It is really pinching to see teachers on the streets and protesting hand in hand with the students. We have never been able to provide education the base and space it actually deserves. Experimentation with the sector in question has resulted in chaos within the sector and society. Even after decades we remain stuck up in debates on nationalisation of education, medium of instruction and curricula. Certain segments of the society have held nationalisation of education responsible for most of the mess and mayhem. But again it should not be forgotten the way exploitation continued in the name of education during the pre-nationalisation period. And exploitation of the assistance provided to private educational institutions during Gen Ayubs regime is a tragedy in itself. The then nationalization was based on sense of deprivation among the masses. Eventually, it made Mr Bhutto to place nationalisation on his election campaigning. Castigating nationalisation of education just for the sake of it is not justified. If things did not work the way actually intended, the decision cannot be called a 'collapse. And, the self-styled critics of the nationalized college teachers have nothing concrete to support their criticism. The very idea of surrendering public educational institutions to private partners speaks of inefficiency and ill-vision on the part of the authorities. In a county like ours privatisation of educational institutions is just meant to add to the prevailing unrest in the society. Such steps could further polarise the society. The Punjab governments decision to appoint a board of governors at certain colleges has witnessed serious reaction, and ongoing processions against the policy should be taken as peoples verdict. WAHEED ABDULLAH, Via mail, December 16.