India, Sept. 13 -- We need to remain cognizant that no countrywide silver bullet to our higher education problems exists given the great diversity across states.

While foundational education through pre-school and primary school undoubtedly requires significant state involvement, secondary school and higher education is more amenable to attracting private enterprise and investment. Across most nations, there is debate on the level of unbridled play of market forces allowed in essential services like education and healthcare-on the one hand, private competition and investment can yield positive results, while on the other, subjecting providers to a degree of regulation remains critical to assuring equity and outcomes. Evolving a fine bal...