I feel sad at the piece of news which says that the state's efforts in the field of literacy has suffered a setback. PN Panicker's soul would be definitely sad at this turn of events.
Is it really true? Or is it just a statistical mish-mash to show certain quarters in poor light? The answers must be forthcoming, I'm sure.
The immediate pointer has been the staking of claim for the top literacy spot by the chief minister of Tripura with a rate of 94.65% as against Kerala's last census figure of 93.91%! Though the difference seems to be quite small, the reality can be understood when I say that Tripura has reached this level from a much lower percentage during the late 80s and the early 90s. The literacy activities in the state seem to lack the fervour of old despite initiatives under the 'continuing education programmes' by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority(KSLMA), which provides the overall leadership to the campaign. Experts in the field confirm that targets have not been achieved and the reasons cited, along with my comments in italics, are as follows:-
(a) Frequent changes in policies coinciding with the changes in governments.
Why it should happen beats me. Governmental policies on education must cater for
the overall good of the people and cannot be tampered with by changing political
dispensations. Continuity and consensus are a must!
(b) Frequent change of the head of the institution every few years.
An essential requirement because the post is held by bureaucrats who're bound by
government service conditions.
(c) Funding by the National Literacy Mission was stopped in 2009 and providing further funds
is the responsibility of the state government.
A fallout after the state had achieved total female literacy that year. Sadly, subsequent
funding by the state government has been erratic.
(d) Lack of committed workers.
Again, sadly it's turned out to be a governmental job with a 9 to 5 routine. A recurring
fallout of any institution that's taken over by the government!
Tailpiece.
A case for releasing the literacy mission and its activities from governmental control? Yes, it must be a vibrant movement with the participation of all well meaning people of the society with an enlightened, committed and innovative leadership to provide effective guidance!! That is the need of the hour!!!
Is it really true? Or is it just a statistical mish-mash to show certain quarters in poor light? The answers must be forthcoming, I'm sure.
The immediate pointer has been the staking of claim for the top literacy spot by the chief minister of Tripura with a rate of 94.65% as against Kerala's last census figure of 93.91%! Though the difference seems to be quite small, the reality can be understood when I say that Tripura has reached this level from a much lower percentage during the late 80s and the early 90s. The literacy activities in the state seem to lack the fervour of old despite initiatives under the 'continuing education programmes' by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority(KSLMA), which provides the overall leadership to the campaign. Experts in the field confirm that targets have not been achieved and the reasons cited, along with my comments in italics, are as follows:-
(a) Frequent changes in policies coinciding with the changes in governments.
Why it should happen beats me. Governmental policies on education must cater for
the overall good of the people and cannot be tampered with by changing political
dispensations. Continuity and consensus are a must!
(b) Frequent change of the head of the institution every few years.
An essential requirement because the post is held by bureaucrats who're bound by
government service conditions.
(c) Funding by the National Literacy Mission was stopped in 2009 and providing further funds
is the responsibility of the state government.
A fallout after the state had achieved total female literacy that year. Sadly, subsequent
funding by the state government has been erratic.
(d) Lack of committed workers.
Again, sadly it's turned out to be a governmental job with a 9 to 5 routine. A recurring
fallout of any institution that's taken over by the government!
Tailpiece.
A case for releasing the literacy mission and its activities from governmental control? Yes, it must be a vibrant movement with the participation of all well meaning people of the society with an enlightened, committed and innovative leadership to provide effective guidance!! That is the need of the hour!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment