REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SECONDARY EDUCATION IN INDIA
The Central Advisory Board of Education at their Fourteenth meet held in January, 1948, considered the question of Secondary Education in country. In view of its importance for the educational system as a whole the Board resolved that a Commission may be appointed by the Government of India to (a) review the present Position of Secondary Education in India make recommendations in regard to the various problems related thereto. the resolution of the Central Advisory Board of Education was endorsed by the All Indian Education Conference convened by the Hon'ble Minister education in January, 1948. In pursuance of these recommendations, the government of India appointed a Committee consisting of the following members:
1. Dr. Tara Chand. M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon), Educational Adviser to the Govt. of India (Chairman).
(In the absence of the Educational Adviser, Prof. Humayun Kabir, M.A.(Oxon), Joint Educational Adviser was to act as Chairman).
2. P. C. Sanyal, Esq., M.A., M.B.E., Director of Public Instruction, Assam.
3. Dr. Snehamoy Dutta, M.Sc. (Cal.), D.Sc. (Lond.), D.I.C., F.N. Director of Public Instruction, West Bengal.
4. Kamta Prasad, Esq., B.A. (Cantab), O.B.E., Director of Public Instruction, Bihar.
5. D. C. Pavate, Esq., M.A. (Cantab), Director of Public Instruction, Bombay.
6. Dr. V. S. Jha, Ph.D., Director of Public Instruction, C.P., & Berar
7. D. S. Reddi, Esq., M.A. (Oxon), Director of Public Instruction, Madras.
8. S. C. Tripathi, Esq., O.B.E., M.A., I.E.S., Director of Public Instruction, Orissa.
9. G. C. Chatterji, Esq., M.A., I.E.S., Director of Public Instruction, East Punjab.
10. Rai Bahadur Chuni Lall Sahney M.Sc., Director of Public Instruction U.P.
11. Dr. J. M. Mehta, Commissioner of Education, Baroda.
12. A Representative from Kashmir State.
13. Director of Public Instruction, Mysore, State.
14. A. Narayanantampi, Esq., B.A. (Oxon), Bar-at-Law, Director Public Instruction, Travancore State.
15. P. V R. Rao, Esq., I.C.S., Joint Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Defence.
16. K. G. Saiyidain, Esq., M.Ed. (Leeds), Educational Adviser to the Government of Bombay.
17. Mrs. Hannah Sen, C/O Lady Irwin College for Domestic Science Sikandra Road, New Delhi.
18. K. Zacharia, Esq., I.E.S. (Retd), Member, Federal Public Service Commission.
19. Principal, St. Mary's Training College for Women, Poona.
20. L. R. Sethi, Esq. M.A. (Toronto), Superintendent of Education Delhi and Ajmer-Merwara.
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2. The Committee met in Committee Room `B' Central Secretariat (North), New Delhi, on the 30th April 1948. The following members were present:-
1. Dr. Tara Chand.
2. Prof. Humayun Kabir.
3. Mr. P.C. Sanyal.
4. Dr. Snehamoy dutta.
5. Mr. d. c. Pavate.
6. Mr. D. s. Reddi.
7. Mr. S. c. Thipathi,
8. Rai Bahadur Chuni Lall Sahney.
9. Dr. J. M. Mehta.
10. Mr. A. Narayanantampi.
11. Mr. P. V. R. Rao.
12. Mr. K. G. Saiyidain.
13. Mr. K. Zacharia.
14. Mr. L. R. Sethi.
The Representative of Kashmir could not attend as his plane was delayed on account of bad weather.
Dr. (Mrs.) Bina Chatterjee, Assistant Educational Adviser to the Government of India, acted as Secretary to the Committee.
3. The agenda (Annexure I) and papers circulated to the Committee are set out in the Annexures. The Committee had before them the following documents:-
(i) *Report of the Committee in regard to methods of selecting pupils for Higher Education and advising them in regard to Careers.
(ii) *Report of the Committee of the C.A.B. of Education on Secondary Schools Examination Council for India.
