Brief Analysis of 20th Century Committees, Commissions, and Policies in Indian Education

 The 20th century spans the years from 1901 to 2000. It began on January 1, 1901, and ended on December 31, 2000.

The 20th century was a transformative period for Indian education, marked by comprehensive efforts to address the diverse needs of a growing and independent nation. Below is a detailed exploration of the major committees, commissions, and policies that shaped this era:

1. The Sargent Plan (1944)

• Background:
  Introduced by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) during the colonial period to prepare for post-war reconstruction.
• Key Recommendations:
• Free and Compulsory Education: Target of universal education for children aged 6–14 by 1984.
• Teacher Training: Emphasized the need for professionally trained teachers.
• Technical Education: Establishment of vocational schools to meet industrial and agricultural needs.
• Higher Education: Expansion of universities and creation of rural institutes.
• Challenges:
  Lack of financial and administrative capacity led to limited implementation.

2. The University Education Commission (1948-49)

• Chairperson: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
• Objective:
  To reform higher education in post-independence India.
• Key Features:
• Focused on liberal, spiritual, and cultural education.
• Emphasized autonomy for universities.
• Advocated for rural universities to address local needs.
• Suggested improving teacher training and research facilities.
• Impact:
  Laid the foundation for reforms in higher education, aligning it with democratic values and the economic needs of India.

3. The Secondary Education Commission (1952-53)

• Chairperson: Dr. A. Lakshmanswami Mudaliar.
• Objective:
  Reform secondary education to make it more practical and relevant.
• Key Features:
• Diversified curriculum catering to different student aptitudes.
• Establishment of multi-purpose schools offering general and vocational education.
• Introduced work experience and social service programs.
• Stressed physical education and moral instruction.
• Impact:
  Influenced the development of the secondary education system, including the introduction of streams in high school education.

4. The Kothari Commission (1964-66)

• Chairperson: Dr. D. S. Kothari.
• Objective:
  Comprehensive reform of education to meet the demands of modernization and national development.
• Key Features:
• "10+2+3" Structure: Standardized school and higher education.
• Common School System: Proposed equitable access to quality education.
• Science and Technology: Focused on STEM education.
• National Policies: Advocated for integrated national policies to ensure uniformity and quality.
• Impact:
  Formed the basis for the National Policy on Education (1968) and inspired subsequent reforms.

5. National Policy on Education (1968)

• Based on: Recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
• Key Provisions:
• Promotion of regional languages alongside Hindi and English.
• Universal education for all children up to the age of 14.
• Emphasis on technical and vocational education.
• Development of science education to enhance innovation.
• Impact:
  Established the foundation for India's modern education system and introduced systemic reforms.

6. National Policy on Education (1986)

• Context:
  Addressed new challenges like globalization, technology, and equity.
• Key Provisions:
• Emphasis on elementary education through Operation Blackboard.
• Establishment of Navodaya Vidyalayas for rural students.
• Integration of ICT into education.
• Expansion of adult literacy programs and non-formal education.
• Revised in 1992:
  Incorporated environmental education and a focus on vocational training.

 

7. Acharya Ramamurti Committee (1990)

• Objective:
  Reviewed the 1986 policy, emphasizing decentralization and value-based education.
• Recommendations:
• Promotion of indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
• Decentralized management of education.
• Strengthening teacher education programs.

 

8. Yashpal Committee (1993)

• Objective:
  Addressed the burden of rote learning in schools and advocated holistic development.
• Key Suggestions:
• Reduction of curriculum load.
• Integration of real-life experiences in learning.
• Greater focus on conceptual understanding rather than memorization.

9. The National Knowledge Commission (2005)

• Chairperson: Sam Pitroda.
• Objective:
  Transform India into a knowledge society by improving access and quality in higher education.
• Recommendations:
• Increase the number of universities to cater to growing demand.
• Reform regulatory frameworks to promote innovation.
• Enhance vocational training and digital literacy.

10. Other Significant Initiatives

Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (1937)

• Focused on craft-based learning (Nai Talim).
• Aimed to integrate education with local needs and economy.

Hunter Commission (1882-83)

• Though 19th century, its impact on primary and secondary education was felt into the 20th century.

Sampurnanand Committee (1954)

• Advocated Sanskrit education.

Conclusion

The 20th century saw the evolution of Indian education through a blend of indigenous and modern philosophies. From addressing colonial legacies to embracing globalization, these committees and policies laid a robust foundation for inclusive and equitable education.