By Soroj Mullick, SDB –
After significant research, discussions and feedback from stakeholders the National Education Policy is still to be promulgated. Recently, the 4th edition of the summit on Difficult Dialogues focused on “Education: Illuminating The Myriad Facets”, held at the International Centre God (ICG) from 31 January to 2 February 2019.
Its aim was to bridge the gap between education policy formulation and implantation in order to make a constructive difference in ensuring equality and justice. Among topics touched, value education, role of religion, technology in reshaping education, curriculum and pedagogy were emphasised upon. It has also confirmed on new threats to academic freedom.
The present dispensation is trying to reform the education sector with a political agenda and vested interests. While on the other hand, the Christian and minority educational institutes, which are highly regarded in terms of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and discipline, proposed a series of progressively minded pledges and reformations that align with the country’s secular constitution, which promotes liberalism, harmony and inclusiveness.
The would-be-formulated education policy, not yet been legally enforced though – pose daunting challenges for Church-run institutes. The decision to extend children’s primary education from Class 5 – 8, and secondary education, from Class 9 to 12, threatens to squeeze them financially with massive infrastructural headaches. It is presumed that nationalistic subjects are intended to be introduced with a greater sense of patriotism and promote knowledge of Vedic history. It also suggested radical changes to the way students are evaluated and tested to focus more on their creative capabilities than their power of memory while also highlighting the importance of better teacher training. Church educators have decried the policy envisaged, which may deprive the disadvantaged students in many ways.
Another bone of contention for church-run schools is whether to adopt a government-funded scheme to pay teacher’s wages and obtain other financial help (e.g. Dearness Allowance).There is the fear that the government would interfere in the management of the institute, including the formation of its governing body and the appointment of teachers. Many Christian schools for the poor are struggling to attract well-qualified teachers. We certainly need skilled and academically qualified principals and teachers.
The minority educational institutions run by the Churches are the best known and performing private schools, with a long mission-oriented history. They enjoy autonomy under Section 30 of the Indian Constitution to run them to preserve language and culture of the minorities. Yet in major part these schools and colleges educate all students, though they enjoy complete autonomy in selection and employment of teachers, on student selection, on fee setting, and also being exempt from Clause 12 (c) of the RTE (arbitrary and unreliable setting of reimbursement value by state governments).
Against the application of RTE, the minority institutions’ demands are based mainly on theological faith practices and they are granted so. Despite of all the privileges, there is still a lack of understanding about the mission of Christian schools and what they aim to achieve. Christian education is based on values and ideals, to help students to become good human beings and religious persons with enlightened minds and hearts.
To be continued…
Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB is a Salesian priest from the Kolkata Province. He has a Licentiate in Catechetics and a Doctorate (Christian Education) from UPS, Italy. He has number of years of teaching experience in college and in the formation of future priests. Besides, he has written number of research papers and articles, and has 25 years of Ministry in India and abroad as Educator, Formator, Retreat Preacher, Editor and engaged in School, Parish Catechetical & Youth Ministry. He is now an assistant priest in Bandel Basilica, rendering pastoral and catechetical ministry to the parishioners and to the pilgrims. He can be contacted at [email protected].