In India, though the literacy rate is better than it was some years ago, it is still in a bad, bad shape as compared to its western counterparts. If India is to make the late President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of a developed – or at least a rapidly progressing – nation a success by 2020, then a lot of work needs to be done.
First of all, its citizens need to be educated. All of them. After all, only through education do you get the ability to understand the perspectives of others around you and the ability to hold a nuanced discussion with them, without resorting to unnecessary bile and vitriol. However, around the country, students continue to give up on education and turn towards other avenues, either to support their family, or in some cases, to make a quick buck. In such a situation, what can the government do to make sure students don’t give up on education?
Well, there’s a number of things which can be done, if it is so willing, Proper planning and aid can ensure that the nation’s literacy rate keeps rising. A few of these ideas are:
1. Provide Scholarships to the Needy
This sounds obvious, and most will say that there are already a number of scholarships being provided to students. However, most of them go to exceptional students, irrespective of background. This is a good thing, but a plan can be implemented to aid needy students who are on the verge of failing and falling out due to familial financial constraints. The government can provide them with a zero-interest loan, or if the situation is too dire, even a waiver can be provided. Some may be against this, but it is a better use of the taxpayer’s money than letting it enter the pocket of corrupt officials. At worst, it could save a student from faltering and fading away, which would let to his or her potential being unrealized. At best, it could save a student and their family from the pressure of crippling finances and even give them a new life.
2. Provide Incentives
They don’t necessarily have to be monetary. No, if a student is good in sports, give him some form of incentive to keep at it. After all, diamonds are created from rough coal. Similarly, world beating sport-people can be formed from such rough talents. Don’t let their potential go to waste. If someone is good at the creative arts, give them some form of incentive. An award, an acknowledgement, a scholarship, a means to make them continue at their passion. In the end, their success will be the nation’s success.
3. Provide Aid to the Teachers
Good teachers make good students. Satisfied teachers do a better job of teaching. Municipal schools barely have any support, so the teachers are only interested in doing a hash job and getting their salary at the end of the month. Provide them with a good salary, growth and see them do better and teach better, ultimately helping the students, who are the future of the country.
