Hunter Commission Contd…
Hunter Commission
\/
Government View point
Even though development of primary education was the main objective of the Wood’s Despatch, 1854 but expected results were not achieved in the primary education field.
The government admitted the gap and directed new Commission “to enquire particularly into the manner in which effect has been given to the Despatch of 1854 and to suggest measures as it may think desirable in order to the further carrying out the policy there in laid down”.
Committee Report
The main aim of the Commission was to assess the implementation of the recommendations of Wood’s Despatch. Suggestions were mentioned on a report of 700 pages. Few Pointers below:
Primary Education
Recommendations was under six heads:-
(a) Policy
(b) Legislation and Administration
(c) Encouragement of indigenous schools
(d) School Administration
(e) Training of Teachers
(f) Finance
Major Recommendations of Hunter Commission of 1882 on Primary Education were.
- Primary education should be masses education, instill self confidence, language for studies should be mother-tongue, trained teachers to be employed
- School houses, furniture & equipment should be simple and economical.
- Curriculum should have subjects like agriculture, elements of natural and physical science etc.
- Expanding education to tribal and rural masses should be the responsibility of the Government.
- Fees should be based on student’s financial difficulties.
Secondary Education
Recommendations were under 2 heads:-
(A) Administrative Reform
(B) Qualitative Improvement
Major Recommendations of Hunter Commission on secondary education were
- The administrative responsibility should be taken over by educated mass.
- English should remain as medium of instruction in the Secondary stage.
- The fees charged in aided secondary schools should be considerably lower than the fees charged in Government schools.
Significance
Apart from the recommendations mentioned above, the Commission’s recommendations were very significant:
- Preferring private over missionary enterprises for handling of education system.
- Emphasis on Muslim education, Religious education. Education of aboriginals. Adult education.
Criticism
- It did not introduce Universal Education.
- Bifurcation of course could not be implemented at secondary stage as the non-literary course could not attract masses.
- Private institutions were attractive as they had less fees but they were insufficiently staffed, miserably equipped to give useful education.
- Trained teachers were not available to teach modern Indian languages.
In short, the system did not take due notice of cultural heritage of the country.
Major Outcome
The recommendations of the Commission led to establishment of new universities in Punjab, Allahabad etc.
The increase in the number of High Schools and the student’s population forced for the establishment of new colleges. The formation of National Congress in 1885 and the National Movement contributed further to the advancement of education.
Trivia
What is India’s rank in terms of pool of scientists, engineers & trained doctors in the world?
Answer in my next article 🙂
