19 February 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF

The Hindu Editorial

19-February-2024

1. A ruling that gives primary school teaching a new slate.

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education Critical for UPSC as it reflects legal and educational policy dimensions, impacting teacher qualifications, disparities, and government initiatives in India.

Context

The article discusses the Supreme Court’s decision in India, upholding the importance of specialized qualifications for primary school teaching and the need for government support in addressing disparities.

 Supreme Court Ruling on Teacher Qualifications:

• In August 2023, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Rajasthan High Court’s decision, stating that the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree is not suitable for primary school teaching.
• The court emphasized the importance of specialized qualifications such as Diploma in Education (DEd), Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd), or Bachelor of Elementary Education (BElEd) for teaching at the primary level.

Divergence in Qualifications:

• Primary Teaching Requirements: Teaching young students requires understanding Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) and specialized teacher education, not provided by B.Ed, which focuses on middle school and upwards.
• Right to Education Act 2009: Emphasizes the need for professional qualification and appropriate qualifications for teachers.

Current Scenario:

• Overall Qualified Teachers: State of Teachers, Teaching and Teacher Education Report 2023 (SoTTTER-23) indicates that 90% of teachers have professional qualifications.
• Discrepancies in Primary Grades: Only 46% of primary school teachers have DElEd or equivalent qualifications, with 30% having B.Ed degrees, and 10% lacking professional qualifications.
• Private Sector Disparities: In private unaided schools, 22% have DElEd, 43% have B.Ed, and 17% lack professional qualifications for primary teaching.

Challenges in Teacher Training Programs:

• Quality Disparities: Analysis of Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) data reveals that government-funded institutions perform better in terms of quality compared to self-financed institutions.
• Mathematics Competence Concerns: Low mean scores (46%) in mathematics highlight the need for attention to pedagogical content knowledge in teacher training programs.

Need for Government Support:

• Strengthening DElEd Programs: Urgent attention needed to increase the supply of high-quality DEd/DElEd/BElEd programs.
• ITEP Programs: Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) should focus more on preparatory and foundational stages, addressing the current emphasis on B.Ed.

Innovative Pathways and Government Initiatives:

• Flexible Pathways: Explore innovative programs to provide B.Ed holders with professional development and certification for primary teaching without enrolling in full degree/diploma programs.
• Recognition of Different Pathways: Most developed countries offer various pathways into the teaching profession, acknowledging that individuals decide to become teachers at different stages.
• Budgetary Considerations: The Union Budget 2023 commitment to strengthen teacher education needs comprehensive allocation for primary/preparatory stage teacher education and incentives for innovation.

Ministry of Education Initiatives:

• DIET Strengthening: Recent initiatives to strengthen District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) are welcomed.
• Comprehensive Government Response: Expectation for a comprehensive government response in the upcoming full Budget, addressing primary/preparatory stage teacher education through increased support and incentives for innovation.

Conclusion:

• The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasizing specialized qualifications for primary school teaching in India highlights the urgency to address disparities in teacher training.
• The need for government support and innovative pathways for educators, as discussed in the article, is crucial for improving the quality of primary education.

Lack of Qualified Teachers in India

Concerns: Compromised learning outcomes for students due to inadequate teaching methods and knowledge. Unequal access to quality education, further widening the gap between rural and urban areas. Demotivation and frustration among students due to ineffective teaching. The teacher-student ratio is often unbalanced, further compromising the effectiveness of teaching. Way Forward: Strengthening teacher training programs and ensuring mandatory qualifications for all educators. Incentivizing teachers to work in rural areas and high-need subjects. Promoting continuous professional development opportunities for existing teachers. Improving recruitment processes to attract and retain qualified individuals. Investing in infrastructure and resources to support effective teaching practices.

PYQ: Consider the following statements: [2018] 1. As per the right to education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a state, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State council of Teacher education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90 % of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 1 and 3 d) 3 only Ans: b)

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on teacher qualifications for primary education in India, considering disparities, government initiatives, and the need for innovative pathways. (250 words/15 m)

2. Free movement regime between India, Myanmar had more benefits than costs

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations GS3 – Internal Security – Security challenges and their management in border areas The issue underscores India’s regional diplomacy, state sentiments, and the balance between security imperatives and humanitarian considerations, crucial for UPSC.

Context

The news pertains to India’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border, sparking debates on security, humanitarian concerns, and differing state sentiments.

 Introduction:

• In the contentious context of scrapping the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border, the article explores the multifaceted implications, from security concerns to humanitarian aspects, and the divergent sentiments among Indian states.

Reasons behind Fencing:

• Home Minister Amit Shah’s decision to scrap FMR and fence the India-Myanmar border.
• Citing concerns about narcotics trafficking and support to insurgent groups in the region.
• Questioning the adequacy of these reasons, given the weakening of insurgent groups and the need for stronger law enforcement.

Contrasting Sentiments:

• Varied reactions from different states, with Manipur endorsing the scrapping of FMR, while Nagaland and Mizoram oppose it.
• Civil war in Myanmar leading to refugees seeking humanitarian relief in Mizoram and Manipur.
• Solidarity among Mizos and Kuki-Zo community in Manipur with the Chin community, creating a humanitarian aspect to the issue.

Local Opposition and Concerns:

• Opposition from Meitei majoritarian forces in the Imphal valley, raising concerns about Chin refugees as illegal migrants.
• FMR acts as a part of India’s Act East policy and an expression of people’s will in the region.
• Reversal of FMR and border fencing seen as a case of misplaced priorities, especially considering the rugged terrain.

Conclusion:

• Need for reconsideration of the decision to scrap FMR and fence the India-Myanmar border.
• Emphasis should be given on the humanitarian aspect and the historical ties among the people in the region.
• Call for a more nuanced approach that considers local sentiments and the broader vision of nation-building.

PYQ: Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2019)

Practice Question:  How does the recent decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime along the India-Myanmar border reflect on India’s regional policies, considering the varied state sentiments and the interplay of security and humanitarian concerns? Discuss. (150 words/10 m)

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