The prime minister, Narendra Modi, said the education system in the country will play a key role in shaping the future of India. The education system is the backbone of a nation, and it should be the government’s priority to shape it into a structure where students learn to become innovators. Education is the stepping stone for social and economic development. The much-talked-about reform in the Indian education sector is now gaining ground and attracting attention from across the world.
Any discussion about developing the country’s human capital is incomplete without understanding the influence of the education system.
Investment in education
Investing in education will be a key driver for improving living standards and promoting sustainable development. The world has made impressive strides in improving access to education, but there is more work to be done. Education is a key pillar of India’s economic growth. Education has been identified as one of the top priorities for the Government of India (GOI). The government has set up several programs to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6-14. However, India still lags behind other countries in terms of literacy rates and school attendance.
Many studies have shown that investing in education will be a driver for improving living standards and promoting sustainable development in India. Education is also an important factor in achieving gender equality at home and at work.
The government strives to improve access to education by expanding access to schools across the country and introducing policies like midday meals for students who attend school regularly. In addition, it has implemented initiatives to promote women’s education through its flagship program- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate Her).
Indian policymakers have long recognized that investing in human capital is imperative to economic growth and social development.
Education needs to be child-centric.
The education system in India needs to be child-centric. It is time for an overhaul of the education system.
The government should ensure that every child gets access to education free of cost. They should also ensure that no one is deprived of higher education because of financial reasons. The government should also encourage private players to invest in the field of education so they can provide quality education at affordable prices.
The curriculum must be child-centric and age-appropriate so it can help in developing an interest in children towards particular subjects like science, arts, etc. it will also help them excel in their respective fields later on in life.
The power of technology should be used to enhance the quality of education.
It should be used to enhance the quality of education so that it is more effective in imparting knowledge and developing skills required for a successful career. It would also prepare students for emerging 21st-century technologies.
It can be used as a tool to bridge the gap between rural and urban schools by providing access to information through digital platforms and improving teacher training. It will help students from rural areas gain access to quality education. Education is the foundation on which our society stands, and it is, therefore, necessary for everyone to be involved in this process. The power of technology should be used to enhance the quality of education.
Skill-based Education System
The education system should be flexible, especially if India adopts a skill-based education system. Education has to be updated to meet the demands of the industry for it to be relevant. Vocational training improves students’ learning outcomes by providing them with an opportunity to explore careers before entering higher education or choosing a career path.
There should be more focus on vocational training so that people with different skill sets can get employment opportunities. Our education system needs transformation so that it can provide job-oriented skills, which is required by industry today. We need a change in our education system to get more engineers and doctors who can contribute towards our growth. We need more research institutes and labs to produce innovators who can lead us into a new era of development.
Accessibility
The Government of India and the Ministry of Human Resource Development are leaving no stone unturned in developing the education system and ensuring equal access to students.
Accessibility to quality education is an important aspect of a good education system. All children must have access to quality education at all levels- from pre-primary to higher education. There should be no barriers preventing children from attending school, such as distance or cost.
The government has taken several steps to reduce the dropout rate and increase the enrolment ratio in schools.
- Right to Education Act, 2009 seeks to make elementary education a right for all children between 6 and 14 years.
- To give effect to this mandate Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has been formulated.
- Mid-day Meal Scheme (MDM) is one of the most extensive school feeding programs in the world.
One of the purposes behind it is to improve enrolment, retention, and attendance and simultaneously enhance nutritional levels among children.
Invest in teacher training
It is also imperative for governments and private institutions to invest in schools so they have adequate resources available for teaching staff, equipment, and other resources needed for teaching purposes.
The role of teachers cannot be overstated. They are the ones who shape young minds and prepare them for life. A good teacher can inspire students to dream big, aim high, and achieve their goals. A bad teacher can leave lasting scars on students’ minds, which can be difficult to overcome in later life.
It is also crucial that teachers are trained properly so they can provide high-quality lessons to their students. They should receive training on how best to use technology in classrooms so that students can benefit from using computers and other technological devices within class time. In addition, investing in teacher training can help reduce attrition rates among teachers which will ultimately lead to an improvement in retention rates among students.
Role of the private sector
The private sector can play a role in developing better teachers by investing in training programs. It will help improve their skills, increase their salaries, and enhance their career prospects.
The private sector plays a crucial role in improving the quality of education because they have more resources than government bodies. They can hire better teachers from abroad who can bring new knowledge and skills into their classrooms. It would help students gain professional knowledge about various subjects like science, arts, etc.
Private universities have emerged as major contributors to the development of the higher education sector in India offering courses at affordable prices with excellent faculty and facilities. Private schools have been mushrooming across India over the past decade with parents preferring them over government schools due to their high standard of teaching and facilities offered. They are equipped with modern equipment, well-qualified teachers, and infrastructure like classrooms, libraries, and playgrounds so students can learn better there than in government schools.
Conclusion
For India to develop into a developed nation, the importance of education cannot be overstated. As India progresses, the role of education must continue to grow and improve. The education system of India needs to reflect its upcoming demands. The country’s future needs to be secured by developing schools and colleges. The education system plays a role in shaping this future. Everyone must understand that education is not just about acquiring theoretical knowledge. It is also about developing skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors which will help them become responsible citizens who can contribute to building a stronger India.
As per research conducted by the schools in India, the New education policy is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a knowledge-based economy.
