The department under Ministry of Human Resource Development, that oversees higher education in India.
The department is empowered to grant deemed university status to educational institutions on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India, under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956.
Education in India is provided by the public sector as well as the private sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: central, state and local. Under various articles of the Indian Constitution, free and compulsory education is provided as a fundamental right to children between the ages of 6 and 14. The ratio of public schools to private schools in India is 7:5.
| Department of Education | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Human Resource Development | Prakash Javadekar |
| National education budget (2005–2012) | |
| Budget | ₹99,100 crore(US$15 billion) |
| General details | |
| Primary languages | English, or Indian languages |
| System type | Federal, State or Private |
| Established Compulsory Education | 1 April 2010 |
| Literacy (2011[2]) | |
| Total | 74%[1] |
| Male | 82.2% |
| Female | 65.5% |
| Enrollment | |
| Total | (N/A) |
| Primary | 93% |
| Secondary | 69% |
| Post secondary | 25% |
As Malcolm X has rightly put, 'Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.'
The best thing about education system in India is that it prepares the foundation of a child’s education very neatly by giving equal importance to the basics of all subjects in the early stages of education.
At present, higher education sector witnesses spending of over Rs 46,200 crore (US$ 6.93 billion), and it is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 18 per cent to reach Rs 232,500 crore (US$ 34.87 billion) in next 10 years.
The Budget has pegged an outlay of Rs 79,685.95 crore (US$ 11.952 billion) for the education sector for financial year 2017-18, up from Rs 72,394 crore (US$ 10.859 billion) in 2016-17—a 9.9 per cent rise.
The present education system has changed what it was a decade or a couple of decades ago; here are a few highlights of the present education system:
1.Technology:
The invasion of technology in life as well as in education system has changed the face of education system in India.
Now the kids as young as 3-4 years-old run the iPads, smartphones, gadgets and computers smoothly, because with time the brain too has started adapting the technological changes, which has taken place.
The different technologies introduced in learning such as use of internet connections, interaction with teachers, students across globe has become easy. The world has shrunken with the help of internet connection, which lacked in early years.
2.Unlimited options:
Earlier the career options were limited, now the kids have a vast field ahead of them to explore in any subject they feel like.
Also the difference is appreciated and success does kiss the steps of those who really work hard and pour honesty and dedication in their work.
So in the current scenario, the sea of opportunities has opened the arms to embrace the ones, who are able to identify their talents.
3.Cost of education:
The cost of education has definitely increased to multiple levels as compared to the early years, be it government schools or private schools, money is being flown endlessly for the betterment of students.
Moreover parents are even willingly investing in the education of their children to enjoy the profit in later life luxuriously. If this is to be put simply, it means that people have realised that ‘Education is the best investment.’
4.Introduction of international private schools:
The introduction of international schools in private sector has brought with it a significant change in the education system.
It has worked as the doorway to the outer world and preparing students to compete with international students on an international platform.
Being in international schools give them the relevant exposure and required confidence to represent them on an international platform.
As Plato said, ‘Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.’
The education system in India has seen many ups and downs, but at the same time it has produced some brilliant gems, who are raising the flags of India across globe.
