts employment and the economy in general. EU countries are only now getting away from the model of inexpensive (free) higher education, yet European diplomas are still considered meaningful and the economy is booming. In Latin America even publicly subsidized higher education is beyond the reach of average income people who are lucky to finish primary school. Few jobs are available for anyone there - laborer or professional. In short, this is an intriguing article which leaves room for many complementary studies.

Kate writes:

Subject: Quality

Quality arguments on quality. Loved it!

Juliette writes:

Subject: quantity vs quality

Punit points out a very intriguing paradox that easy access to education does not necessarily equate to quality education. On the face of it, easy access to education sounds like a good thing but, as he points out, it seems to lead to both high unemployment and high labor costs in India. Punit makes a very good argument for improving the quality of education using market forces. While he acknowledges that making access to education more restrictive may limit access to some who lack resources, Punit envisions a public policy that recognizes the need for targeted support to assure a fair and quality education system. Keep up the good work!

Kathy writes:

Subject: well developed case

Punit makes a well developed argument. As someone unfamiliar with the situation, I appreciated the direct and concise case he creates. Compelling & persuasive.

Sergei writes:

Subject: Further directions

This analysis would be very interesting presented side by side with longitudinal studies and/or comparisons of systems of financing higher education in other countries. India's case is unique in many ways but could benefit from approaches from similar institutional environments. Especially in an era of increasingly tight budgets, competition for scarce resources will take on a new light in higher ed, just as in other sectors. Great analysis, and let's have more!