News
ASER Report for 2022 came in Jan 2023
Conducted by an NGO Pratham
Government Prioritising Schemes like PM Shri Budget, Eklavaya Budget, and Nipun Scheme for foundational literacy, NCF is the National Curriculum Framework
Quotes
1. The Post-Knowledge Society:
Quote: "Remember we are in Post Knowledge Society."
Insight: In our present era, simply having knowledge is no longer a singular source of power or control. Due to the availability and widespread access to information, we live in a time where knowledge has been democratized. Consequently, the real value lies in one's ability to creatively apply and innovate using that knowledge.
2. Economic Survey's Take on Education:
Quote from Chapter 6: "Learning Gives Creativity, Creativity leads to thinking, thinking leads to knowledge and knowledge makes you great." - Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.
Insight: This emphasizes the chain reaction that begins with learning. Starting with creativity fostered by learning, it progresses to critical thinking, culminating in profound knowledge. Dr. Kalam's perspective highlights the importance of continual learning and its transformative power.
3. NEP - National Education Policy on Public Good:
Statement: "From NEP - National education policy, education is a public good."
Economic Definition: In economic terms, a public good is characterized by non-excludability and non-rivalry.
- Non-Excludability: This means that once the good is provided, no one can be excluded from using it. The government has ensured this in the realm of education by making it a Fundamental Right (FR) and by introducing the Right to Education Act for children aged 6 to 14.
- Non-Rivalry: This means that one person's use of the good does not reduce its availability to others. In the context of education, this means that when one person receives education, it doesn't prevent another from receiving the same.
Insight: The policy's approach recognizes education's inherent value not just to individuals, but to society at large. By classifying it as a public good, it underscores the importance of widespread access to quality education for all.
4. Investment in Education:
Quote: "There is no better investment towards a society's future than the high-quality education of our young people."
Insight: Investing in education is equivalent to investing in the future. The returns, in terms of societal advancement, intellectual growth, and overall progress, are immeasurable. The youth, being the future, should be equipped with the best tools and knowledge to shape a better world.
5. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4:
Goal: "Ensure exclusive and equal quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."
Insight: This goal, set by the United Nations, encapsulates the global aspiration for education. The aim is not only to provide quality education but to ensure that it is both inclusive and equitable. Furthermore, the emphasis on 'lifelong learning' signifies the continuous journey of acquiring knowledge, skills, and competencies throughout an individual's life.
Data
ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) Insights and Analysis
Introduction:
The ASER report, an important study on education in India, was released in 2022 following its previous edition in 2018. Let's delve into its key findings and their implications:
1. Universal Enrollment:
- Data: The overall enrollment rate increased from 97.2% in 2018 to 98% in 2022.
- Analysis: This near-total enrollment suggests India is moving closer to achieving universal enrollment in education.
2. Shift Towards Government Schools:
- Data: Public school enrollment surged from 65% to 73% between 2018 and 2022.
- Potential Reasons:
- Rising fees in private institutions, leading parents to opt for government schools.
- Historical context: UPSC previously questioned the implications of government budget squeezes on food, suggesting potential equity issues in education.
- Insight: Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen emphasized the dual importance of both quality and quantity of education in the Indian context.
3. Quality of Education:
- Data: The percentage of Class 5 children who can read at least a Class 2 level text decreased from 50% in 2018 to 42% in 2022.
- Analysis: This decline indicates a deterioration in educational quality, potentially due to:
- Insufficient infrastructure, both physical and online.
- The challenges of transitioning to online education during this period.
- Economic Implications: This deterioration can feed into the "low-income trap", where limited-income leads to fewer opportunities, subsequently causing limited economic growth, reinforcing the cycle.
- Such cyclical deprivation can also result in "intergenerational poverty", where the constraints of one generation impact the next.
4. Rise in Private Tuitions:
- Data: The rate of students seeking private tuition rose from 26% in 2018 to 30% in 2022.
- Insight by Amartya Sen: The Indian education landscape is heavily influenced by the "aspirations of the middle class", which might be driving the demand for private tuition as families seek better academic outcomes for their children.
Education and Human Capital Formation: Understanding the Linkages
1. Constitutional Provisions and Education:
The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA):
Introduced the Right to Education (RtE) as a fundamental right in India.
This act makes it obligatory for the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children between the ages of 6 to 14 years.
Article 21A:
An extension of the fundamental rights in the Constitution of India, this article specifically ensures the Right to Education for children.
2. Budget Allocation for Education:
Current Scenario:
As per recent data, the budget allocation for education stands at around 3% of the GDP.
Kothari Commission's Recommendation:
The Kothari Commission, which was established to frame policies and guidelines for education in India, recommended that the country should allocate at least 6% of its GDP for the education sector. This recommendation aims to ensure adequate resources for quality education and infrastructural development in the education sector.
