Dear Editor,
Numerous factors ail our education system. While India might be en route its goal of universal access to elementary education, it can become a knowledge hub only if education imparted at all levels is truly world class. Post Independence, the Secondary Education System-1952, the University Education Commission 1948 or the Dr Kothari Education Commission 1964, all suggested a system of education oriented towards inculcating patriotism and ethical values and had a vocational touch and minimum and maximum duration of courses and working days. They also suggested private sector participation in building schools.
But nothing much concrete was suggested for elementary education which is the foundation of higher education. Only 60 per cent of enrolled students at the elementary level make to a college or university. The rest drop out at different stages. Since the quality of elementary education is substandard, the students find it hard to cope with the university standards. Neither the government nor the UGC has checked the mushrooming of fake universities. At least 40 fake universities are operating in the country. Many deemed/private universities have emerged without fulfilling the norms and standards of a university. Only the genuine institutes should be allowed to function.
Ramni Singh
Chenani
