Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of social sector/services relating to Education
What does this article provide?
This article highlights the significant improvement in basic infrastructure facilities in government schools over the past decade, bringing them nearly on par with private schools. UPSC CSE aspirants should note the data trends and the associated government initiatives for improving education infrastructure.
Potential Topics for Prelims
UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education), Basic infrastructure facilities in schools, Government schemes for school infrastructure
Potential Topics for Mains
Education sector reforms in India, Comparison of government and private school facilities, Rural vs. urban school infrastructure
Source
The Hindu
Infrastructure in Govt. Schools Catching Up with Private Ones in 2024
Introduction
Over the past decade, government schools in India have witnessed a remarkable transformation in their infrastructure facilities. According to the latest data released by the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+), government schools are now equipped with amenities that were once primarily associated with private institutions. This article delves into the specifics of these improvements, the challenges faced, and the initiatives taken by the government to bridge the infrastructure gap.
Inferences from the Data
- Improved Facilities: More than 80% of government schools now have functional electricity, ramps, toilets for boys and girls, handwash facilities, and libraries.
- Significant Growth: The share of government schools with functional electricity has doubled from 45% in 2013-14 to 90% in 2023-24. Similarly, schools with computers have increased from 15% to 51%.
- Comparison with Private Schools: Government schools have surpassed private schools in providing libraries, ramps, and conducting medical checkups.
- Rural vs. Urban Schools: The gap between rural and urban schools has narrowed, with rural schools surpassing urban ones in some areas such as ramps and regular medical checkups.
Key Challenges
- Availability of Computers: Despite improvements, government schools still lag behind private schools in terms of computer availability.
- Internet Connectivity: Rural schools continue to face challenges in internet connectivity.
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems: The implementation of rainwater harvesting systems is lower in rural areas compared to urban schools.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Ensuring regular maintenance and upkeep of infrastructure remains a significant challenge, especially in rural areas.
- Teacher Training: Lack of adequate training for teachers to utilize modern facilities such as computers and digital resources effectively.
- Resource Allocation: Inequitable distribution of resources leading to disparities in infrastructure quality across different regions and schools.
Government Initiatives to Resolve Challenges
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: A comprehensive program aimed at improving the quality of school education across the country.
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): Focuses on enhancing secondary education and improving infrastructural facilities in government schools.
- Swachh Vidyalaya Initiative: Ensures that all government schools have functional and well-maintained toilets.
- Digital India Campaign: Aims to enhance digital infrastructure and improve internet connectivity in schools.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Provides skill development training to teachers and students, including digital literacy.
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Focuses on universalizing elementary education and improving school infrastructure.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Digital Infrastructure: Expanding the reach of computers and internet access to all government schools.
- Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in rural schools.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regular assessments and updates on school infrastructure to ensure sustained progress.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in maintaining and improving school facilities.
- Innovative Solutions: Implementing innovative solutions such as solar energy for schools in remote areas to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Conclusion
The past decade has seen significant strides in improving the infrastructure of government schools in India. These efforts have brought government schools closer to the standards of private schools, ensuring a better educational environment for students. Continuous efforts and innovative solutions will be key to sustaining and furthering this progress, ultimately leading to a more equitable and quality education system for all.
Related PYQ
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. [UPSC CSE – 2022 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the progress in the infrastructure of government schools over the last decade and how it compares with private schools. Highlight the key challenges that still exist and suggest measures to address these challenges. [150 words]
Guidelines to Answer the Question
- Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the topic by mentioning the significant improvements in the infrastructure of government schools over the past decade.
- Provide a comparison with private schools.
- Body:
- Inferences from Data:
- Present data on the progress made in infrastructure facilities in government schools (e.g., electricity, toilets, computers). Compare the data with private schools.
- Highlight the major challenges that still exist, such as availability of computers, internet connectivity, maintenance, teacher training, and resource allocation.
- Mention the initiatives taken by the government to address these challenges, such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), Swachh Vidyalaya Initiative, Digital India Campaign, and others.
- Way Forward:
- Suggest measures to overcome the challenges, including strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, continuous monitoring, community engagement, and innovative solutions.
- Inferences from Data:
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the progress made and emphasize the need for continuous efforts and innovative solutions to further improve the infrastructure of government schools.
- Highlight the importance of providing an equitable and quality education system for all.