QUE : India’s primary and secondary public education system is facing various challenges. Discuss the initiatives being taken to make government schools more attractive than private schools in terms of infrastructure, affordability and quality.

 A recent study by the Right to Education Resource Centre, IIM Ahmedabad, has confirmed that the quality of education is poor. The reason behind this is that parents do not trust government schools and prefer to enroll their children in private schools.

•  Various challenges facing the primary and secondary public education system in India

•  According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022, the ability of children to read simple English sentences is still the same as in 2016 for children of class 5. There has been no improvement in it yet. (24.7% in 2016 to 24.5% in 2022)
•  According to ASER, 68.9% of schools have playgrounds in 2022, schools with accessible toilets for girls have increased to only 68.4% in 2022. The proportion of schools with drinking water facilities is only 76%.
• The average teacher attendance in 2022 is 87.1% and the average student attendance has been around 72% for the last several years.
•  Despite improvements, gender inequality persists in some areas. According to the report, the proportion of girls aged 15-16 who are not enrolled is decreasing to 7.9% in 2022.
•  Despite improvements, gender inequality persists in some areas. According to the report, the proportion of girls aged 15-16 who are not enrolled is decreasing to 7.9% in 2022.
•  UDISE+ 2021-22 data also shows that the overall dropout rate in schools at the primary level (classes 1-5) in India is 1.5%, with 3% at upper primary levels (6-8). The percentage at the post-secondary level (9-10) is the highest at 12%, which still remains a major challenge.
•  The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is revised from time to time, but there are concerns about the relevance and effectiveness of the curriculum.
•  The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 shows lower enrolment in vocational education programmes compared to traditional courses.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the digital divide, with many students not having access to online education.
• The proportion of children taking paid private tuition classes in classes I-VIII increased from 26.4% in 2018 to 30.5% in 2022.
  
•  Initiatives to make government schools more attractive than private schools

•  Enhancement of infrastructure: Upgrading school buildings, ensuring adequate classrooms, libraries, laboratories and recreational facilities.
•  Improvement of sanitation: Providing clean drinking water, functional toilets and regular sanitation awareness campaigns.
•  Technology integration: Providing access to computers, tablets and internet connectivity to facilitate digital learning. Like the 5T High School Transformation Programme of the Odisha Government, it is based on the 5T concept of transparency, technology, teamwork and timeliness that leads to transformation. Launched in 2021, the program focuses on adopting educational technology in the form of smart and digital classrooms, e-libraries, modern science laboratories, improved sanitation facilities and sports facilities in all high schools.
•  Empowering Teachers: Recruiting qualified teachers, implementing competency-based recruitment, providing competitive salaries and providing professional development opportunities.
•  Continuous Teacher Training: Organizing regular workshops, seminars and training programs to enhance pedagogical skills and subject knowledge as well as implementing performance-based reward systems to motivate teachers and recognize their efforts.
•  Improving the Curriculum: Incorporating holistic education such as a holistic approach focusing on cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
•  Skill-Based Education: Integrating vocational skills and entrepreneurship training to prepare students for future employment opportunities.
• Creating a positive school climate: Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects diversity and promotes social harmony. Also encourage regular parent-teacher interactions to discuss student progress and address concerns.
  

                      By implementing these initiatives, we can build a more equitable and inclusive education system and empower every child to reach his or her full potential and fulfill the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to create a strong, well-equipped and ethical youth generation that is ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.