Despite significant quantitative growth in education, India's educational system remains woefully inadequate, failing to produce high-quality graduates equipped to modernize the country's socio-cultural values and attitudinal traits.

The proliferation of universities, medical colleges, and institutions of higher learning has not translated into better teaching and research, leaving India's education sector in shambles.

Read in Hindi: देश की प्रगति में मुख्य बाधा है दिशाहीन शिक्षा प्रणाली

The country's spending on education is abysmally low compared to developed economies, and recommendations from various educational commissions, including the National Education Policy, have been ignored. The private sector's dominance has made education unaffordable for most, shattering the dream of free and fair education for all.

The educational crisis is exacerbated by the apartheid practised through elitist institutions, widening the gaps in society as affluent students migrate abroad. Governments have failed to maintain examination sanctity and transparency, with frequent paper leaks and delayed results.

Ineffective teaching methods have led to the unchecked growth of tuition and coaching centres. Political appointees as vice-chancellors lack the sincerity and expertise to drive change. All political parties are guilty of neglecting this vital sector, with the Modi government and opposition-ruled state governments showing no urgency to resolve the crisis.

The condition of government schools and contract teachers remains pathetic. To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, immediate action is necessary to revamp the educational system, prioritize quality over quantity, and make education accessible and affordable for all.

What can be done? Already so many recommendations are hanging fire that one shudders to add to the "reforms literature." Nevertheless, for the sake of clarity, the following may be considered.

Curriculum Alignment with Job Market

Introduce a curriculum that aligns with the current job market demands, focusing on practical skills, technology, and innovation to prepare students for the workforce.

Teacher Training and Development

Implement mandatory training programs for teachers to enhance their teaching methods, update their knowledge, and improve their effectiveness in the classroom.

Digitalization and Technological Integration

Integrate technology in education by providing access to digital resources, online learning platforms, and interactive tools to enhance learning experiences and facilitate efficient teaching methods.

Holistic and Skill-based Education

Shift the focus from rote learning to a holistic education system that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence to develop well-rounded individuals.

Inclusive Education

Ensure equal access to quality education for all students, including those from marginalized communities, by providing scholarships, special programs, and support services to address their specific needs.

Assessment and Evaluation Reform

Revamp the assessment system to include a mix of formative and summative assessments, project-based evaluations, and skill tests to create a more comprehensive evaluation of students' learning outcomes.

Parent and Community Involvement

Encourage active participation of parents and local communities in the education system by organizing workshops, meetings, and feedback sessions to foster a collaborative environment that supports students' overall development.

Career Guidance and Counseling

Provide career guidance and counselling services to help students explore their interests, strengths, and career options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future academic and professional pathways.

Infrastructure and Resource Enhancement

Invest in improving school infrastructure, providing necessary resources such as libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, and technology to create a conducive learning environment for students.

Regular Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism

Establish a monitoring system to track the progress of educational reforms, gather feedback from stakeholders, and make continuous improvements based on the identified areas of enhancement to ensure the sustainability and success of the overhaul process.