The Kothari Commission, officially known as the National Education Commission (1964-66), was a significant initiative in India to comprehensively review and reform the education system.
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The commission, chaired by D. S. Kothari, presented its report in 1966. The key agenda of the Kothari Commission Report included:
- Universal Education: The commission aimed at achieving universal elementary education, emphasizing the need for providing education to all children up to a certain age, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
- Common School System: It recommended the establishment of a Common School System to reduce disparities in educational opportunities among different sections of society. The idea was to create a standardized and uniform educational structure.
- Curricular Reforms: The Kothari Commission emphasized a shift from a content-heavy curriculum to a more flexible and integrated approach. It recommended curricular reforms to make education more relevant to the needs of students and the changing societal context.
- Teacher Education: The commission recognized the critical role of teachers and stressed the importance of enhancing teacher education. It recommended improvements in teacher training programs to ensure the availability of well-qualified and motivated educators.
- Science and Technology Education: Recognizing the importance of scientific and technological advancements, the Kothari Commission underscored the need to strengthen science and technology education at all levels.
- Vocational Education: The report highlighted the significance of vocational education to cater to the diverse needs of students and to bridge the gap between education and employment.
- Higher Education: The commission addressed issues related to higher education, including expansion, quality improvement, and relevance to national development goals. It recommended the establishment of regional universities and the integration of research into the education system.
The Kothari Commission Report laid the foundation for several subsequent educational policies and reforms in India, influencing the direction of the country’s education system for years to come.