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The Narendra Modi government’s decision to appoint Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to head a task force on education reforms acknowledges the growing anger among young Indians over examination paper leaks and systemic failures. But while technology can improve administrative efficiency and transparency, it cannot by itself resolve a deeper crisis of institutional credibility, citizenship and exclusionary governance that increasingly shapes the relationship between the state and its citizens.

A close reading of the present governance framework reveals how the rights of Indian citizens – whether the right to vote or the opportunity to seek government employment – have become increasingly entangled in procedural complexities.

Seeking to convey that his government is serious about addressing young people’s concerns over paper leaks and shortcomings in the education system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his third consecutive outreach to the youth, announced on Instagram on Sunday the formation of a task force under Nilekani’s chairmanship.

Also read: Who Is on the ‘High Powered Task Force on Examinations’?

“Friends, for the future of students, the Government of India is continuously taking several steps. Those who played with the future of students are in jail. We have established fast-track courts. Parliament is also moving towards enacting a new law with stringent provisions. But we also have to think of the future – that our education system becomes reliable, transparent and makes maximum use of technology,” the prime minister said in his video message, later shared on X.

There is little doubt about Nilekani’s credentials. Globally respected for his technological vision and administrative capability, he was appointed as the chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India........

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