DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
jammu, Jan 19
Social activist Dr. Preeti Bhagat has raised serious concerns about the state of education in the country, particularly in light of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER). Dr. Bhagat is urging the government to address the shortcomings in the education system, emphasizing the pressing need for a transformative “shiksha kaal” (era of education) instead of an “Amrit Kaal” (era of nectar) at this time.
The ASER report has revealed alarming statistics, painting a grim picture of the educational landscape. According to the report, a staggering 56.7 percent of students aged 14 to 18 years in rural India are unable to solve third-grade mathematics problems. Additionally, 26.5 percent of students in this age group struggle to read fluently at the second-grade level in their regional languages. Further distressing is the revelation that 25 percent of youth in the age group of 17 to 18 years have discontinued their education due to a reported ‘lack of interest.’
The report also highlights a significant deficiency in basic arithmetic skills, indicating that more than half of the children are unable to correctly solve 3-digit quotient problems, which are typically expected to be within the grasp of third or fourth-grade students. Only 43.3 percent of children in this age group are able to solve such problems accurately, indicating a substantial gap in foundational mathematical skills. Dr. Bhagat expressed deep concern, noting that if teenagers aged 14 to 18 struggle with basic reading and arithmetic, it paints a disheartening picture of the overall state of education in the country. She urged the government to treat the ASER report with the gravity it deserves and to take immediate and substantial measures to uplift the standard of education.
Highlighting the importance of early education, Dr. Bhagat stressed that foundational skills acquired during the early years are critical for overall academic success. She underscored the need for a comprehensive and systemic approach to address the issues raised by the ASER report.
, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
In conclusion, Dr. Preeti Bhagat’s call to action is a poignant reminder of the challenges plaguing the education system in India, urging authorities to prioritize educational reform for the betterment of the nation’s youth and its future.
