Vacancies, Funding, and Infrastructure Challenges faced by India’s Education System

A multitude of challenges is being faced by India’s education system, placing the future of millions of students at risk. A recent report has brought to light alarming issues, including a shortage of teachers, inadequate funding, and poor infrastructure.

Teacher Shortage at 11.16 Lakh

A staggering 11.16 lakh teaching positions have been reported as vacant in schools across the country. With these vacancies, the quality of education is being impacted, and existing teachers are being burdened with additional non-academic tasks.

Funding Allocation Deficient

The allocation of funds has also fallen short, as only 3.1% of India’s GDP was spent on education in 2019-20, despite a recommended allocation of 6%. This funding deficiency has resulted in a lack of essential infrastructure, such as libraries, laboratories, and basic sanitation facilities.

Higher Education Becoming Unaffordable

Higher education has increasingly become inaccessible to the common public, with institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) charging Rs. 2 lakh per semester for MBA programs. These high costs are pushing specialised education out of reach for many students.

Infrastructure Concerns

Basic facilities, including usable toilets, access to drinking water, and hygienic conditions, are missing in many schools. According to the 2016 Annual Survey of Education Report, only 68.7% of schools were reported to have usable toilet facilities.

Persistent Dropout Rates

High dropout rates continue to affect primary and secondary education, with factors like poverty, lack of toilets, long distances to school, child marriages, and societal barriers contributing to the issue.

Neglect of Regional Languages

The prioritisation of English as the main medium of instruction has placed students from rural and non-English-speaking backgrounds at a disadvantage, impacting their educational experiences and career opportunities.

The National Education Policy 2020’s Objective

With the introduction of the National Policy on Education 2020, efforts to incorporate skill-based learning and enhance employability are underway. However, the brain drain persists, as many talented individuals continue to seek opportunities abroad. Urgent action has been called for by experts, who emphasise the importance of prioritising education to secure India’s future.

Government initiatives, such as the National Skill Development Mission, which aims to train 400 million people by 2022, are in place. Nevertheless, swift measures are required to address these systemic challenges and provide quality education for all students in India.