New Delhi, May 21: Disadvantaged households both in urban and rural areas have little trust in government schools, reveals a survey done by the Right to Education Resource Center (RTERC) of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA). These families prefer the admission of their children in private schools and register them for extra tuition classes, even if it requires taking loans for covering the expenses of education.
35% income spent on education
The research, held on foot by meeting the surveyed households, found that parents were dissatisfied and helpless with the schooling experience despite spending 35 per cent of the household income on education.
At least one child went to a private school due to “high levels of distrust” in government schools in nearly 70 per cent of households. The survey disclosed that for all these households, education is the only means for their kid to earn money and secure a future.
Education is biggest concern for 65% of households
More than 65 per cent of households shared that their biggest concern is education, and after that, food, health, marriage and entertainment expenses follow, in this order. Nearly thirteen families of those surveyed had taken loans for meeting the primary education expenses. They were paying interest rates as high as 25 per cent every year.
“There were several other households who had sold of their assets (such as jewellery) to pay fees. One household very matter-of-factly said ‘Khaana ek time ka kam kar sakte hain par shiksha nahi ruk sakti (we can skip a meal daily but cannot stop educating our children)’ and indicated that this was the common sentiment in their community and neighborhood,” the survey stated.
As per the findings, the major reason for mistrust in government schools was that the parents felt that there was a high level of absenteeism among the teachers even when they were more educated with better subject knowledge. Some parents also claim that teachers are instructed to do administrative work and therefore, teaching becomes their last priority.
Some households shared that after completing primary education from a government school, their children would find it tough to get admission in a private school.