Kothari Commission (1964-66)

 

Kothari Commission (1964-66), chaired by Dr. D.S. Kothari:

1. Objective and Scope:

• The commission was set up to examine the entire educational structure in India, from primary to university education, and suggest comprehensive reforms.
• The goal was to make education a powerful tool for economic and social development.

2. 10+2+3 System:

• Introduced the 10+2+3 system of education, which was widely adopted:
  • 10 years of general education (primary and secondary),
  • 2 years of higher secondary education (11th and 12th),
  • 3 years of university education for a bachelor’s degree.
• This system created a structured pathway from school to university.

3. Common School System (CSS):

• Recommended the Common School System to provide equal educational opportunities to all, regardless of caste, creed, or socio-economic background.
• This system emphasized making neighborhood schools accessible to children from all sections of society.
• The idea was to reduce inequality and prevent the stratification of schools based on income levels.

4. Free and Compulsory Education:

• Proposed that free and compulsory education should be provided to children up to the age of 14 years (as per Article 45 of the Indian Constitution).
• This was aimed at increasing literacy rates and promoting universal access to education.

5. Focus on Science and Mathematics:

• Emphasized the teaching of science and mathematics at all levels of education, recognizing the importance of these subjects for India’s development in technology and industry.
• Proposed specialized training programs for science and mathematics teachers.

6. Vocational Education:

• Strong focus on vocational education to bridge the gap between education and employment.
• Recommended offering vocational courses at the secondary and higher secondary levels to equip students with skills for employment in various fields like agriculture, trade, industry, and commerce.

7. Three-Language Formula:

• Suggested the Three-Language Formula to promote national integration and linguistic diversity:
  • Mother tongue or regional language.
  • Hindi as the national language.
  • English as the link language for higher education and international communication.

8. Education for Social and National Integration:

• Recommended that education should promote social cohesion, national integration, and democratic values.
• Encouraged schools to include activities that foster a sense of national identity and unity among students from diverse backgrounds.

9. Equalization of Educational Opportunities:

• Called for reducing educational inequalities by making special provisions for the education of backward classes, SCs, STs, and women.
• Suggested the establishment of special schools and hostels for students from marginalized communities.

10. Moral and Value Education:

• Stressed the need for education to go beyond academics and focus on the moral and character development of students.
• Proposed the inclusion of subjects and activities that foster ethical values, discipline, and social responsibility.

11. Teacher Training and Development:

• Recommended improvements in the training of teachers at all levels.
• Emphasized in-service training and professional development programs to ensure teachers stay updated with modern teaching methods.
• Advocated for better teacher salaries, working conditions, and social status.

12. Examination Reforms:

• Proposed comprehensive examination reforms to reduce stress on students and minimize rote learning.
• Suggested a combination of internal assessments and external examinations to evaluate students holistically.
• Emphasized the need for continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE), which was later implemented in Indian schools.

13. Educational Research and Innovation:

• Urged the establishment of research institutions dedicated to educational research to improve the quality of teaching and learning methods.
• Proposed funding for innovation in curriculum design, teacher training, and educational technologies.

14. Expansion of Higher Education:

• Emphasized the need to expand higher education institutions to cater to the increasing demand for university education.
• Recommended the establishment of new universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Suggested measures to improve the quality of university education through better infrastructure, research facilities, and faculty development.

15. Strengthening School Infrastructure:

• Proposed the expansion and improvement of school infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities.
• Encouraged the use of modern teaching aids like audiovisual equipment to make learning more effective and interactive.

16. Adult and Continuing Education:

• Recommended promoting adult education and continuing education programs to reduce illiteracy among adults and ensure lifelong learning opportunities.
• Proposed mass literacy campaigns and vocational training for adults to improve their employability.

17. Financial Resources for Education:

• Suggested that at least 6% of the GDP should be allocated to the education sector to meet the growing needs of educational infrastructure and teacher development.
• Emphasized public-private partnerships in education to raise additional resources for improving education quality.

18. Education for Economic Development:

• Highlighted the role of education in economic development and suggested aligning the education system with the needs of industry, agriculture, and trade.
• Recommended the creation of skill-based programs to develop a workforce ready to meet the challenges of modern industries.

19. Decentralization of Educational Administration:

• Proposed the decentralization of educational administration to make the system more efficient and responsive to local needs.
• Suggested giving more autonomy to state governments, local bodies, and schools in managing educational affairs.

20. Role of Media and Technology in Education:

• Recommended the use of radio, television, and other mass media to expand educational outreach and improve learning experiences.
• Proposed using educational technology to create interactive and engaging content for students.

Conclusion:

The Kothari Commission (1964-66) played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Indian education system. Its recommendations aimed at creating an integrated, inclusive, and diversified educational structure that would not only impart academic knowledge but also vocational skills, moral values, and national integration. Many of its ideas, such as the 10+2+3 system, the three-language formula, and vocational education, continue to influence India’s education policy today.