Govt wants to increase enrolment in schools

The government is targeting a hike in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of students in schools and institutions from the current level of 13% to 30% by 2020. However, experts believe that privatisation of schools and institutes will not help in achieving this goal.

Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for HRD, Communications and Information Technology while speaking at the 83rd Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said that the quality of higher education has to undergo a sea change by allowing children to think, innovate and by allowing foreign universities and faculties to come to India. "We have brought in legislation on educational malpractices and we will ensure that every institution in this country is accredited mandatorily," said Sibal. However, the education sector feels that the minister is being ambitious.

Their argument being that many in the age group of 18-23 years who are eligible for higher education have unfortunately not had access to primary education. "Almost 50% of the population still do not have access to basic education because of monetary issues. This proposed dream can be attained only if the government aims at starting new public funded enterprises. Unfortunately, Sibal is bent on privatisation of the education sector which will not help us grow," said A. James William, president of the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation.

On the other hand, Dr Amarendra Pani, assistant director and head of research, Association of Indian Universities believes that the target of 30% is not impossible to attain. "If more institutions are built in rural areas since most of the institutes are situated in the urban space this target of 30% seems achievable. Plus regulating agencies working for the education sector need to be revamped. With such initiatives we will be on the growth path," he said.

An official from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said, "The government is hoping to build more schools and colleges in rural areas which will help in educating the deprived population."

27 March 2011 — The Sunday Guardian.