Collaborative Efforts Needed to Address Critical Education Challenges in India

Ministry of Education Data: 12% of Teachers Lack Professional Qualifications

PRS Legislative Research is an independent, non-profit organization based in New Delhi. It supports the legislative process by providing non-partisan research and analysis to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). PRS offers insights on various issues, including education, health, economy, and governance, and is known for its detailed reports on legislative matters.

A recent analysis by PRS Legislative Research has highlighted significant challenges faced by schools across India. According to the analysis, at least 35 per cent of schools in the country enrol 50 or fewer students and employ only one or two teachers. Furthermore, the NITI Aayog report indicates that 36 per cent of government schools in India have fewer than 50 students, with nearly 10 per cent having fewer than 20 students. These schools often encounter difficulties, with teachers managing multiple grades and subjects, sometimes including subjects for which they may not be adequately qualified, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The analysis also reveals that teachers in smaller schools spend a significant amount of time on administrative tasks, thereby impacting their teaching hours. Additionally, these schools frequently lack essential infrastructure, such as laboratories and libraries.

As of the 2022-23 academic year, 16 per cent of teaching posts for grades 1-8 remained vacant, with some states experiencing considerably higher vacancy rates. Specifically, Jharkhand reported a 40 per cent vacancy rate, Bihar 32 per cent, Mizoram 30 per cent, and Tripura 26 per cent. The Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports (2023) has emphasized the urgent need to accelerate teacher recruitment and recommended the formation of an Autonomous Teacher Recruitment Board in states to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

Furthermore, as of the 2023-24 academic year, approximately 12 per cent of teachers from primary to higher secondary levels lacked professional teaching qualifications, with 48 per cent of pre-primary teachers unqualified, according to data from the Ministry of Education. These findings underscore the pressing need for improved infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and professional development to enhance the quality of education in India.

Editor's Note:

The recent analysis by PRS Legislative Research reveals alarming challenges that schools across India are facing. It is unacceptable that 35 per cent of schools enrol 50 or fewer students and rely on just one or two teachers. This situation undermines the quality of education but also places an undue burden on educators who are forced to manage multiple grades and subjects, often without adequate qualifications. The lack of essential infrastructure, such as laboratories and libraries, further exacerbates the issue, depriving students of a comprehensive learning experience. The high vacancy rate for teaching posts, with some states facing up to 40% vacancies, is a critical issue. The Standing Committee on Education has stressed the need to expedite teacher recruitment and recommended forming an Autonomous Teacher Recruitment Board in states to ensure transparency and efficiency. This recommendation should be implemented promptly.

The Ministry of Education's data revealing that 12% of teachers lack professional qualifications underscores the urgent need for professional development. Investing in educator training is crucial to improving education quality and ensuring every child in India receives a well-rounded education.

According to Skoobuzz. It is time for policymakers, educational institutions, and the government to come together and address these pressing issues. The future of our nation depends on the quality of education we provide to our children.