ADULT EDUCATION IN INDIA । ADULT EDUCATION IN INDIA PARAGRAPH । ADULT EDUCATION IN INDIA ESSAY

 ADULT EDUCATION IN INDIA

Introduction :- Adult education is a very important issue that deeply impacts the socio-economic progress of a nation. It’s all about giving ample learning opportunities to those who didn’t have a chance during childhood.

Adult Education Before Independence :- During the late 1880s, the British government in India started preferring educated adults over the illiterates, even for low jobs. Thus during the 1860s, the concept of night school for adult education was introduced. The idea of night school actually originated in England and therefore it also had an impact on India. Sometimes, after 1917, the night schools got grants and funds by the government. Between 1916-1917, there were 707-night schools in Madras were around 17, 606 pupils were enrolled. Similarly, during the same period, there were 111-night schools in Bombay with 3197 pupils enrolled. Also, the state of Bengal had 886-night schools with 18,563 pupils.

A very prominent literacy program in colonial India was instituted at Mysore by Sir M. Visveswaraya. As the effect of the program, around seventy thousand adult literacy classes were established from 1851 to 1868. This was the period when the concept of Jail school was introduced by Dr. Walker. There was 1 jail school in Agra prison with 2000 enrollments; the Bombay jail has 21 schools with 1257 enrollments.

The state of Punjab witnessed an extensive adult education campaign during 1921. Within the next six years, there were at least 100,000 adults enrolled in night education classes throughout the state. These classes and program were funded by the Punjab state’s government. Subsequently, after the 1937 provincial elections and the formation of various ministries, many states started implementing adult education programs.

Adult Education After Independence :-  After independence and upon the recommendation of the Saxena committee which was formed to assess the state of literacy in India, the government declared a target for making at least 50% of adults within the age group 12 to 50 years, literate.

As per the official records, during 1947-1951, around 5 lakh adults participated in literacy programs through 2000 classes. There was a separate program for the army personnel. The government had spent approximately Rs 3.8 crore on adult literacy programs, during that period.Post-1951, adult education got included in the Five Year Plan and was subsequently allotted financial aid for schools, classes, libraries, training of teaching staff, etc. During the first five year plan (1951-1956) an amount of Rs 5 crore was allotted for adult education. The money was spent on various schemes like model community centers, Janata College, Integrated library services, improvement of library services, development of schools, training of teachers, etc. The second five-year plan saw an allotment of Rs 15 crore under various heads of adult education. Out of which Rs 5 crore was to be spent as per the need in the previous five-year plan, whereas the remaining 10 crore was to be spent on the community development program. The step was taken by the government to actively involve the community in adult education and do the necessary promotion of its vision through all modes.

Importance Of Adult Education :- 

Brings back a lost opportunity to learn, to the adults who didn’t have the opportunity to go to the school as children.

It allows adults to learn without disturbing their working hours.

Teaches skills to the adults making them self dependent and progressive.

It improves the overall status of society by educating its adults.

Targets women education thereby also lifting up the social status of the women.

Instill self-confidence and awareness in adult learners.

Changes the whole perspective of looking into things making the adults wiser.

Improve business acumen through several skill development programs.

Empower women by giving them a chance to come out of houses and socialize with fellow learners.

Adult education provides an opportunity for adults to pursue specific areas of skill sets or education.

It makes society more strong by educating its adults and making them self reliant.

Conclusion :- All the missions of the government of India towards the education of the children and adults have been successful so far. According to a study conducted by UNESCO ( United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2010, around 81% of Indian youths falling in the age group of 15-25 were literate including 63% of total adults.