By Ummar Jamal
In the not-so-distant past, seeking tuition was a recourse primarily for academically challenged students. Those grappling with certain subjects sought extra help to bridge their knowledge gaps. However, that era has faded into the background as coaching centres have surged in popularity, particularly among 11th and 12th-grade students.
Valley has witnessed a surge in the establishment coaching centres in recent years, creating an educational landscape that caters not only to students from classes 9th to 12th but also thousands aspirants gearing up for national-level competitive exams such as NEET and JEE. While these coaching centres have become a refuge for students seeking additional support, this trend, however, comes with its own set of concerns.
One of the most evident consequences of the coaching center boom is the decline in regular school attendance, particularly among students in higher grades. Parents, lured by the promises of specialized coaching and individual attention, are opting to enroll their children in these centers, sidelining the importance of traditional schooling. The result is a growing number of empty seats in classrooms, as students split their time between school and private coaching, sometimes prioritizing the latter.
This shift in focus has broader implications for society. Schools, as pillars of social development, not only impart academic knowledge but also play a crucial role in fostering social skills, teamwork, and character development. The diminishing attendance in schools jeopardizes the holistic growth of students, as they miss out on the diverse experiences and interactions that are integral to their overall development.
Moreover, the menace of private coaching centers extends beyond the confines of educational spaces. The exorbitant fees charged by these centers contribute to educational inequality, widening the gap between those who can afford private coaching and those who cannot. This socioeconomic disparity undermines the foundational principle of equal access to education, perpetuating an uneven playing field that can have long-term societal repercussions.
The establishment of private coaching centers often hinges on the pursuit of profit maximization, turning education into a commodity accessible only to those with the means to pay. The underlying principle is straightforward – entry is contingent on one’s financial capacity, negating the concept of education as a universal right. This profit-driven approach perpetuates a stark divide between affluent and underprivileged students, with many unable to afford the exorbitant fees and associated expenses of these institutions.
In the valley Government schools exist everywhere , the paradox of private coaching centers witnessing a surge in enrollment numbers raises pertinent questions about the shortcomings of government schools. While various factors may contribute to this trend, a prominent one is the inefficiency of the public education system. The widespread acceptance of private players charging steep fees suggests a lack of confidence in the ability of government institutions to provide quality education.
As these centers flourish, the question arises – can coaching centers be suppressed without addressing the root cause, the state of government schools? The answer seems to be a resounding no. The proliferation of coaching centers can be seen as a necessary evil for parents seeking quality education in the absence of an effective public education system.
The current state of the education department, described by some as a flop-show, necessitates a shift in focus. Rather than merely scrutinizing private coaching centers, the authorities should undertake a thorough introspection. The emphasis should be on revitalizing defunct schools, elevating them to the standards set by these coaching abodes. This introspective approach is crucial for addressing the root causes of the rise of private coaching centers and ensuring that the education system as a whole meets the needs of students.
Acknowledging our collective responsibility for the rise of private players in education, it becomes imperative to address the underlying issues within the Government schools. To counter this unfortunate trend, the restoration and strengthening of trust in government institutions should be a priority.
Parents should understand the coaching centers can’t be alternative to schools. Government invests lots of resources to run these government schools. Parents rather than blaming the lack of quality education; which compels them to take extra help for their wards in form of coaching centers, should rather channelize their energies in holding government school teachers and administration therein to account. Instead of spending thousand of rupees in private coaching they should put some endeavors to caution the government schools teachers that there is need to enhance the quality of education by visiting them often. Because most of times the teachers who is supposed to teach students free in school during working hours charges thousands of rupees to teach the same when he teacher at home or in coaching centers.
Additionally, creating an environment that instills contentment and pride in enrolling children in government schools is paramount. This requires a concerted effort to bridge the gaps in the system, fostering an atmosphere where public education is not only accessible but also held in high regard. Ultimately, the challenge lies in transforming the narrative from one of privatization driven by profit to a renewed commitment to public education, where every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access quality learning opportunities.
While the trend of private coaching institutions can’t be scotched in a day, it remains a reality that these private coaching institutes charge exorbitant fees due to the absence of a proper mechanism to regulate fee structures in private coaching centers. This underscores the need for a transparent and effective regulatory framework to ensure fair pricing and affordability for students seeking additional educational support. While regulating the fee structure for students in private coaching centers is crucial at this juncture, it is equally important to concurrently invest in the rejuvenation of government schools. By fixing of the fee at coaching centers , authorities can create an environment where private coaching centers serve as supplementary rather than essential, ensuring a balanced and fair educational ecosystem in the Valley.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The author is a Kashmir based columnist. He tweets at ummar_jamal and can be reached at [email protected]
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