3. Concept of Human Capital Formation:
Definition:
Human Capital Formation refers to the process of acquiring and increasing the number of qualified persons in various roles and their productivity. It means investing in the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals, thereby making them more productive and valuable to an economy.
Capabilities Approach of Amartya Sen:
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen introduced the Capabilities Approach which focuses on expanding the freedoms and choices people have to lead the lives they value. By enhancing an individual's capabilities, they can have more choices and thus more opportunities in life.
Education is a vital component of this approach. Proper education enables individuals to broaden their horizons, understand their rights, and seek better opportunities, both economically and socially.
4. Image from Handout:
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Summary: Education is not just a fundamental right but also a crucial investment in the human capital of a nation. It empowers individuals, enhancing their capabilities and allowing them to make more informed choices in life. While the current budget allocation for education in India is at 3% of the GDP, recommendations from the Kothari Commission highlight the need for a more significant investment. By prioritizing education, a nation can pave the way for a more informed, skilled, and productive populace.
Issues with Education
Access and Equality in Education
Education is a fundamental right, and ensuring access and equality in education is crucial for a nation's development. Several factors contribute to disparities in education access and quality. Here's an analysis of some of these issues:
A. Public vs. Private Institutions
- The divide between public and private institutions can lead to significant differences in the quality of education. Private institutions often have better facilities and resources, but they can be unaffordable for many.
- Implication: This creates a two-tier system where those who can afford private education get better opportunities, while those who cannot may receive sub-par education in under-resourced public schools.
B. Rural vs. Urban Education
- There's a marked difference between the quality and accessibility of education in rural and urban areas.
- Rural Education: Often plagued with issues such as a lack of infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers, and outdated teaching methodologies. The distance to schools can also be a challenge for many students.
- Urban Education: While urban areas tend to have better-resourced schools, they are also faced with challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and often, a disconnect from traditional cultural values.
C. Socio-Economic Barriers
Socio-economic factors play a significant role in determining one's access to education. Here's a deeper look:
- Literacy Disparity:
- Gender-Based Disparity: According to NFHS 5, the literacy rate for men stands at 84% while for women, it's 72%. This indicates that women are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing quality education.
- Regional Disparity: There's a noticeable difference in literacy rates across regions. For instance, while the literacy rate for men is 76% and for women is 55% in some areas, states like Kerala boast near-universal literacy rates for both genders. This suggests that some states are more successful in imparting education than others.
- Proximity to Schools:
- According to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, over 98% of the population has primary schools within a 1 km radius. While this is an impressive statistic, it's crucial to note that proximity doesn't always guarantee quality. Infrastructure, teaching quality, and resources are equally essential.
- Impact of Caste and Gender:
- Socio-economic barriers based on caste and gender can significantly affect educational opportunities. According to NFHS 5, certain groups have a median number of schooling years lower than others. This indicates that discrimination based on caste and gender is still a prevalent issue affecting education.
Quality
Achieving equality in access to education is only half the battle; ensuring that the education provided is of high quality is equally vital. Here's an analysis of various issues concerning the quality of education:
A. Learning Poverty Count and Gap
- Definition:
- Learning Poverty Count (LPC): Refers to the number of individuals who are unable to read or understand content up to a specific level.
- Learning Poverty Gap: Highlights the extent to which the average student falls below the proficiency threshold.
- Example: If a student in class 5 cannot read content from class 2, it signifies a concerning learning gap. The magnitude of students facing this issue is captured by the LPC.
B. Rote Learning and Exam-Centric Education
- The educational system is often criticized for being too exam-centric, which means it emphasizes rote memorization over true comprehension.
- Implication: Students may pass exams by memorizing facts, but they often lack a deep understanding of the concepts. This approach can hamper critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Make or Break Tests: High-stakes exams that can significantly influence a student's future. Such exams can add tremendous pressure and limit the holistic development of students by narrowing their focus.
C. Teacher Absenteeism
- Teacher absenteeism is a significant concern, especially in government schools.
- Statistic: As per reports, 25% of government school teachers were found absent during unannounced visits. This level of absenteeism can seriously impact the consistency and quality of education provided to students.
D. Infrastructure Challenges
- Quality education is not just about teaching but also about the environment in which it is imparted.
- Facilities: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic facilities. The absence of clean toilets, particularly for girl children, can deter them from attending school, leading to increased dropout rates.
- Electricity: According to government data, 37% of schools did not have an electricity connection in 2017. This impacts the school's ability to provide digital education and other facilities that require power.
Governance and Policy
Governance and policy-making play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of a country. Proper governance ensures that the system runs efficiently, and the right policies can set the direction for future growth. Here are some issues related to governance and policy in education:
A. Fragmentation
Issue: Multiple boards and diverse syllabuses and curricula exist across states and regions.
Reason: Education is on the concurrent list, which means both the central and state governments can frame laws on it. This often leads to a lack of uniformity in the educational content and standards across the country.
