THE CONTEXT: The NEET-UG exam has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of paper leaks and irregularities, leading to debates about education governance in India. Historically, education was a state subject until the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 moved it to the Concurrent List, allowing both the Centre and States to legislate on it. This shift aimed to create uniform policies but has sparked ongoing discussions about the balance of power and the effectiveness of central versus state control.
THE ISSUES:
- Government of India Act, 1935: The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced a federal structure in India, distributing legislative powers between the federal legislature (Union) and provinces (States). Education was placed under the provincial list, primarily a state responsibility.
- Post-Independence: After India gained independence, education remained on the state list. This continued until the Emergency period (1975-1977), during which the Congress party constituted the Swaran Singh Committee to recommend constitutional amendments. One of its recommendations was to move education to the concurrent list to facilitate formulating all-India policies. This was implemented through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.
- Attempts to Revert: The Janata Party government, led by Morarji Desai, attempted to reverse many of the changes made during the Emergency through the 44th Constitutional Amendment in 1978. Although the amendment to move education back to the state list was passed in the Lok Sabha, it was not passed in the Rajya Sabha.
- International Practices:
1. United States: In the U.S., state and local governments set educational standards, mandate standardized tests, and supervise colleges and universities. The federal Department of Education focuses on financial aid policies, key educational issues, and equal access.
2. Canada: Education in Canada is entirely managed by provincial governments, which follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education nationwide.
3. Germany: Germany’s constitution vests legislative powers for education with the Länder (states). Each state has its education policies, though there is a common framework for certain aspects like vocational training.
4. South Africa: In South Africa, education is governed by two national departments for school and higher education. Provincial education departments implement national policies and address local issues.
- Financial Responsibility: States bear a significant portion of the education expenditure. According to the Ministry of Education’s 2022 report, states contribute 85% of the total revenue expenditure on education, while the Centre contributes only 15%.
- Recent Issues with Centralization: The NEET controversies highlight that centralization does not necessarily eliminate problems like corruption and lack of professionalism.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Hybrid Model of Governance: Adopt a hybrid model where the central government retains oversight for regulatory frameworks and national standards, while states can tailor educational policies to local needs. This model allows for a balance between uniformity and customization. States can address local cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic contexts, while the central government ensures minimum standards and regulatory compliance.
- Enhanced Funding and Resource Allocation: Increase funding for education from central and state governments, ensuring equitable resource distribution to underserved areas. Adequate financing is critical for improving infrastructure, teacher training, and educational materials, which directly impact the quality of education. Allocate a higher percentage of GDP to education, aiming for at least 6% as various educational commissions recommend. Implement targeted funding programs for disadvantaged regions to ensure equitable access to quality education.
- Decentralized Curriculum Development: Allow states to develop curricula that reflect local culture, environment, and needs while adhering to national guidelines. Ensure that state curricula meet national standards for core subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts. A decentralized approach can make education more relevant and engaging for students, fostering better learning outcomes.
- Strengthened Regulatory Mechanisms: Enhance the role of central regulatory bodies like the National Medical Commission, University Grants Commission, and All India Council for Technical Education to oversee higher education standards. Central regulatory bodies can provide oversight and maintain standards across states, preventing corruption and lack of professionalism.
- Collaborative Governance and Policy Dialogue: To align educational policies and address emerging challenges, Foster continuous dialogue and collaboration between central and state governments. Establish a permanent intergovernmental council on education to facilitate regular communication and policy coordination. Encourage joint initiatives and pilot projects to test new educational strategies and share best practices.
THE CONCLUSION:
Whether education should be returned to the State List or remain in the Concurrent List highlights the complexities of governance in a diverse country like India. While centralization aims for uniform standards, recent controversies suggest it does not eliminate issues like corruption and inefficiency. A balanced approach, with central oversight for regulatory frameworks and state autonomy for policy implementation, could effectively address national and local needs.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 How far do you think cooperation, competition, and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. 2020
Q.2 The crucial aspect of the development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. 2023
Q.3 The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. 2022
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the historical background and the ongoing debate regarding the placement of ‘education’ in the Concurrent List versus the State List in India. Compare this with international practices and suggest a way forward considering the recent controversies surrounding national exams like NEET-UG.
SOURCE:
Spread the Word