At Just 60%

The results of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations of Assam have been declared with just 60 per cent of the candidates clearing their first big academic test – a standing testimony to the malaise afflicting the education domain of the State. One is then reminded of a former State education minister informing the people of the State that it could well be an education hub of the entire Southeast Asian region in the days to come! Be that as it may, the present education minister of the State, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, has conceded, after the results, that 40 per cent of the candidates having failed is a matter of concern. In fact, it is a matter of tremendous concern. He said the education department will have to introduce an action plan to reach out to those students. When? But what is far more astonishing – after all the hype around reforms measures such as gunatsav – is that only 65 of the total 4,234 government-run schools could ensure 100 per cent success. This is a total disgrace, reflecting on the rot in the teaching-learning methodologies in vogue in schools where the government pumps in a lot of money by way of high salaries paid to teachers there. From the salary point of view, these teachers are way ahead as compared to their counterparts in private schools, but it is the private schools that fare far better, reflecting, of course, on the commitment that teachers in private schools have towards their students, and thus their job, despite pay constraints. There is a message here then: that teachers in government schools, in general (there are exceptions too, of course), have yet to wake up to their responsibilities, nay, their sense of responsibilities, and must ensure that their students are taught in such a way that these young learners can at least just pass the first crucial academic test of their life. This is a very small expectation. We are talking of students being able to just pass so that they do not drop out and so that they go ahead with higher studies and become worthy human resources; we are not talking of them securing some 80 per cent or so. Will the education minister take the call of the hour and discuss the matter – so grave as it is, with huge ramifications for peace and progress – with the State’s academia and move towards preparing a concrete and pragmatic roadmap to undo the disgrace of a mere 60 per cent as mentioned?