Diminishing Strength In Government Schools Is Not A Good Sign

Ashish Behal

(The writer is based at Chowari, Chamba)

Education is the foundation of a civilised society and a state grows if its citizens grow. It is the duty of a state to provide its people the best education. In the recent Himachal polls, public brought BJP back to the power with a clear mandate. The new government will have the opportunity to bring new policies on the ground.   In the last two decades, Himachal has performed well in the education sector. The state scaled new heights and was rewarded for the cause at different platforms. But, declining strength in government schools is a matter of grave concern. It is a sensitive issue and indication has directly come from the new Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj as he has expressed concern over the issue.  Today, we see students moving toward private schools for their education. This has affected government schools badly. Records reveal that in the past five years government schools have registered a negative growth. More than one lakh students migrated to private schools and the number is still growing. The government also locked some of its schools facing zero admissions. The question before the government is that what are the reasons of this decreasing strength in government schools? There are numerous reasons for the downfall. Policies and plans have failed to match ground reality. We all have to reckon that there is something which is beyond free education, free uniforms, free books, and free meal. And that is quality education, faculty and modern infrastructure. Parents

want smart classes, computer education, flawless English medium books for their children. Authorities should understand there is a need to change the syllabus and NCERT books should be taught from the primary level so that students can have a solid base. Second big reason is deficiency of teaching faculty. Primary education is said to be the foundation of school education and Himachal is lacking way behind in this.

About 25083 teachers have been appointed in 10724 primary schools. The problem that worries is that schools having a strength of 60 have two teachers and schools with a nominal strength of 10 also have two teachers. This indicates sheer mismanagement. The new government is expected to think over it and come with strong and practical solutions. It should be in the mind of authorities that if a private school student is having smart room classes and availing computer education then why not a government school student can have these benefits. Collective efforts can bring reforms. Let us make our government schools the best schools of the state where parents can proudly admit their children for a better future.

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