Its exam time for Education

When one mentions educational institutions of India what immediately comes to mind are the IIT's, IIM's , NIT's and the like.They are indeed centers of excellence in learning.But the picture in the rest of the country is not as sanguine.A study by NASSCOM reveals that a vast majority of graduates passing out every year are not employable in organisations.Most colleges don't have infrastructure comparable to international standards.Add to this the shortage of faculty that most of the colleges including the IIT's and the IIM's face and we have a grim future ahead as far as education is concerned.

The fact that only about 25% of technical graduates are considered employable by IT companies must come as a blow to the vast number of engineering colleges churning out students in lakhs every year.The amount of pre-training needed is indicated by the fact that IT majors house mini-universities on their 'campuses'.A more practical and industry oriented approach is needed with regards to the teaching methods.The syllabus should also be a reflection of the current trends in the concerned industry.And a more flexible approach of credit system must be given some serious thought.

The shortfall of experienced faculty in most educational institutions is alarming.The fact that students who pass out earn more salaries than their teachers doesn't make it an attractive option at all.So its hardly surprising when professors decide to strike(often at critical times like the onset of an exam) to make their voice heard.In higher educational institutions the problem of attrition to foreign universities is mainly due to better scope for research and monetary as well as non-monetary benefits.

Education is a public good(and should be a basic right as well) and hence the government takes it upon itself to impart it.The very fact that the government 'educates' the people who will elect it may be open to argument.Education hardly gets a bite of the budget pie - it is more often than not utilized as a political instrument(quotas for instance).Allotting more funds towards education would seem like a good enough solution.But just pumping money where there is lack of vision would only lead to a downfall.Efficient utilisation is a complementary and necessary addendum.And a possible alternative to explore would be allowing private participation in this shackled sector.

Private universities including foreign ones will bring much needed funds and expertise to attract good faculty.Infrastructure issues would have to be dealt with by them to maintain competitive advantage.And by encourage corporate tie-ups we can ensure that companies have an assured source of good quality human resource at their hands and can reduce their training needs.What more - the increased supply of good graduates with respect to rising demand will stabilise their salaries which will be a feel good factor for the faculty(who will have better pay than present) .The government can chip in with their funds for scholarships,examinations etc. and focus more on primary education.

India has a great hope in its demographic dividend(large working population) to fulfill its dream.Making that population skilled and educated enough will turn it into reality.