Importance of Adults Education । Essay about Adult Education in India

The importance of adults education

The importance of adults education is not so easy. But at the same time keep in mind that, Adult education plays an important role in developing our society. Maturely aged learners develop new skills and improve career prospects in many sectors. The importance of adults education is accepted in modern society. Adult education in India is a great challenge. Read about adult education in India essay. The importance of adult education.

Literacy Programmes and History

India won freedom in 1947 August. Till then a number of Education Commissions were made to find out ways' for improving the educational system in India. Education is the most important index of national advancement of a country. As such soon after independence and especially after the adoption of the constitution of India In 1950, the national leaders promised to fulfill the dream of our great Renaissance leaders and freedom fighters to spread the light of education in every corner of the county and among every section of the community. But unfortunately, the dream remained unfulfilled. The Planning Commission took no positive measure in this regard, nor Che rulers of India took an active interest to make it a success. Even the various Education Committees and Commissions reports and recommendations were simply left in the rack. Many years have already passed, yet universalization of primary education and education of literacy even remain in far cry.


Census and Reports

According to the census report of 1961, the percentage of illiterate people in India was 14-07%, this was almost doubled in the 1971 census—the number being 21.35%, in 1981 it became 36'17%. We are yet to know the report of 1991 census —but thé number has increased surely. For out West Bengal the percentage of illiterate people wag 33% in 1971, it has become 40.9% in  1981. Possibly this number is also increasing. According to the 1981 census, the number of illiterate adults between 15—35 age group is 110 million and this number is likely to be added by another 116  million by 1995. This no doubt represents a dark picture of our' national development.

Though the reasons for such an increase are many yet two principal reasons may be chalked out for this rise—

(1) the increase of population and

(2) the increase in the number of boys and girls dropped out of the formal school system each year.

Statistics show that over 77% of students drop out before completion of class VIll. The main reason for this problem is that in our inverted Pyramids like education system the base or the primary level receives the lowest priority. Statistics also show chat those boys and girls who are compelled to leave their school education between 9 and 14 years of age have a percentage of 16,54574  boys and 21,28,788 girls. The number is very much high among the backward and underdeveloped communities. It has also been estimated that only in West Bengal 1 crore 23 lakhs of people require adult education.

Steps of Central Government

It was in 1978 the Janata Government at the central and its Education minister Dr. Pratap Chandra Chunder took active interest about Adult Education in India. The National Adult Education Programme (NAEP) was introduced on 2nd October 1978. The programme was intended to impart functional literacy to 100 million illiterate adults within a period of 5 years, from 1978 to 83. To achieve this programme partly through a centrally based programme and partly through a mass volunteers, the teachers, students of the universities, colleges and schools, members of the disciplined forces, Ex-servicemen etc. were involved. However, this mass orientation was not achieved. Now the National Literacy Mission (NLM) tries to impart functional literacy to 80 million illiterate persons in 15—35 age group. The National Service Scheme or the NSS has also taken prompt steps in this regard.

Steps have also been taken by the state universities to impart Adult education. A group of trainers is appointed for one year with a nominal salary under the leadership of a coordinator or project officer. The trainers are all M.A.s. They organize centers in the backward areas and after one year of education, the students obtain certificates. Sometimes the students get allowance money. In West Bengal, the scheme of adult education was implemented in 1988. At present nearly 58 such centers are working in West Bengal.

The picture of adult education

But still, the picture of adult education in India is not very shining one. The trainers are not always sincere cooperation is there, there are problems of books, slate pencils and even of blackboards. For the first five years, the entire cost is to be borne by the central government. UGC sends money in installments for the adult education. After spending the first installment a utilization certificate is to be submitted to the UGC along with all documents of expenditure. Then the UGC sends the second installments. But the question is can this task be done within a period of 5 years.

State Government

Of course in West Bengal, the target is likely to be touched and for this thanks should be given to the Panchayet system which has given education absolute priority in all its three tires. The government has also taken serious measures to fulfill the object. Yet much more is yet to be done. If illiteracy is eradicated no improvement in India's social, economic and political improvement can be done. The term social welfare state shall remain a hollow term.

Conclusion

Learning is a never-ending process. Many adults don’t have fulfilled their education. It’s a new challenge to learn themselves through this programme. Adult education provides students with valuable skills, grow confidence. It’s a great opportunity to expand your knowledge. The aptitude and confidence with adult education are worthy both in your life and in the workplace. 

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