EDUCATION POLICY AND ITS SHORTFALLS

The education policy of the country is framed with the intention of providing holistic, knowledge enhancing and an enriching experience for all children at an affordable price. However, in the long run, the motive remains the same but unachieved. Though the plan is well formulated, the implementation of the strategies has not been much effective.

One very strong reason that has led to a biased system is the level of privatization in the department. The mushrooming of schools in large numbers every year has evolved the process of running an educational institution into a million dollar business. The pitiable factor in these schools is that in the pretext of infrastructure development and amenities, many of these schools compromise on the quality of education provided. Today luxuries like Smart classrooms and international tours override the necessities like playgrounds and moral value classes.

Another dangerous aspect that poses a great risk is the affordability. Though the government provides a fee structure and insists all schools on following the same, there exists a world of a difference between fees structures of different schools. Since it is widely believed that the best education comes at the highest price, it definitely becomes unaffordable for those at the lower end. The worst part is that many institutions that charge much nominally cut out on the standard of teaching, citing low fees.

Another very important drawback in the policy is regarding entertaining sport activities. Though the government has a quota for college admissions of students who champion in sports, it is not of sufficient level. Schools focus almost entirely on syllabus and books and do not encourage children for participating in games and extracurricular activities. This is one big difference between Indian education and that of developed countries, where most students are involved in one game or the other throughout their school life.

Above all, the education policy has resulted in a system that is completely marks oriented. The examinations conducted here, do not test the practical or general knowledge of the student but expects just a replica of the text book content on exam papers. Practical knowledge and exposure are not given any importance, a consequence of which more and more students tend to struggle once the spoon feeding stops while entering the real world.

Any system is said to be successful only when its users are pleased about its outcome. Increasing children suicide rates during result announcements and mounting crimes by teenagers, ring a bell about how much reforms are required in the education pattern.