'We do not have the courage to face the fear', states Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi in reference to the usage of IT in the education system of the country.
"If IT seeps in the education system, data fudging would be impossible. This is one of the biggest reasons why we hesitate in bringing IT in our system because we fear corruption", says the minister.
Speaking at the
BW Businessworld's 'Future of Education Summit 2017', the minister expressed the dire need of investment in the field of education and claimed how the government has made the sector a priority with 25 per cent budget allocation, "If we do not do it, then why will the private players and the market step in, especially the quality".
"Education is a victim as we are not able to make the most out of the technology. Before taking the technology to the classrooms, we need to take care of it in the housekeeping i.e the departments and the management."
The minister expressed that providing technology and IT is not enough. It needs to be complimented with on ground usage. "If you go to any education department, in any district, not a single teacher or management has ever made use of the data for planning and policy making. What is the use of IT then?"
He further goes on to say, "We have schools in India with more than 100-200 students in one class, despite of notices of not admitting more than 40 students. We do not have the courage to face the truth!"
The minister said he is more concerned about the society his child would be living in the future, which cannot be disconnected with the present scenario of education. "What kind of country you want to see for your children is the kind of education you need to design today. Visualisation, resources and most importantly, to dare, are the 3 most important ingredients required to change the face of education in the country", said minister.
"From cow to digital India, we are struggling and need to take care of the thought process we propel in our education system", concluded the minister.
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Naina Sood is a Economics graduate and has done her post graduation in International economics and Trade. She has deep interests in Indian economy and reforms