Financial Barriers Shouldn’t Obstruct A Student's Learning Journey,” Yogi Ji Said

Yogi Adityanath, CM of Uttar Pradesh, made a significant move promoting inclusive education. He made a strong statement that no child should miss out on education just because their family doesn’t have enough money. He instructed the heads of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad (MPSP) institutions on Saturday on the same, emphasizing equal opportunities for all.

In Gorakhpur there was a review meeting held where CM Yogi ji said, “it is the responsibility of every institution head to make sure that money problems do not obstruct the  student’s learning journey and that full support  is extended to students who belong to financially weaker  backgrounds.”

The CM also stated that the schools shouldn’t make education a mere formality but a mission. He underlined facts appealing to all the heads of the institutions to be diligent and focus on encouraging healthy competition, innovation, discipline, and management. There are more than 1.5 million primary schools in India and the government has promised to provide all the children with equal learning opportunities. But still around 15% of those enrolled in schools drop out by the time  they reach secondary school. Also, in rural areas things are worse, where only 8% of children have proper internet facility, which makes learning online challenging.

An example can be taken of Uttar Pradesh. This year 1.65 lakh children have been qualified under the Right to Education (RTE) Act to be admitted in the private schools. However, 72,044 was the actual figure of students who got the admission. This clearly shows that more than half of the children who were meant to get a seat didn’t get it. This proves that the issue of money remains a huge obstacle in the learning journey.

The government is understanding this situation and is implementing different policies. New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is introduced that revolves around providing a fair chance to every child. It has brought in a new 5+3+3+4 regime replacing the 10+ 2 system, and is concentrating on ensuring that by Grade 2, kids are able to read and also solve simple math problems. Over 105 universities have a four year degree program now and entrance tests such as JEE and NEET can now be given in 13 Indian languages so it has become easier for students belonging to different backgrounds.

CM Yogi Adityanath has insisted that schools need to do their part.  Emphasizing the development of a strong culture of campuses, he said, “MPSP is not merely a body that runs schools, colleges, universities, or hospitals. Its core mission is to contribute to social development and nation- building through education, healthcare, and services. Despite challenges, the parishad has remained unwavering in its commitment to producing responsible citizens dedicated to the national cause.”

He also made a bold statement highlighting that when a child is already entitled to schooling under the RTE Act, the schools must accept them without excuses. The state is currently monitoring very closely to ensure that schools abide by the regulations. This is vital since most people criticize the existence of the private schools in India whose student population numbers 12 million students yet most of them are accused of selecting and choosing among the students to be admitted and educated there.

Naturally, not everything is smooth. India only spends 3.1% of its GDP on education as compared to what experts would have it spend. Many rural schools still lack good teachers and basic facilities. And here’s a worrying fact: less than 40% of students in Class 8 can read a simple story in their own language

However, it is not all in vain. Things can be made better with more emphasis on skill based learning, teacher training and smart utilization of technology. The government is making a big effort, but it is time that schools, teachers and communities get onboard.

It is time for India to focus on the roots, because all children deserve an equal opportunity to be educated, regardless of the financial condition of their family, in order to allow India to develop and be among the world leaders, more so become the vishwaguru it aims to be. The intentions are there and the policies are present. We all must now ensure that no child gets left behind. After all, the true might of a country is represented by dreams and talents of its children/youth