(iii) *Report on Reorganisation of Secondary Education in C.P. & Berar.
(iv) A summary of the views of the Provincial Governments and Universities on the report of the C.A.B. of Education on Secondary Schools Examination Council for India. (Annexure-II).
(v) A note on the length of Training Course for teachers for Basic Education Scheme. (Annexure-III).
(vi) Extract from the Proceedings of the Fourteenth Meeting of the C.A.B. of Education. (Annexure-IV).
(vii) *Points from recent press cuttings. (Annexure-V).
(viii) *Suggestions from Miss Bina Sen of Girls' High School, Ballygunge, Calcutta. (Annexure-VI).
4. After welcoming the members, the Chairman initiated the Committee's deliberations by referring to the large number of complicated and difficult questions relating to Secondary Education which needed careful consideration. He pointed out that though Education was a Provincial subject, it was desirable to maintain uniformity throughout the country. It was therefore advisable for the Government of India to prepare a framework within which the Provinces could fit in their schemes for Secondary Education.
5. With regard to Item 1 of the Agenda, the Chairman remarked that this was a moot question and nothing much would be gained at this stage even if an agreement on the subject was reached.
6. The Committee then proceeded to determine the period of and gradations in Secondary Education. It was recalled that the Central Advisory Board of
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Education had recommended a Junior Basic stage of 5 years (from 6+ to 11+), followed for those who would go on to the Secondary stage by a period of 6 years (from 11+to 17+). For those who would not, there would be a course of three years Senior Basic education which would complete their education. The Chairman pointed out that these recommendations were not strictly followed in the Provinces. In the U.P., e.g., the Junior stage was from 6 to 11 years, the Senior Basic from 11 to 14 and the Secondary from 14 to 18 years. The question whether to adhere to the recommendation of the Central Advisory Board of Education or to adopt the U.P. Scheme was then discussed, in detail. It was agreed that the pre-University course, should cover 12 years. With regard to the distribution of these 12 years of study, the Committee came to the conclusion that the period should be divided into 5 years Junior Basic, 3 years Senior Basic (for those who will finish their education at this stage) or pre-Secondary (for those who will continue their studies) and 4 years Secondary. The last 4 years again may be considered either as one total of 4 years course or of 3 plus 1 or 2 plus 2 according as any particular Province wished. It was the general feeling of the committee that the last 4 years should cover the 2 years Intermediate course also, but it was not decided whether the Intermediate classes should form a part of the High Schools or that of the degree Colleges.
7. The Committee then proceeded to consider the place of the Federal language and English in Secondary Education. It was recommended that the teaching of the Federal language should be started at the end of the Junior Basic stage and ought to be compulsory throughout the Senior Basic or Pre-Secondary stage. The Federal language may however, for the present, be optional in the Secondary stage.
With regard to English, the Committee with the exception of one member was of the opinion that it should continue to be compulsory at the pre-Secondary and Secondary stages so long as it is the medium of instruction in the pre-Secondary and Secondary stages so long as it is the medium of instruction in the universities. For pupils who proposed to leave school after the Senior Basic stage, English may be an optional subject. The dissenting member, Mr. Saihidain held that English should not be taught at all during the first 8 year of child a child's education whether it was imparted during the last 3 years in Post-Basic or Pre-Secondary Institutions and requested that his dissent should be recorded. The Committee further recommended that when English ceased to be the medium of instruction in the universities, the Federal language and not English should become a compulsory subject at the Secondary Stage.
8. Regarding Item V, the Committee was in favour of multilateral schools as they encouraged variety. The Committee however, held that wherever local circumstances demanded, unilateral schools may be opened.
9. The Committee did not consider that at this stage it was necessary to decide upon the methods of selecting pupils for Secondary Education. All efforts at present should be made to encourage education on a large scale.
10. With regard to Examinations, the Committee held that there should be one examination to mark only the completion of the Secondary stage of Education. The Examination may be held at the end of the third or the fourth year at the discretion of the Provincial authority concerned. This should also make pupils eligible for admission to university though the universities, may, for actual admission purposes, lay down such conditions as they deem fit.
