Students across the country can take a breath of relief. Prakash Javadekar, HRD minister, has told a news channel that the NCERT school syllabus will be reduced by 50%, from the session 2019. Hence, it will be half of what it is now. The reduction in the syllabus will be done for class 1 to 12th in CBSE affiliated school and all other Govt. and private schools which follow NCERT syllabus.
The ministry has finally realized that at the tender age of cognitive skills development, the student need not be burned but given a free and happy learning environment. At the moment, the syllabus for NCERT school students is more than of the undergraduate syllabus for arts and commerce streams. The minister stated that the students are data bank they should know everything. The purpose is to bring out the good human being.
The ministry also revealed that examination and detentions in classes will be revived. He explained that without the examination there is no competition and no target. While reduction of the syllabus is a good news for the candidates but the reintroduction of detention is a bit concerning.
Soon a bill shall be moved in Parliament in the next part of Budget Session for the reinforcement of detention. If a student fails in March examination, they will be given another chance in May. However, if a student is unable to pass in both the examination, he / she will be detained.
The quality of the teacher in the schools is also a priority. The ministry explained that the poor quality of teachers will only lead to poor learning of the students. Hence, it is important to ensure that teachers are well trained.
He added that the main task of the teacher is to assess the weakness and the strengths of the students and then mentor then accordingly. In the year 2015, under the Right to Education Act, 20 lakh teachers were trained but only 5 lakh have could be covered. More than 14 lakh teachers went through a skill upgradation program and hence should lead to a better result.
When asked about New Education Policy, he said that a report will be submitted in this regard. It will be submitted by the end of the month. The necessary changes or analysis will be announced after it has been examined.
It is a positive step that HDR is finding ways to lift up the burden from the students. The decreased syllabus will also give way to extracurricular activities. Numerous students have interest in art, singing, dancing, football, basketball, etc. but are unable to pursue it because of they do not have time for it.
A clashing though on the reduced NCERT syllabus is that it will lead to a lower IQ. The student right now is studying various topics which eventually lead to better understanding on numerous topics. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia particularly suspects that reduction might add an ‘ism’ (ideology) in the school syllabus. What are your views on the matter? Is it right to reduce the syllabus or will it lead to less intellectual race? Let us know in the comment section below.
