Universalization of education

Ram Rattan Sharma
Education in India has a history stretching back to the ancient Urban Centres of Learning at Taxtila and Nalanda. Western Education became ingrained into Indian society with the establishment of the British Raj. Since independence the education polices of successive governments have built on the substantial legacies of the Nehruvian  period, targetting the core themes of plurality and secularism, with a focus on in higher education and inclusiveness at all levels. Traditional education in India served a very limited purpose of a particular section of the society belonging to certain castes. During medieval period education was similarly elitist favoring the rich .These pre-existing elitist tendencies were reinforced under British rule .The modern education system of British Raj first developed in the three presidencies (Bombay, Calcutta, Madras).In the early 1900’s,The Indian National congress’s call for national education ,giving  emphasis on technical and vocational training .In 1920 the congress initiated a Boycott of govt aided and govt controlled schools and founded several  National school and colleges .In 1937 Gandhi Ji raised his voice in favor of universal education  , Nehru thought  that education for all and industrial development were seen as crucial tools to unite a country divided on the  basis of wealth ,Caste & religion and formed the corner stone of the anti imperial struggle ,so after independence ,school curricula were thus imbued  with the twin themes of inclusiveness and national pride, giving emphasis on the fact that india’s, different communities could  peace fully  live as one nation. Drawing on Nehru’s vision,the Kothari commission was set up to formulate a coherent education policy for India .According to the commission ,education was intended to increase productivity ,develop social and national unity, consolidate democracy, modernize the country and develop social, moral and spiritual values, to achieve this, the main pillar  of Indian education policy was to be free and compulsory education for  all children up to the age of 14. Other features include the development of languages equality of educational  opportunities and the development and prioritization of scientific education and research. The commission also emphasized the need to eradicate illiteracy and provide adult education.
After Kothari commission’s recommendations in 1986.Rajiv Gandhi announced a new education policy, the National policy on education was intended to prepare India for the 21st century. The policy emphasized the need for  change and noted , education  in India stands  at the cross roads today . Neither normal liner expansion nor the existing pace and nature of improvement can meet the needs of the situation. According to the new policy i.e.  1968 policy goals had largely been achieved, more than 90% of the country’s rural population was within a kilometer of schooling facilities and more states had adopted a common     educational  structure. The prioritization of science and mathematics had also been effective. The 1986 policy was reviewed by a committee constituted in 1990 under the chairman ship of Acharya Rama Murti, On the basis of the recommendations of this committee ,certain provisions of the 1986 policy were modified in 1992 .The year 2009 is a land mark year in the development history of elementary education when the Govt finally managed to pass  the 86th Amendment of the constitution that made  the compulsory   the right to education .The draft of the hill was prepared  in the year 2005 and received presidential assent and was notified as a law on 3rd September,2009 as the children’s right to free and compulsory education.
Right to education Act 2009 is a land mark initiative of the Govt to strengthen the education system in India. Under this act it is mandatory to complete elementary education of all children, who reside in Indian Territory, Now education is fundamental right of every Indian.
It is important to involve the Panchayati Raj institutions in rural areas for universalizing the elementary education. Whenever Panchyati Raj Institutions  in rural areas have taken the initiative to protect child rights, development indicates  that  areas like education, health and child trafficking have improved dramatically .Right to education Act (2009) has given ample scope  to Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural areas  for the universalization of elementary education as a fundamental right .If Panchyati Raj Institution  members monitor  the enrollment procedure of their Jurisdiction success will come in achieving the goal.
(The author is former Dy. Librarian University of Jammu)
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