11. The Committee next considered what steps should be taken to ensure an adequate supply of teachers. It was hoped that the scales of pay recommended by the Central Advisory Board of Education and revised in the light of the changes that had subsequently taken place together with the conditions of service prescribed by the Board would, if adopted by the Provinces, attract the right type of teachers.
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The Committee then deliberated on the qualifications of teachers for the Secondary stage. It Was decided that trained graduates may be suitable for the first two years of the 'Secondary stage but the last 2 years should preferably be in the charge of trained M.As. As regards the period of training it was agreed that it should be not less than 1 year, but after every 5 years a Refresher course was essential. It was also 'recommended that for the benefit of the students who Would take teaching as their profession, Education should be included as one of the optional subjects in the university course of studies.
12. the Committee than recommended the setting up of Provincial Boards to advise Provincial Educational Authorities on problems connected with Secondary Education, viz., Examinations, course of studies, text books, etc. It was further recommended that an All India Council be established at the Centre with a view, to acting as a coordinating body for the proposed Provincial Boards,
13. The committee then proceeded to consider whether any special measures were necessary to encourage the growth of qualities of leadership among students. In the new context of free India, this Was indispensable for our civil and military life. It was felt that suitable; activities like Scouting, self Government, social service and civic Training, etc. should be introduced in all schools and that the real and long range solution of the problem was to raise the standard of teaching and training in all institutions. If was also recommended that Public schools may be established where special facilities would be offered for encouraging initiative, sense of discripline and character among the pupils in order to prepare them for leadership in civil and military life. Admission to these schools should be on merit alone and there should be provision for scholarship and free places upto 50 per cent of available seats.
14. With regard to the financial implications of the proposed system of Secondary Education, the Committee felt that it was necessary to collect data in the instance. The Provinces were accordingly requested to furnish estimates for the development of Secondary Education in their respective areas.
15. The following is a summary of the main conclusions and recommendations of the Committee:-
(i) Admission to the degree course should be preceded by a course of primary and secondary education for at least twelve years.
(ii) Of the above twelve years, five years should be spent at the Junior Basic stage, three years at the Senior Basic or pre-Secondary and four years at the Secondary stage.
(iii) The teaching of the Federal language should be started at the end of the Junior Basic stage and should be compulsory throughout the pre-Secondary stage, but may be optional thereafter.
(iv) English may be an optional subject at the Senior Basic stage and should be compulsory at the pre- secondary and Secondary stages so long as it remains the medium of instruction in the Universities.
(v) The Federal language should become a compulsory subject at the Secondary stage when English ceases to be the medium of instruction in the Universities.
(vi) Secondary schools should be ordinarily of the multilateral type but where the local circumstances demand, unilateral schools should not be discouraged.
(vii) There should be one public examination at the end of the Secondary stage; the Universities may, for admission purposes, lay down such conditions as they deem fit.
(viii) The pay and conditions of service of teachers should be the same as recommended by the C.a. B. of Education. The scales of pay
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should be revised in the light of the changes that have recently taken place.
(ix) Trained graduates can take charge of the teaching in the first two years of the Secondary stage but trained M.As. should teach in the last two years.
(x) The period of training should not be less than one year and after every five years there should be a refresher course.
(xi) Education should be one of the subjects in the University course of studies.
(xii) Provincial Boards should be set up to advise Provincial Educational Authorities on problems connected with Secondary Education.
(xiii) There should be an All-India council at the Centre to act as a Co-ordinating body for the proposed Provincial Boards.
(xiv) Youth Movements, Scout movements, etc. should be encouraged in all schools.
(xv) A number of Public Schools may be established to foster the growth of leadership among pupils. Admission to such schools should be governed by merit alone. There should also be provision for scholarships and free places upto fifty per cent of available seats in such schools.
