Question

Read the following text carefully:

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, asserts that education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, providing universal access to quality education and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality. Thus, it presents the best way forward for developing and optimising India’s resources. To attain the goals of education, NEP 2020 unequivocally endorses a substantial increase in public investment in education by both the Central government and all State governments. This is considered extremely critical for achieving the high-quality and equitable public education system that is truly needed for India’s future progress and growth. To achieve this, they need to increase the public investment in Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest. One of the primary goals of the schooling system must be to ensure that children are enrolled in and are attending school. As per the 75th round household survey by NSSO in 2017-18, the number of out of school children in the age group of 6 to 17 years is 3.22 crore. With a goal to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in preschool to secondary level by 2030, it will be a top priority to bring these children back into the educational fold as early as possible, and to prevent further students from dropping out. For the same, two initiatives that will be undertaken are to provide: effective and sufficient infrastructure, so that all students have access to safe and engaging school education at all levels from pre-primary school to Grade 12. regular trained teachers at each stage, special care shall be taken to ensure that no school remains deficient on infrastructure support.

On the basis of the given text and common understanding, answer the following questions:

1. “Education is considered fundamental for achieving full human potential.”
   Justify the given statement with valid arguments.   (2)
2. Discuss the importance of increasing public expenditure in education.   (2)
3. State any two main initiatives that may be implemented to tackle school dropouts and avert additional students from leaving school.   (2)

Answer 1

1. Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, providing universal access to quality education and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice, and equality. Thus, it presents the best way forward for developing and optimising India’s resources.
2. To create a high-quality and equitable public education system essential for India's future development and growth, it is imperative to boost the public investment in education sector to 6% of GDP at the earliest.
3. Two main initiatives which will be implemented to tackle school dropouts and avert additional students from leaving school are to provide:
   • Effective and sufficient infrastructure so that all students have access to safe and engaging school education at all levels from pre-primary school to Grade 12.
   • Regular trained teachers at each stage, special care shall be taken to ensure that no school remains deficient on infrastructure support.