Saffron takeover of India’s education system | Modi report card, Ep 4

Summary

The video script discusses the Modi government's impact on education in India, highlighting the 2014 BJP manifesto's promise to prioritize education. It critiques the government's curriculum changes, such as the removal of certain historical chapters and scientific theories, and the introduction of religious texts. The script also examines budget allocations, showing a discrepancy between promises and actual spending. It notes slight improvements in enrollment but expresses concern over declining learning outcomes. The National Education Policy 2020 is mentioned, with its structural changes and foreign university partnerships, alongside criticisms regarding privatization and a lack of focus on caste-based reservations.

Takeaways

• 📚 The 2014 BJP Manifesto emphasized education as a powerful tool for national advancement, leading to changes in the textbook curriculum.
• 🗑️ The NCRT in April 2023 announced the erasure of certain chapters related to the Mughal Empire from class 12 history textbooks and removal of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution from class 9 and 10 science textbooks.
• 📖 Gujarat assembly passed a resolution to start teaching the Bhagat Gita in schools, reflecting the influence of cultural and religious ideologies on education.
• 🔍 An example of questionable historical content was the claim in a class 8 textbook that VD Savarkar could fly out of prison on the wings of a bullbull bird, which has since been removed.
• 💰 The Modi government's allocation to education averaged only 0.44% of the annual GDP between 2014 to 2024, lower than the Congress's 0.61% between 2004 and 2014.
• 📈 Despite lower spending, there was a slight increase in school enrollment and gross enrollment ratio in higher education, according to the ASER report and the All India Survey of Higher Education.
• 👧 Enrollment of girls aged 11 to 14 in schools has significantly improved, with the percentage of girls not enrolled dropping from 10.3% in 2006 to 2% in 2022.
• 📉 Learning outcomes have not been encouraging, with a decline in the ability of rural grade 3 and grade 5 students to read materials at their grade level between 2018 and 2022.
• 🏫 High dropout rates were observed among students from marginalized backgrounds, particularly from SC/ST communities, in IITs, NITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions.
• 📝 The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced a new 5+3+3+4 structure for education and allowed foreign universities to establish campuses in India, but faced criticism for encouraging privatization and lack of focus on caste and reservation provisions.
• 🌐 The COVID-19 pandemic exposed India's digital divide in education, highlighting the unfulfilled promise of the BJP's 2014 manifesto to address this issue.

Q & A

What did the 2014 BJP Manifesto state about education?

The 2014 BJP Manifesto stated that education is the most powerful tool for the advancement of the nation and that the government would use this tool to change the textbook curriculum.

What changes did the NCRT announce in April 2023 regarding history textbooks?

In April 2023, the NCRT announced that it would erase certain chapters related to the Mughal Empire from class 12 history textbooks.

Why was Charles Darwin's theory of evolution removed from science textbooks?

A BJP leader claimed that Darwin's theory of evolution was scientifically incorrect and should not be taught in schools, leading to its removal from class 9 and class 10 science textbooks.

What resolution did the Gujarat assembly pass regarding the teaching of the Bhagat Gita in schools?

The Gujarat assembly passed a resolution to start teaching the Bhagat Gita in schools.

What was the claim made in the Class 8 Canada textbook about VD Savarkar?

The Class 8 Canada textbook claimed that VD Savarkar, while jailed in the Andaman Cellular Jail, used to fly out of prison and return on the wings of a bullbull bird.

How has the Modi government's budget allocation to education compared to the Congress?

Between 2014 to 2024, the BJP allocated an average of 0.44% of the annual GDP to education, which was less than the Congress's allocation of 0.61% between 2004 and 2014.

What has been the trend in school enrollment according to the ASER report?

According to the ASER report, there has been a slight increase in school enrollment, from 96.7% in 2014 to 97.2% in 2018 and 98.4% in 2022.

What was the gross enrollment ratio in higher education according to the All India Survey of Higher Education 2019-2020?

The gross enrollment ratio in higher education went up from 26.3% in 2018-19 to 27.1% in 2019-20.

What was the learning outcome for grade three children in rural India in 2018 and 2022?

In 2018, only 27.2% of grade three children in rural India were able to read grade two level material, which increased to 40.5% in 2022.

What was the situation regarding dropouts from IITs, NITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions between 2016 and 2020?

Between 2016 and 2020, 60% of dropout students from IITs, NITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions belonged to the SC/ST communities.

What is the National Education Policy 2020 and what are some of its main recommendations?

The National Education Policy 2020 is a framework for both school and higher education across the country. It recommends changing the current 10+2 structure to a 5+3+3+4 structure and includes children from ages 3 to 5 within the formal education system. It also allows foreign universities to set up their campuses in India.

What are some criticisms of the National Education Policy 2020?

Critics argue that the NEP encourages privatization of public institutions, has too many exit options leading to large scale dropouts, focuses on vocational education over meaningful education, and does not mention caste and reservation provisions. The biggest criticism is over the union government controlling education, which many regional political parties oppose.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Education Reforms and Controversies

The script discusses the 2014 BJP manifesto's emphasis on education as a key tool for national advancement. It highlights the Modi government's changes to the educational curriculum, including the removal of certain historical chapters and scientific theories, such as Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The script also mentions the introduction of religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita in schools and the controversial claims about historical figures. The government's budget allocations for education are criticized for falling short of the promised 6% of GDP, with an average of only 0.44% allocated between 2014 and 2024. However, there are positive notes on increased school enrollment and higher education gross enrollment ratios. The learning outcomes, though, show a decline in reading abilities among rural students. The script raises questions about the government's approach to education, including the 'saffronisation' of the curriculum and the impact on learning.

05:00

📉 Challenges in Educational Outcomes and Policy

This paragraph delves into the challenges faced by the Modi government in the education sector, particularly the high dropout rates among students from marginalized communities in higher education institutions like IITs and NITs. It also addresses the government's introduction of common entrance tests for central university admissions and the digital divide exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which contradicts the BJP's promise to bridge the gap in the education system. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is introduced as a significant reform, proposing a new educational structure and allowing foreign universities to operate in India. However, the NEP has been met with criticism, especially from Southern States, for promoting privatization, potentially leading to dropouts, focusing on vocational education over comprehensive learning, and not addressing caste and reservation provisions. The paragraph concludes with a critique of the centralization of education control by the union government, which has sparked demands for state autonomy in educational matters.

Keywords

💡BGP Manifesto

The 'BGP Manifesto' refers to the political platform or set of principles outlined by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India. In the video, it is mentioned that the 2014 BGP Manifesto emphasized education as a powerful tool for national advancement. This is relevant as the video discusses the changes made to the education system under the BJP government.

💡NCRTL

The National Council for Teacher Education and Research (NCRTL) is an Indian government body responsible for teacher education and research. The script mentions that in April 2023, the NCRTL announced the erasure of certain chapters regarding the Mughal Empire from class 12 history textbooks, illustrating the government's influence on educational content.

💡Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution

Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is a foundational concept in biology, proposing that species evolve over time through natural selection. The script notes that this theory was removed from class 9 and 10 science textbooks, reflecting a controversial change in the curriculum that has implications for the teaching of science.

💡Saffronisation

Saffronisation refers to the influence of Hindu nationalist ideology on various aspects of society, including education. The video discusses the 'saffronisation of education' as a real phenomenon, indicating a perceived bias towards Hindu nationalist perspectives in educational policies and curriculum under the BJP government.

💡Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The script mentions a Gujarat assembly's resolution to start teaching the Bhagavad Gita in schools, which is an example of how religious texts are being integrated into the educational system, possibly reflecting a saffronisation of education.

