Education In India Can Bridge The Economic Divide

By Author: kalpesh kumar
Total Articles: 185
Comment this article

Education in India has to play the role of an enabler in bridging the technology divide and thus bringing about economic and social change. In a developing economy such as India, with population of over one billion people, imparting basic all-round education to each of its citizen is a mammoth challenge in itself.

The Indian Constitution guarantees free schooling and mandatory Education in India for all in the age group of 6 to 14 years, according to the Right to Education Act. But there is still a long way to go for the country to attain 100% literacy and reach out to disadvantage section of the large and diverse society in every nook and corner of the country.

The system of Education in India has three broad levels- primary, secondary and higher education. There are multiple boards of education in India with a central board and respective state boards. India has both government and private schools and colleges at all the above three levels.

The system of Education in India has been the subject of scrutiny for various reasons such as quality of education, teaching methodologies, infrastructure woes in ...
... government schools as well as exorbitant fees in private institutions. Another repetitive grouse about the system of Education in India is that it is oriented towards learning by rote rather than learning by understanding and application.

Take for example the subject of Environmental Education. In learning by rote the student, would learn various arguments for sustainable environment policies and practices. However, how much of this knowledge will the student be able to apply in his or her daily life is a question that cannot be answered.

Environmental Education comprises elements of intangible behaviour change that have to be accomplished as a result of learning. If the student learns by rote about need to save water but does not understand how to do his or her bit by using and wasting less water in the daily chores every day – the effort is wasted.

Additionally, challenges, such as lack of infrastructure and basic facilities as well as skill-based versus rote-based education, make it difficult for Education in India to bridge the economic divide.

Here, government as well as corporate and civil societies can play a key role to accelerate the spread of Education in India, especially to the remotest areas and the neglected groups. In fact, corporate and NGOs can act as catalysts to reforms and prove to be an important aid towards achieving 100% literacy.

Businesses can extend support beyond just granting money. They can contribute in sustainable education at all levels of primary, secondary or higher education. They better understand the business needs and thus can create talent pool and future workforce through their initiatives.

Though, with time, the system of Education in India has progressed there is still a long way to go.

Get more information on: Education in India & Environmental Education