5 Changes in the Field of Education after Independence

Introduction to University Education

In our Top Story this week, we tried to put before its readers the Education Scenario after 67 years of Independence. The history of university education in India began with the famous Nalanda University where conventional teachings related to Indian religion and Indian traditional mathematics was imparted. During British rule education was strictly meant for the higher classes and improvement in the field of education was very less. However, the introduction of English as a medium of instruction was carried forward in the Post-Independence era. India, after her independence, saw innumerable changes and improvement in the field of education with the growth of universities throughout the country. The University Education Commission was constituted in the year 1948 with Dr. S. Radhakrishnan as its chairman. This commission was appointed with the object of reporting on Indian University education and suggesting improvements which are required to suit the present and future requirements of the country. There were several other commissions as well including Mudaliar Commission, Kothari Commission, Rammurthy Review committee which was founded with the aim of advising the Government on education policy.

Introduction to Women Education

During the British rule women were debarred from attending schools and colleges. However the dawn of Independence brought countless changes in the field of education in terms of women education which was made a priority by the Government. The percentage of literacy among women was dismally low during the British period continuing till 1947 after which intensive efforts were made. These genuine efforts by the Government led to an increase in the literacy level and in 2001 the women literacy level exceeded 50% of the overall female population which was still low compared to the male literacy level. The Indian Government’s step in launching the Saakshar Bharat Mission for Women Literacy helped to curb down female illiteracy by half of its present level.

Technical Education

This is one of the most important changes, rather improvements, in the field of education. There was expansion and development in Technical Education. The British rule during the 19^th century did not take sufficient measures to develop science and technology in India. The University of Bombay provided a degree in Science till 1899 which was also followed by the University of Calcutta. But now the scenario has changed completely. The number of graduates coming out of technical colleges has increased by 150000 from 2010 to 2011. The Indian Institute of Technology is the premiere institute in India in the field of technical education. Apart from this, University of Calcutta, Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia University, etc. has achieved great milestones in technical education.

Compulsory Children Education-

Children Education has been made a compulsion by the Government of India. One of the fundamental duties imposed by Indian constitution on the citizens is that parents should provide compulsory education to children between the ages 6 to 14 years. Child Labour is considered a crime and any person practicing it would be liable to imprisonment. Government has launched the policy of free education for children who are responsible in shaping country’s future.

Rural Education

During Colonial rule, education was meant only for the urbanized class. Rural education was considered an effective tool in bringing social change in India after independence. In the 1950s a large number of villages were brought under the purview of rural education and these villages were grouped under Community Development Blocks. The community development programmes included agriculture, rural industry, rural engineering, animal husbandry, health and sanitation, etc. Several foundations actively participate in building rural schools. However, number of students continues to remain small in these schools.