Education and poverty in West Bengal

Education and poverty in West Bengal

THE LITERACY rate of India is just above 50 per cent, while in West Bengal it is 68 per cent. In West Bengal particularly, many half-baked governmental initiatives that were taken up to push education proved to be failures since the rate of literacy remains more or less stagnant, if the amplification of figures by the authorities is not taken into consideration.

There are instances when a person, who is only able to write his name meets the criteria of literacy. Though this is the trend, it is not acceptable. There is a geometrical way, wherein any illiterate is able to ‘sign’ his/her name just like line drawing. If that is done, one starts to be classified as literate. Abysmal but true!

Gender difference is an issue that demands notice of the government. Education for children is one sector where no kind of inequality is acceptable. Statistically speaking, there is a reasonable amount of disparity in terms of the male literacy rate vis-à-vis that of female literacy rate. A sizeable amount of fund goes into elementary education.

Considering that, more is expected in terms of educational progress, since the latter is the backbone of any society which tries to advance. The compulsory education up to 14 years of age is a national step ahead towards literacy. The RTE, which is supposed to commence from April 1, is indeed a breakthrough. In addition, the mid-day meal scheme has attracted students comparatively.

However, the major concerns in East India which persist are absence rates of both, the teachers and the students, class inequality and dependence on tuitions. The major recruitment drive for primary education teachers was a good stride forward but given the present situation grilling of the applicants is an obvious requirement where commitment to the cause should be a greater prerequisite than aptitude.

Tuitions, as remarked by global economist, Amartya Sen, does no good to the poor section, since affordability is a concern along with the fact that the endeavor of providing education to all itself is hampered if tuitions come to benefit and not the initiative. Plus, tuitions and their effectiveness is a myth in India that needs to be curbed. Parents and students equally are responsible in providing a business to unwarranted coaching centers.

A mention of the many Christian missionaries which have reached out to the poor children is pertinent in this context. Very commendable work has been done by free schools run by them to provide education, shelter and food to the poor kids. Also, the ‘elementary education for all’ that had been included as a fundamental right under the 86th amendment to the constitution, once accomplished, should be expanded in the sense that free education should be provided up to the age of eighteen, or tenth standard.

Source: http://www.merinews.com/article/education-and-poverty-in-west-bengal/15801607.shtml