 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 The review of the educational statistics system covered in the preceding chapters has been undertaken in fulfilment of a long- felt need which found expression in the resolution proposed by Prof. P. K. Bose, formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Calcutta University, in the Eighth All India Conference on Educational Statis- tics, 1980. The aforesaid resolution took note of the certain deficiencies of the existing system such as excessive time lag, inaccuracies of data and non-coverage of items relating to requirements of planners and administrators, and also of the efforts hitherto which tended to tackle the problem on a piecemeal basis. It has, therefore, been urged that a comprehensive review be made and a perspective plan programme for the development of the information system in the sector of education may be evolved.

9.2 In the follow up, the Government of India assigned this task to this Committee. Keeping in view its terms of reference, the Committee has devoted considerable attention to the problems as obtained in the system of educational statistics at present, the weaknesses in the organisation and management set up and in the procedure for data collection. In the chapter on "System of Educa- tional Statistics", a critical review is made on the existing system particularly on the need for coordination amongst the agencies engaged on similar tasks, and interaction with user organisations. The chapter on "Educational Statistics for Planning and Management" dwells at length on the major data gaps from the point of view of

planners and administrators. The Committee could well appreciate the inherent problems of data collection of some of these items and have, therefore, recommended different types of programmes to meet the requirements. The main emphasis in the chapter on "Organisation and Management" is on the need for maintenance of proper data at each level, vertical flow of information as necessary, and above all the need for coordination' of efforts. The recommendations, therefore, include certain streamlining of the machinery and also the strengthening of the machinery at all levels. The data collection procedure has beenfully analysed in the relevantchapter. Different types of data collection programmes i.e. census, survey, etc. have been spelt out for the several activities recommended.

9.3. A review of the statistical system is not complete without deliberations on the publication activity and dissemination of information. The chapter on "Computerisation and Dissemination of Information" covers these important aspects at the post-data collection stage, including storage and retrieval. Considering that personnel of different backgrounds and experience contribute to the data collection process at the ground level and thereafter, the Committee is of the view that training of personnel is of considerable significance. A separate chapter on training stands included in the Report.

9.4. The recommendations made in the different chapters have been listed in the next chapter. Some of the important features, relate to:

(a) Introduction of Management Information System. Information system as an important tool on management is yet to gain recognition. It is

desirable and necessary to introduce the system gradually for which purpose suitable guidelines have been included in the Report. When introduced, the system would serve in multipurpose needs for decentralised planning, administrative requirements, monetary and evaluation.

(b) Strengthening of the Statistical Machinery at the Central level, State level as well as district and block levels. The excessive time-lag in the data collection and the lack of reliable data obtained in the present system cannot be overcome without providing for the appropriate machinery at the field levels. The State Governments need to look this aspect and initiate for adequate steps for strengthening the Staff.

(c) Coverage of Non-formal Education Sector in Educational Statistics: With the spread of nonformal education at the school stage and similar programmes for the adults and with the increasing facilities provided for continuing education through non-formal programmes, this sector of education can no more be excluded in the compilation of educational statistics.

(d) Conduct of All India Educational Survey Every Five Years: The All India Surveys conducted by the NCERT provide a wealth of information useful for planning purposes, organising the work a couple of years before every Plan would be extremely useful from the point of view of educational planning in the Five Year Plans.

(e) Recourse, to sample surveys to supplement census data: This is necessary for collection of such education variables which cannot be cover-

ed by the census collection. Moreover, the data collected on census basis is not all that dependable as has been the experience. Sample checking of data collected in 5-10% of the institutions is to be necessarily introduced, to improve the reliability of data.

(f) Constitution of a State Standing Committee to review periodically the progress of data collection: Time lag in data collection is a major problem which cannot be reduced without inbuilt provisions in the system itself for a regular periodic monitoring of the progress of data collections at the senior levels. Remedial measures are, therefore, necessary both at the State Government level and at the Centre.

(g) Collection of additional data for such items as wastage in education, attrition of teachers etc., to meet the educational planner's requirements.

(h) Training of staff engaged in educational work: The training of the personnel is necessary for improving the quality and reliability of the data collected and compiled. Keeping in view the diverse background and experience of the cross-section of personnel engaged on this work, the programmes need to be specially drawn out to the different groups.

(i) Computerisation of educational facilities: Increasing use should be made of computer facilities for data processing, computer data banks should be built up at the national level.

(j) Provision for registration of unrecognised schools: According to the recent trends, the

number of un-recognised schools coming up in, the different parts of the country contributes to, a significant proportion of enrolment. To facilitate the data collection in regard to such enrolment, there is need for the introduction of system of registration in respect of unrecognised schools.

It is hoped that these recommendations find acceptance, and are acted upon expeditiously.