Hindu Editorial Analysis : 21-November-2023

Education is a fundamental human right, and ensuring its accessibility and affordability for all is crucial for inclusive development. The right to education aims to provide quality learning opportunities throughout one’s life. An inclusive approach ensures that individual needs are considered, fostering participation and achievement for all learners.

Challenges in Public Education in India
  • Poor Quality: A study by IIM Ahmedabad revealed a lack of trust in government schools due to poor education quality, leading parents to prefer private schools despite higher costs.
Revolutionary Reforms in Odisha
  • Odisha’s Initiatives: The Odisha government’s transformative reforms, including Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAV), ‘Mo School’ Abhiyan, and the 5T-High School Transformation Programme, are reshaping public education.
The OAV Model
  • Bridge the Gap: OAVs provide secondary stage admissions to address challenges in securing admission to Kendriya Vidyalaya schools.
  • Rural-Urban Equality: With 315 English-medium OAVs in rural and semi-urban areas, the model aims to bridge the rural-urban education gap.
  • Social Equity: OAVs promote social equity by providing opportunities to students from marginalized backgrounds, with reservations for SC, ST, and female students.
  • Technological Integration: OAVs leverage digital technology for accountability and transparency, with plans to become Centers of Excellence for innovation-driven learning.
Mo School Abhiyan and 5T-High School Transformation Programme
  • Alumni Engagement: Mo School Abhiyan engages alumni to contribute to revamping government schools through the School Adoption Programme (SAP).
  • 5T Programme: Launched in 2021, it focuses on transparency, technology, teamwork, and timeliness, incorporating educational technology and facilities for holistic development.
Outcomes of Inclusivity
  • Shift in Enrollment: Private school enrollment decreased from 16,05,000 in 2019-20 to 14,62,000 in 2021-22, with 81% of students now in government schools.
  • Higher Female Enrollment: The initiatives resulted in higher female enrollment, with 43,410 female students compared to 30,949 males.
Suggestions for Inclusive Development
  • Integrated Approach: Collaboration among educational institutions and universities is essential for achieving the 2030 agenda.
  • Multidisciplinary Outlook: Universities should contribute to local communities, focusing on health, energy conservation, skill development, and shared resources.
  • Socio-economic Integration: Education must be integrated into socio-economic development for meaningful impacts on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Research-Teaching Nexus: Strengthening the research-teaching nexus in universities ensures students benefit directly from research knowledge.
  • Sustainability as a Mantra: Universities should adopt sustainability as a mantra, incorporating SDGs into daily administration, teaching, and research.
Why In News

Education is a fundamental human right that should be readily accessible and affordable for all sections of society, ensuring that development is truly inclusive and empowers individuals to reach their full potential. By fostering a learning environment that transcends economic barriers, we pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.

MCQs about Odisha’s Inclusive Education Revolution

  1. What is the primary focus of Odisha’s Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAV) model?
    A. Bridging the rural-urban education gap
    B. Promoting privatization in education
    C. Providing exclusive coaching facilities
    D. Urban development initiatives
    Correct Answer: A. Bridging the rural-urban education gap
    Explanation: The OAV model aims to bridge the rural-urban education gap by providing accessible, qualitative, and affordable English-medium education in rural and semi-urban areas.
  2. What is the main objective of the Mo School Abhiyan launched by the Odisha government?
    A. Improving healthcare facilities in schools
    B. Encouraging alumni to contribute to revamping government schools
    C. Promoting sports in schools
    D. Enhancing digital literacy among students
    Correct Answer: B. Encouraging alumni to contribute to revamping government schools
    Explanation: Mo School Abhiyan strives to motivate and mobilize alumni to contribute towards revamping government schools, as part of the School Adoption Programme (SAP).
  3. How has the 5T-High School Transformation Programme impacted high schools in Odisha?
    A. Increased privatization of schools
    B. Introduction of foreign language courses
    C. Adoption of educational technology and improved facilities
    D. Reduction in the number of schools
    Correct Answer: C. Adoption of educational technology and improved facilities
    Explanation: The 5T-High School Transformation Programme focuses on transparency, technology, teamwork, and timeliness, leading to the adoption of educational technology, improved facilities, and holistic development.
  4. What outcome showcases the success of Odisha’s inclusive education initiatives?
    A. Decrease in government school enrollment
    B. Equal enrollment of male and female students
    C. Increased enrollment in private schools
    D. Shift in enrollment towards government schools
    Correct Answer: D. Shift in enrollment towards government schools
    Explanation: A shift in enrollment patterns, with a decrease in private school enrollment and 81% of students currently studying in government schools.

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