💡Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)

The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) is a statistical measure used in the education sector to determine the number of students enrolled in school as a percentage of the population of the typical age range for the level of education in question. The video cites an increase in GER in higher education, indicating a rise in the number of students attending higher education institutions.

💡Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes refer to the skills, knowledge, and understanding that students are expected to achieve by the end of a course or educational program. The script highlights a decline in learning outcomes among rural Indian students, suggesting that while enrollment rates have increased, the quality of education may not be improving.

💡Dropout Rate

The dropout rate is the percentage of students who leave school before completing their education. The video discusses the dropout rate among students from marginalized communities in higher education institutions, indicating systemic issues that may be affecting educational attainment.

💡National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework for the school and higher education system in India. The policy introduces significant structural changes, such as a new 5+3+3+4 structure, and allows foreign universities to establish campuses in India. However, it has faced criticism for various reasons, as discussed in the video.

💡Privatization

Privatization refers to the process of transferring ownership of public sector organizations to the private sector. The script mentions that one of the criticisms of the NEP 2020 is that it encourages the privatization of public institutions, which some argue could lead to inequities in access to quality education.

💡Reservation Provisions

Reservation provisions in India are policies that ensure representation of historically disadvantaged groups in education and employment. The video notes that the NEP 2020 has been criticized for not explicitly mentioning caste and reservation provisions, which could impact the educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

Highlights

The 2014 BJP Manifesto emphasized education as a powerful tool for national advancement.

Government initiated changes in the textbook curriculum, including the removal of certain historical chapters and scientific theories.

NCRT announced the erasure of chapters related to the Mughal Empire from class 12 history textbooks in April 2023.

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was removed from class 9 and 10 science textbooks.

A BJP leader claimed Darwin's theory was scientifically incorrect and should not be taught in schools.

Gujarat assembly passed a resolution to start teaching the Bhagavad Gita in schools.

A claim about VD Savarkar flying out of prison, which was later removed from class 8 textbooks, highlights questionable content.

The term 'saffronisation of education' is used to describe changes in the education system under the BJP.

BJP's public spending on education averaged only 0.44% of India's GDP between 2014 to 2024, lower than Congress's 0.61%.

School enrollment increased slightly from 96.7% in 2014 to 98.4% in 2022 according to the ASER report.

Gross enrollment ratio in higher education rose from 26.3% in 2019 to 27.1% in 2020.

Enrollment of girls aged 11 to 14 in schools improved significantly between 2006 and 2022.

Learning outcomes are not encouraging despite higher enrollment, with many students unable to read at grade level.

High dropout rates among SC/ST students in IITs, NITs, and other centrally funded technical institutions.

Government reported over 9,500 students from marginalized backgrounds dropped out of central universities from 2018 to 2023.

Introduction of common entrance tests for undergraduate and master's admissions in central universities.

COVID-19 pandemic exposed India's digital divide in education, contradicting BJP's 2014 promise to fix it.

National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) proposed changes to the 10+2 structure and allowed foreign universities in India.

NEP faced criticism for encouraging privatization, having too many exit options, focusing on vocational education, and lack of mention on caste and reservation provisions.

Critics argue that education should be under state government control due to regional differences in language, culture, and history.

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Transcripts

the 2014 bgp Manifesto said education is

the most powerful tool for the

advancement of the nation and true to

its words this government has used this

powerful tool and started to change

textbook

curriculum what happened next was not

history it was an eraser of

History

narra

[Music]

