A PPP Model for schools is noble move by the HRD ministry which could actually help improve the overall education standard in India. The government has finally proposed the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in government school system.
I had voiced my views on the recent initiatives by the HRD ministry including the abolishment of 10th exams and taking away the ‘Fail’ grade and in my opinion none of those moves made a lot of sense (many would disagree-see comments on my earlier post).
But, the decision to move to a PPP model for government school system might as well turn out to be a dream come true for millions for children studying in government schools across the country.
According to official sources as quoted in TOI ,
There is a large unfulfilled need for quality education in the secondary education sector. It does not appear feasible for state governments to fill this gap in the short term due to constraints on budget and capacity.
PPP emerges as a viable alternative to improve access to quality school education while ensuring equity and social justice. We also felt quality of education can be significantly enhanced as there will be accountability.
PPP in its simplest terms is a venture that is funded and operated by the government in partnership with a private sector company.
Under the PPP scheme, children in government schools would be able to study in fully equipped classrooms. Interestingly, all benefits for the children — free uniforms, midday meal and free textbooks — will continue to be extended under the PPP model. Just that, the government control will be limited to monitoring and the private player will lead the improvement and betterment of the system.
Why I Think a PPP model is imperative for Schools?
More than the money, a private player brings a lot of managerial and operational experience on the table. With improved access to better teaching methods and operational efficiency bought in by the private players, the government schools might see a gradual turnaround in the level of education they impart.
Given the state of affairs of the Indian Government and the kind of bureaucracy that we have become accustomed to, Education is one sector that is better off in the private hands. But, then complete private sector dominance will invariably focus of high profitability and the lesser privileged ones may not get access to the best available learning tools that the private sector offers.
So, when the government joins hands with the private sector, I seriously feel that the average child will also get a shot at securing the best available education there is. The HRD ministry has invited comment from all private stake holders and those interested in taking the initiative forward before November 9.
However, it is early days. Only time will tell if the partnership will bear fruits, but one thing is certain, The vision behind this one is definitely noble. Should this partnership materialize in an efficient way, I am sure we will be proudly able to say,
“Padhega India, Badhega India”
[This post has been written by Ankit Agarwal, an ERP Consultant by profession, a wannabe entrepreneur and stock market stalker by passion]
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