Mushtaq Bhat
Education plays a significant role in reducing poverty and improves personal, social and economic well being of an individual. Nevertheless, for the progress of any Nation, education shouldn’t only be inclusive but equitable as well because it’s the most important investment a nation can make in its future.
We have both Private and public/Government schools which have their own significant role in promoting education and the debate between their comparisons is the longest which will go on till eternity. But the progress of Government schools in terms of enrolling more students than private during Covid-19 reflects an overall improvement.
This shift of children from private to Government schools might be a direct impact causing Large-scale financial constraints. But we couldn’t rule out the changing face of Govt Schools which are gradually going at par with private Schools.
Let me clear that Private Schools were better in approach towards psychological development of a child & also better infrastructure was provided by them in comparison to Govt schools where massive educational development needs and requirements remained unmet. But because of stiff competition and some upcoming revolutionary reforms we are witnessing improvement in Govt schools.
These schools are a hope especially for the underprivileged sector of the society as they provide free and compulsory education to children up to the age of 14 years, free uniforms, text books and even mid day meals which are not under the consideration of any private institution. Many of our parents have accomplished their education in Govt Schools. Even many of the successful leaders, officers have also hailed them. But as of now the education was carried away by the private schools with the indirect involvement of politicians making profit out of it.
The current regime has been strong on reforms and consequently timely and progressive; the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a historic development in our education system. After this policy, government schools will not be able to charge any fee till class 12th which is a really good move by which education in Govt schools will be completely free.
It will also deliver early childhood care and education (ECCE) which was not found earlier in Govt schools and was a big reason for quality in comparison to Private Schools. ECCE is also another revolutionary reform which gives children a solid foundation upon which all learning depends on, making every stage of education that follows more efficient and more productive.
However, there are still several issues which are required to be taken care of and significantly it’s the teacher who has to play an important role. Because a teacher not only disseminates knowledge, but plays an active role in shaping the lives of the students. Their approach has become more knowledge centric rather than certificate centric.
They are putting their efforts at the cutting edge and the need is to embrace and adapt to the constant changes in education. In the meantime one couldn’t deny the fact that Teachers alone can’t change the narrative of Schools but Government has to play its role as well.
Nowadays teachers are motivating parents to enroll their wards in Government Schools, they have reposed faith in their capabilities (Sounds weird but true) but finally it’s the Government which has to provide access to better infrastructure facilities beside sound and healthy cooperation from the society.
If Government will revamp and allocate generous resources to improve its ailing infrastructure, if teachers will perform their duties with sincerity and dedication and if the system starts taking seriousness towards quality education the day is not far when we will witness a splendid performance in improving the education system which will notches above private schools, Delhi education model is it’s live example.
The author could be reached at www.mushtaqbhat1312@gmail.com
