Should Class X Exams Become Optional?
Education is defined as knowledge and skills acquired by learning and appropriate instructions. Basically, it's the combination of knowledge and skill which are imparted into the individual. The most critical part of this is no doubt, the set of instructions and method in which they are given. The approach and intention define the boundaries, type and quality of the mould, in which the futures of the nation are casted. India has a huge pool of young human resources, the highest in the world. The government has to make sure that these resources are an asset to this nation.
Present Status
In ancient times the 'Gurukul' or the house of knowledge, provided education with a motive of preparing the child for a life, in which he benefits the society he is living in. A method was adopted so that, he learns skills, which are must to protect himself and acquires knowledge of life.
Today, at this point of time, India's education system is more competition and result oriented. There are two important exams in our schooling duration, class 10th and class 12th boards. A child since the start of his curriculum journey is forced to study hard and score a not good but a high percentage of marks, so that he's well prepared for the two exams. The pressure from parents and competition is really worth it for the child? While preparing for tough competition ahead, isn't his thinking process is being limited to a small sphere? No doubt our country has the toughest education system, but what's the point if it leads to student's suicides. We produce one of the largest pools of engineers, but how many innovations and patents belong to this country. The young minds are molded into small and a high pressure cast, which he's not made to encounter with. The knowledge orientation study is replaced by a result oriented one.
Good move in right direction By scrapping class 10 boards, HRD ministry has taken a step in a right direction. It will not only help the child to get a relief from the unnecessary pressure, but also give him the space to go out of the box and concentrate more towards the realization of his passion and dreams. Until now, most of the children are fulfilling the expectations of their parents. Class 10 boards had really no relevance as for those who are to stay in same school. It just became a thing of pride for parents and a mode for result advertisement for the commercial coaching institutes.
Still a long way ahead
A right step in the right direction has ensured the pressure free childhood development days. But still more work is required to be done for restructuring the education system. A uniform board and syllabus will help admissions in colleges and institutions easier. Our dismal state of our universities is beckoning for a revamp. Better facilities and infrastructure is needed for research and self-reliant project developments. Right to education has provided free and compulsory education for 6-14 years of age, but below 6 years more care is required. Reservation in private schools will ensure that the depressed classes are not deprived of quality education, if it goes well, a day will surely come when the depressed classes can be par with the rest, and the reservation at higher level will not be required anymore. A lot is expected from this ministry. I really hope that its tenure will be known as a revolution in the education system of India.
-Nalin Sharma
