Commercialization of Education Sector in India
Commercialization of Education Sector in India
The second most populated country of the world has a potential demographic advantage which is enjoyed by none. With over 65 percent of India’s population below the age of 25, it is clear that providing sound education can ensure a productive workforce as well as robust economy in future.
While India’s education standards have improved by leaps and bounds, a lot still needs to be done in order to make sure that its benefits are reaped by all. Like all other sectors, the entry of private players has transformed the sphere of education completely. Since the number of universities as well as government schools has not kept pace with the increasing population and the burgeoning demand, the foray of private players was considered a vital step.
There is no doubt that private schools and colleges have high fees and different standards, but they have helped millions of students who are not able to get admission into government colleges or schools. The reasons can be various including reservation, paucity of seats, and inadequate infrastructure amongst others. Barring a few like Indian Institute of Technology, NIT’s, IISC, FMS, Delhi University colleges, there are not many state institutions that one can look forward to joining. India does have a large number of universities but they lack the kind of infrastructure as well as have faculty shortage unlike their US counterparts. This is one of the reasons why students are driven to private universities and schools.
These private colleges and schools may charge high fees but they also provide a conducive environment, good facilities along with reasonable education standard for growth of students.
The entry of foreign universities in India is another important development which has led to commercialization of education. Skeptics may argue that their sole motive is to make profit. But, it is the state’s failure and inability to provide sound education and facilities to a large chunk of its population that has led to the entry of private and foreign players.
If private schools and colleges have led to increase in the enrollment of students as well as helped in bringing out workforce with a good education over the last few years, it is laudable what they have managed to achieve. Yes, the government can intervene by regulating some part of the fee structure as well as ensuring that no donations are taken from parents.
If India manages to increase its enrollment to 100 % schools as well as reduce the dropout rate, which has already come down, the country can not only set an example but also be a hub of education in future.
Discussion
- Commercialization of Education Sector in India -Rishika Jalan (03/27/14)
Commercialization of Education Sector in India
Since privatization has embedded its root in almost all the sectors of India, it is obvious that education sector will also be penetrated by it. Facing difficulty in meeting the expectation of the people with the lack of resources and funds with the government, the private sector has established its base in the Indian education system. But unfortunately, their motive of entering the education system is not that of providing quality education but of making money and viewing it as an attractive money business.
Education is the most important and basic right of an individual. It helps in training the mind of a human being and makes him perfect in every field of life. It makes a person a wise decision maker and a better citizen. Without education, an individual is not complete in this working world.
Indian education system
India has always had a very glorious and interesting education background. It is a way to gather information and an opportunity to learn the skills of life. But unfortunately, this sector of the country has been degraded by the profit motives of many. The government has given the guarantee of proving elementary education to each child between the age group of 6 to 14, but due to lack of funds available, it has permitted the entry of private investments in this field. And these private investors are not guided by educational motive but rather by profit motives. They have made this into a business from which they can easily earn pots and pots of money.
Need for higher studies
With the increasing need of higher education in the country, these private schools and universities have grabbed the opportunity of making money through this. They offer high level of education and more valuable degrees to students at a very high cost. The quality of the education is measured with the amount of money you put in. The more fees you pay for a college or university, the better education you get. This has become the unfortunate mantra in India now.
With more number of people willing to go abroad for their masters and post graduation, the private schools here are increasing their fees, knowing the fact they will be able to attract students. And the government with insufficient funds to provide education is not able to put a restriction on these malpractices.
Majority of the institutions thrive on the principle of commercialization in India. The faculties teaching the subjects are not appropriate. They are weak and do not take their job seriously. In fact becoming a teacher is the last option for graduates now. The devotional feeling of imparting knowledge does not exist in today’s times.
Education is provided to bring out the potential in a learner. But unfortunately, in India it is viewed as a source of income rather than providing quality education. The entire basics of the Indian education system need to be revamped and all the negativity in it has to be eradicated.