B. Mismanagement
Corruption in Teacher Education: This refers to various malpractices related to the training and recruitment of teachers.
Examples: This can range from the sale of teaching degrees without proper training to bribery in recruitment processes.
C. Funding Issues
Current Funding: As of now, the allocation towards education is around 3% of the GDP.
recommendation: The Kothari Commission had recommended that 6% of GDP be allocated for education. This commission, set up by the government in the 1960s, recognized the importance of investing in education for the nation's progress.
Technology
1. Digital Divide or Cyber Marginalisation
The term 'Digital Divide' refers to the gap between individuals who have access to modern digital technology and those who do not. This divide is often seen in the disparity between urban and rural areas. As per a 2019 report, it was found that only 15% of rural households had an internet connection. This means that a significant portion of the population in rural areas does not have access to the internet, which can limit their opportunities for education, communication, and other essential services.
2. Growth of Edu Tech
Commercialization of Education: With the rise of educational technology (Edu Tech), there is a growing trend of commercializing education. Various platforms and companies are now offering online courses, tools, and resources, but the primary motive behind many of these initiatives is profit rather than pure educational value.
Attention Economy: In the digital age, there's a battle to capture and retain the attention of users. Edu Tech platforms, while providing educational content, also compete for students' attention, often using gamification and other techniques. This might divert the focus from actual learning.
Treating Children as a Market: One of the significant criticisms of the Edu Tech sector is the way it views children. Instead of treating them as learners in need of quality education, some platforms perceive them as a potential market, targeting them for monetary gains.
Issues with Special Needs Education
1. Lack of Facilities & Trained Personnel
Absence of Trained Special Educators: Special needs education requires educators with specific training to cater to the unique needs of students with disabilities. However, there is a notable shortage of such trained educators, which hampers the quality of education for these students.
2. Mental Health
Manodarpan Initiatives or Scheme: This is an initiative geared towards addressing the mental health concerns of students. The initiative aims to provide psychological support and counseling to students, which is crucial given the rising issues of stress and anxiety among them.
Issue of Stress and Anxiety: Mental health is becoming a growing concern in the education sector. With increasing academic pressures, societal expectations, and other factors, many students experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being.
Best Practice Example - KFON (Kerala Fiber Optic Network) of Kerala
KFON represents a progressive step taken by the Kerala government. The project's primary objective is to bridge the digital divide in the state, ensuring that more people have access to digital services and the internet. By acting as a complementary infrastructure to the existing telecom system in Kerala, KFON aims to make digital access more widespread and equitable, ensuring that a larger portion of the population can benefit from digital resources, including online education.
Some Schemes on Education by Government
1. PM Shri Scheme
Description: PM Shri is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Indian government. Its primary objective is to enhance the infrastructure of educational institutions and improve the quality of education delivered.
2. Eklavya School
Description: These are government-run schools specifically designed to promote and support tribal education, ensuring that students from tribal communities have access to quality education tailored to their cultural and social context.
3. Kerala Model
Description: This educational model from Kerala has been recognized for its inclusive nature. The Nobel laureate economist, Amartya Sen, applauded this model, emphasizing its approach towards ensuring equitable access to education for all, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
4. Consistent Policies and Allocation
Description: The government emphasizes creating consistent education policies, focusing on the continuous evolution of the education sector. There is also a push for better financial allocation towards education, ensuring that resources are adequately distributed.
5. Delhi Model
The Delhi Model of Education is a comprehensive approach to revamping the educational system in the national capital. The model's key features include:
- School Infrastructure Transformation: Efforts are made to improve the physical infrastructure of schools, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
- Digitalization: Incorporating digital tools and platforms to facilitate better learning and teaching experiences.
- Teacher Training: Special emphasis on training teachers, including providing them with international exposure, ensuring they are equipped with modern pedagogies and techniques.
- Community Engagement: Engaging the community through SMCs (School Management Committees) to ensure better school governance and stakeholder involvement.
- Curriculum Reforms: Introducing innovative curriculum changes, like the Happiness Curriculum, which focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of students.
- NGO Involvements: Various NGOs, like JJ SS (Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan), have studied the model. One of the findings was that traditional government schools are often replaced by tuition centers, especially at the primary and upper primary levels.
- Pratham: Another notable NGO working in the education sector, contributing to research, interventions, and improvements.
6. Poshan Abhiyan Scheme
Description: Also known as the National Nutrition Mission, Poshan Abhiyan is primarily focused on improving the nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. While not directly an educational scheme, it acknowledges the critical link between nutrition and cognitive development in children, thereby indirectly impacting educational outcomes.
Global
SDG Goal 4 - Quality Education
Question
National Education Policy Emphasises early childhood care and education what are the current challenges in this and how can they be improved?
ASER - Annual Status of Education Report
AISHE - All India Survey on Higher Education
AIHER - All India Higher Education Report