Demand of restoring ‘Education’ to the State list
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Indian Constitution/ Issues between Centre and States
- •Source: TH*
Context: The article discusses whether should education be brought back to the State list.
What is a State List?
The State List is a category under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India that enumerates subjects on which individual State Governments have the exclusive power to legislate. These subjects include areas such as police, public health, agriculture, and local governance. This division of powers ensures that states can manage and address local issues effectively without interference from the central government. Currently, Education is under the concurrent List.
Background on Education Listing:
• Pre-Independence: Under the Government of India Act, 1935, education was under the Provincial Legislative List.
• Post-Independence: Initially, education was on the State List of the Seventh Schedule.
• 1976 Change: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment, following the Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendation, moved education to the Concurrent List without explicit reasons.
• The 44th Constitutional Amendment attempted to revert some of these changes but was not fully implemented.
Education Should Be on the State List
• Original Design: Initially in the constitution, education was a state matter, as local governments are better suited to address educational needs.
• Will Restore Federal Balance: The 42nd Amendment shifted education to the Concurrent List, undermining federalism. Returning it to the State List would restore the intended balance of power.
• State-Specific Policies: States can tailor education to their unique cultural and socio-economic contexts, improving literacy and educational outcomes.
• Resource Allocation: States fund 85% of education expenses and should control their investments.
• Merit Determination: Centralized exams like NEET do not reflect diverse student potential. States need flexibility in admission criteria.
• Accountability: State control ensures better accountability for educational quality.
• Policy Conflicts: Central policies often clash with state policies, causing inefficiencies. State control would reduce these conflicts.
Education should remain on the Concurrent List:
Reason | Explanation
Ensuring Minimum Standards and Equity | Keeping education concurrent allows the Centre to monitor implementation, ensuring disadvantaged sections have access to quality education.
Standardisation of Skills and Employability | A standardised national curriculum ensures graduates have skills required by a pan-India job market, as highlighted by FICCI.
A concurrent list facilitates this by establishing a common framework while allowing states to tailor vocational training.
Addressing National Concerns and Emergencies | A concurrent list allows the Centre to develop curricula for national challenges like climate change while accommodating state-specific concerns.
National Integration and Mobility | A common educational framework fosters national integration and cultural exchange, as emphasized by the Kothari Commission (1964-66)
A concurrent list allows the Centre to set core standards while states adapt them to local contexts, promoting unity and diversity.
Poor Status of Primary Education | States have shown poor governance in primary education, as highlighted by the ASER 2023 Report. Most rural kids of 14-18 can’t do Class 3 math, and over 25% can’t read.
Regulation of National Institutions | The Centre can regulate institutions like IITs and AIIMS to maintain high standards.
International Practices:
Country | Education Governance
U.S. | State and local governments set overall educational standards and supervise colleges and universities. The federal education department focuses on policies for financial aid.
Canada | Education is managed by the provinces.
Germany | Legislative powers for education reside with states (landers).
South Africa | National departments manage schools and higher education, with provinces implementing national policies and addressing local educational needs.
The way forward and Conclusion:
Focus on “Collaborative Federalism” as suggested by the Kothari Commission (1964-66) to ensure national standards with state flexibility. Implement outcome-based funding as recommended by NITI Aayog. Promote decentralized school management per the Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009. Reform teacher training and transfer policies based on the TSR Subramanian Committee Report (2009). Develop standardized national assessments with state-specific benchmarks.
Insta Links:
• Issues related to Education Sector
Mains links:
• Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC 2021)
• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (UPSC 2020)
Prelims Links:
Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC 2012)
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Rural and Urban Local Bodies
• Fifth Schedule
• Sixth Schedule
• Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (d)