PREFACE
 

The national debate on the New Educational Policy on "Challenge of Education" continues to evoke public response in the form of letters, and comments therein on different issues. The inflow of communications from individuals, organisations, press, official and non-official forums of the states and the union territories is unabated. NIEPA has been analysing letters, press clippings, seminar reports being received by the Ministry of Education from all over the country. Several volumes have been brought out.

The present volume is the content analysis or letters received from individuals. We attach due importance to the views expressed by different individuals for they constitute and represent the spirit of democracy. The fact that Shastri Bhavan has received and continues to receive thousands of such responses, clearly reflects the deep concern and interest of the Indian people in restructuring Indian education to make it more responsive to emerging national needs and aspirations. That they criticise and chide and come out with a myriad suggestions for revamping the system is enough to tell us that their faith in Education is not lost.

The major effort in the preparation of this volume was that of Ms. Anjana Mangalgiri, Associate Fellow and Ms. Jayshree Jalali, Project Associate Fellow of the International Unit. They were ably assisted by Ms. Sunita Chug, Ms. Priti Chug and Mr. Narendra. The manuscript was typed by Mr. Pravash Saxena and Mr. Satbir Singh Bhardwaj and Ms. Kamlesh. The untiring work of above mentioned and of staff the micro-processing section and the duplicating section is acknowledged with gratitude. We also wish to ace on record our gratitude to Prof. Satya Bhusan, Director, NIEPA and Dr. Kusum Premi, Head, Policy Unit, NIEPA for guiding and motivating us.

Hope this modest effort to communicate the popular message to the policy makers would be of interest and use.

Usha Nayar

CONTENTS

Page

Preface

1. Introduction 1-2

2. Quantitative Analysis 3-13

Statewise Distribution 3

Occupational Background 4

Thematic Responses 7

Stage of Education 8

3. Qualitative Analysis 14-49

Goals 14

Structure 17

Planning and Management 18

Infrastructure 22

Finance 24

Content, Curriculum, Method 26

Language 30

Vocational & Job-oriented Courses 33

Access to Higher Education 35

Delinking Jobs with Degrees 37

Status of Teacher and Teacher Education 38

Evaluation 41

Adult Education 43

Social Justice 44

Malpractices 47

Discipline 49

4. Conclusion 50-53