Challenges of education expansion in India

Source: The post challenges of education expansion in India has been created, based on the article “How quality of higher education is tied to primary education” published in “Indian Express” on 20th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the challenges of education expansion in India, highlighting the importance of quality leadership in schools and universities. It compares India’s system with Japan’s, stressing the need for cultural values in education. It also emphasizes the role of individuals in creating great institutions.

For detailed information on Challenges and Solutions of the Indian Education System read this article here

What are the challenges of educational expansion in India?

1. Manpower Shortage: India faced a serious deficit of qualified teachers and academic leaders during the expansion of education post-independence.
2. Constitutional Mandates: The Constitution required free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years, adding pressure to the system.
3. Rapid Population Growth: The literacy rate improved from around 18-20% to nearly 80%, despite the population increasing by about 100 crore, demonstrating significant efforts under restrictive conditions.
4. Trust Deficit: Government schools, especially in rural areas, face a loss of credibility, impacting educational outcomes.
5. Leadership Challenges: There has been a lack of focus on preparing academic leaders, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of education as the system expands.
6. Quality Dilution: Rapid expansion often led to a dilution in quality, impacting the credibility of educational institutions, similar to the trust deficit observed in government schools.

How does Japan’s educational culture compare to India’s?

1. Priority on Education: Post-WWII Japan focused intensely on primary education to rebuild the nation, valuing punctuality and respect for hard work.
2. Cultural Differences: In Japan, teachers arriving late is rare due to a strong sense of responsibility, whereas in India, it is common for classes to start late.
3. Impact on Professionalism: Japanese educational practices instill a sense of duty and effort in students, preparing them to be punctual and dedicated professionals. This cultural emphasis contributes to the nation-building ethos observed daily in Japanese schools.

What is the importance of leadership in educational institutions?

1. Leadership is crucial for the success of educational institutions.
2. Great leaders like Madan Mohan Malaviya, Syed Ahmed Khan, and Rabindranath Tagore helped elevate universities such as BHU, AMU, and Vishwa Bharati.
3. Similarly, Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai contributed to the growth of BARC and ISRO.
4. Strong leadership shapes the direction and quality of education.
5. Leaders transform institutions and guide the nation towards progress and development.

What role does the Central Advisory Board on Education (CABE) play?

1. CABE is a platform for discussing national education issues.
2. It is led by the Union education minister and includes state education ministers and academics.
3. The board can discuss and resolve issues like education policy and procedures for selecting vice-chancellors.
4. It aims to prepare leaders at every educational level.
5. With wide national representation, it provides a forum for serious debates and discussions.
6. CABE’s role is vital for improving the education system and leadership, as shown in the article’s examples of successful educational figures.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges of educational expansion in India and how leadership can address these issues.