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Orissa needs an effective education system

HNF Bureau

January 12, 2008

With a few private professional colleges and universities, Orissa is claiming to have quality academic infrastructure in the state. But the reality is that Orissa is still behind in the race of producing industry required professionals in the state.

It’s not only higher education; basic primary education system in the state is in a frustrating state. Rural schools do not have teachers; leave apart the issue of quality teachers. Yet the state is fighting for IIT in the state to produce professionals for the Industries it is planning in the state. It clearly seems to be a political agenda because our basic education system is not so effective to empower our children qualify in the test for IITs. So, the main focus should be on foundation stage education system.

In fact, an institute of IIT standard is not a very big issue for Orissa and it can go for it without central help. A part of CSR budget from the industrial houses who have signed MoU with the state government can enable Orissa set a world-class Institute of IIT standard. But the issue is, we must have well groomed talents for such kind of an institute. Chairman of Knowledge Commission Sam Pitroda discussed his ideas and plans about enhancement of education quality.

The need for expansion as we do not have enough schools/colleges and varsities, providing quality education and ensuring equity as well as access are the three major challenges said Mr Sam Pitroda, chairman National Knowledge Commission. Talking to reporters he said the 11th Plan does make a substantial commitment to education and states must be ready to avail the funds that will flow. He said Orissa was the first state he visited to interact with officials vis-à-vis the Knowledge Commission’s activities and recommendations. "I will visit a few other states like Rajasthan, Dellhi, Andhra Pradesh before we prepare a document on what states need to do," he remarked. He emphasised on vocational training and making students employable. He suggested setting up of a advisory committee of eminent citizens at the state level, a working group headed by the chief secretary and small groups to deal with each of the aspects involving education. Mr. Pitroda shared the view if more IITs were to come up in the country, Orissa should get one.

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‘There is no quick fix to the problem of dearth of teachers and quality teachers, but the fact is that we have to use more and more technology to get over this problem. For instance, the best of content is available on the net and hence teachers can be removed from content creation. We have to look at innovative methods of teaching. Noting that the Commission has already made as many as 160 recommendations to the government, he said it for the government to take decisions. Don’t expect miracles but over the next decade or two you will get results’, he said when asked about the working of the Commission and the fate of its recommendations. On mushrooming private colleges which lacked trained faculty as well as infrastructure, he said it was a demand-supply problem. Suddenly the demand for education increased substantially and there was a short supply of institutions and hence people stepped in to fill up this gap. In the process institutions of low standards had come up everywhere.

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