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ANNEXURE I
AGENDA 1. To examine the arms and objects of Secondary Education as defined in the Report of the Central Advisory Board of Education on Post-War Educational Development in India.
2. To determine the period of and gradations in Secondary Education.
3. To consider the place of the National Language and English in Secondary Education.
4. To consider the different types of Secondary Schools to be established and whether they should be unilateral or multilateral.
5. To consider the procedure to be adopted for selecting pupils for Secondary Education.
6. To consider the relation of Secondary Education to Basic Education and University Education.
7. To consider the nature of the examination to be held at the end of the secondary stage and how far it could be utilised for admission to Universities.
8. To consider the steps to be taken for training an adequate number of teachers with the qualifications necessary and the conditions of their service.
9. To consider the short and long-term measures necessary for giving effect to the proposed system of Secondary Education, including methods of instruction, examinations, control and administration and buildings and equipment.
10. To consider the special steps to be taken for the growth of leadership both for the Armed Forces and for Civil life.
11. To consider the financial implications of the proposed system of Secondary Education.
12. To consider any other matters relevant to the terms of reference.
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ANNEXURE II A SUMMARY OF THE VIEWS OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS AN[) UNIVERSITIES ON THE REPORT OF THE CENTRAL ADVISORY BOARD OF EDUCATION ON A SECONDARY SCHOOLS EXAMINATION COUNCIL FOR INDIA.
A.PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS 1. Assam.-The Government of Assam have no objection to the proposal for the establishment of an all-India Council for ensuring uniformity of standard in S.S.L.C. Examination throughout the country and to co-operate with it.
2. Bihar.-The Government have no objection to the establishment of the proposed council and the Director of Public Instruction co- operating in the discharge of its functions.
3. C. P. and Berar.-The Provincial Government agree to the establishment of a Secondary Schools Examination Council and would gladly co-operate with it in the discharge of its functions.
4. Orissa.-The Provincial Government agree to the proposal and would gladly co-operate in the discharge of its functions.
B. CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED AREAS 1. Ajmer Merwara.- Agrees with the proposal.
2. Delhi-The Administration is in favour of the establishment of the Secondary Schools Examination Council for India.
C.UNIVERSITIES 1. Agra.-The University approves of and welcomes the formation of the proposed Council and is prepared to offer co-operation in the matter.
2. Aligarh Muslim.-Agrees to the setting up of the proposed Secondary Schools Examination Council and shall willingly co-operate with it in the discharge of its functions.
3. Allahabad.-The University is in general agreement with the proposal, thought it does not conduct any Secondary School Examination.
4. Annamalai.-The University welcomes the proposal, but feels it may not be possible for such an All-India Council to enforce uniformity of standards with reference to question papers, marking and valuation, which vary with the examinations. The scheme for the Secondary Schools Examination Council course also is not acceptable as it is possible for a candidate to omit important subjects as Elementary Mathematics and Science.
5. Andhra.-A communication is awaited.
6. Bombay.-The University has not views to offer.
7. Calcutta.-It is stated that the powers and functions of the proposed council should be in keeping with the autonomy of the bodies concerned and should have representatives of different universities and other academic bodies.
8. Delhi.-The University is in agreement with the proposal.
9. East Punjab.-A communication is awaited.
10. Lucknow.-Agrees with the proposal.
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11. Madras.-The Syndicate has resolved that as it understands a *committee is being appointed by the Government of India to consider this question, its report may be awaited.
12. Nagpur.--The Academic Council and the Executive Council accept generally the proposal for constituting a Secondary Schools Examination Council for India and will be prepared to cooperate with the Council, when constituted.
13. Rajputana.-The University welcomes, in general principle, the setting up of the proposed Council and has suggested a few modifications to the scheme in regard to the contents of the examination.
14. Travancore.-The University sees no objection to the appointment of the proposed Secondary Schools Examination Council for India and will be pleased to co-operate with the Council in the discharge of its functions. In Travancore the University holds a separate and independent Entrance Examination.
15. Utkal.-A communication is awaited.