Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond "floor level tasks". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: (a) What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? (b) Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.

(a) According to Vivekananda, goal of education should be to build character, expand knowledge and widen curiosity.

Role of Education in transforming behaviour and inculcating values

(i) Scientific temper and critical thinking

• eradicate superstition and illogical practices Eg child marriage is medically dangerous.

(ii) Mutual respect and tolerance towards each other

(iii) Teacher is a role model in inculcating hard work, dedication, empathy, etc

(iv) Through physical education,

• team building, team spirit
• healthy body
• leadership

(v) Respect for environment and animals

• educate about role of environment and how one can contribute

(vi) Empathy towards other

• fellow students; learn to cooperate, empathise

(vii) Vocational education

• dignity of all work
• employability

(viii) Gender-role

• respect for other gender
• sensitive towards women and transgenders

(ix) Importance of honesty and hardwork

• fair examination system

(x) Sense of service

• education as a means of serving society through our work.

To educate in mind and not in morals is akin to educating a menace. Education should be a liberating experience.

(b) Since education is a welfare subject and Right to education is fundamental right, government is actively engaged in promoting quality education in an inclusive manner.

Fallout of government and its role in poor-education system:-

→ lack of quality educational infrastructure like school, college → concentration of schools and college in cities → commercialisation of education has made it a monopoly of rich → Teacher scarcity → lack of teacher training → Teacher absenteeism → lack of regular audits and evaluation system; rote-learning

Though government has its own share and should address the above concerns to improve quality education, there are other stakeholders as well:-

i) Teachers • should be dedicated to duty • hold every student together, focus on weak students • practical learning rather than rote learning • moral education, encouraging good behaviour • building trust between students, engage with parents to make them aware

(ii) Students • respect for teachers • curiosity to learn

(iii) Parents • send children regularly • not pressurise for score in test, rather encourage honest efforts • discipline to children for regular and dedicated studyhours • engage with teachers • teach values of gender equality, honest accomplishments

(iv) Society • celebrate virtuous individuals • employment not tied to marks and degree alone • discourage commercialisation and unequal education • Education should be seen as end and not means