Modi in April 2023 the ncrt announced

that it would erase certain chapters

with regard to the mul Empire from the

class 12 history textbooks ncrt also

removed Charles Darin's theory of

evolution from class 9 and Class 10

science textbooks much before this a

certain BJP leader even claimed that

Darin's theory was scientifically

Incorrect and should not be taught in

schools

now having said that did you guys hear

about the Gujarat assembly's resolution

to start teaching the bhagat Gita in

schools the next one is my personal

favorite did you know that when VD saaka

was jailed in the Andaman Cula jail he

used to fly out of prison and return on

the wings of a bullbull

bird well that's what the Class 8 Canada

textbook claimed at one point I'm saying

one point because it has been removed

saffronisation of education is real and

this isn't something that the BJP is shy

about but what has the Modi government

done about education what are the

positive changes and how much has the

Modi government spent so in this episode

of our modi's report card series I look

at education so now to the budget but

before that

hello people my name is Kora Abraham and

this is the fourth episode of our Modi

report card series before this we talked

about unemployment inflation and hate

speech so if you like our work and want

us to talk about your issues become a

paid subscriber of the news minute and

support our work in 2014 the BJP said

that they will increase public spending

on education to 6% of India's GDP moved

to 2019 the BJP Manifesto was quiet on

this issue and the reality between 2014

to 2024 the BJP allocated only an

average of

0.44% of the annual GDP to education in

fact this was worse than that of the

Congress the Congress allocated just

0.61% between 2004 and

2014 however there is some good news too

according to the ascr report or the

annual status of Education report there

has been a slight increase in school

enrollment it was

96.7% in 2014 it went up to

97.2% in 2018 and

98.4% in 2022 as per the all India

survey of higher education 2019 2020 the

gross enrollment ratio in higher

education went up from

26.3% in

201819 to

27.1% in in 1920 now as far as girls

between ages of 11 and 14 goes

enrollment in schools has seen

aise the percentage of girls not

enrolled in schools was

10.3% in 2006 it came down to 2

percentage in 2022 in anen vades the

number of children enrolled has gone up

between 2018 and

2022 for example

28.8% children Age 3 years old when not

enrolled in ananad in

2018 this number came down to

21.7% in

2022 so while there is good news that

children are going to schools the

learning outcomes are not so

encouraging as found in 2018 that only

27.2% of grade three children in rural

India were able to read grade two level

material this number increased to 20

.5% in 2022 the situation was more or

less the same for grade five students of

rural India as well in 2018

44.2% of grade 5 students could read

grade 2 level material while in 2022 the

number dropped to

38.5% so higher enrollment in schools in

the last 10 years but lesser learning

outcomes so how else did the Modi

government fair in education between

2016 and 2020 60% of Dropout students

from iits nits and from other centrally

funded technical institutions belonged

to the scst communities and 63% of

undergraduate dropouts at the top seven

iits in the last 5 years were from the

reserved categories out of this 40%

being from the scst communities the

government said that from 2018 to 20 23

over 9,500 students from marginalized

background dropped out of central

universities out of this

2,622 students belong to the scheduled

tribe category

2,424 scheduled cast students and

4,596 from other backward classes the

government also brought in a lot of

common entrance tests be it for

undergrad or Masters admissions for any

Central University there are many tests

right now such as the the cued and the

neat okay now do you remember these

images and

videos these stories are from the

covid-19 pandemic which exposed India's

digital divide in their 2014 Manifesto

the bgp had also promise to fix the

digital divide in the education system

but the pandemic time showed us how

hollow this claim was to be fair the

state governments are also to be blamed

for it now let's move on to the Modi

government's big matter of Pride the

National Education policy

2020 what is it the NEP is a framework

for both school and higher education

across the country the framework which

was made by former ISRO Chief casturi

rangen recommended changing the current

10+2 structure with a 5 + 3+ 3+ 4

structure which also also brings

children from ages 3 to 5 within the

formal education system under the NEP

the Modi government has also allowed

foreign universities to set up their

campuses in India but the NEP has faced

severe push back especially from

Southern States so what do these

critiques say the NEP encourages

privatization of public institutions it

has way too many exit options which

would lead to large scale dropouts it

focuses on vocational education and not

meaningful ucation and NEP also does not

mention cast and reservation Provisions

but the biggest criticism is over the

union government controlling education

so many regional political parties have

been demanding that education should be

a state government's domain as States

differ in language culture and history

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episode on the modi's report card series

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