Governance for development - The management challenge in education
- 2004
- p.138-150.
- Jan-Mar
Education in India, even at the elementary levels refuses to recognise, give credit to or develop multiple skills and intelligence. It largely remains focussed on language, mathematics and relative cognitive skills that stand as screening device for white-collar job aspirants. For over half a century since Independence we have ignored bi-directional linkages between education and jobs. There is a need for close interaction between the development agencies and the educational institutions to develop the skills and knowledge needed to upgrade productivity. This will largely depend on a reorganisation of content and methods of education. The low presence of relevant age groups at secondary and higher levels and huge dropout rate in elementary education also indicate the inability of the economic system to offer adequate employment opportunities. Thus, there is a need to check failure on employment and education fronts through a coordinated planning. On the other hand adequate funding for education sector can ensure equity, affordability and access. New patterns of education funding need to be explored to meet both the revenue and capital needs. Community contributions and local funding can supplement the states share to improve overall quality and availability of education for all. - Reproduced.