India’s school infrastructure is at a critical crossroads that requires urgent attention not only to address current shortcomings but also to address how our schools can prepare students for future challenges. The recently released Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 report by the Education Ministry has highlighted serious deficiencies in basic amenities like drinking water, functional toilets and electricity. However, beyond these immediate concerns lies an even more pressing question: are our schools equipped to nurture future-ready students with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic world?
With technological advancements, Indian schools are struggling to meet even the most basic requirements of a future-ready education system. Many lack functional computer laboratories, well-equipped science laboratories and integrated learning tools. This highlights the urgent need to invest not only in basic facilities but also in advanced educational infrastructure in line with the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Digital infrastructure in schools
According to the UDISE+ report, only 57% of the 14.71 lakh schools in the country have computer facilities. Of these, only 50.9% have functional computer systems that can be used for educational purposes. What is even more worrying is that only 8.1% of schools are equipped with functional integrated teaching-learning devices, and only 24.4% have operational smart classrooms. These figures highlight the digital divide that must be urgently addressed to prevent a generation of students being left behind.
After COVID-19, dependence on digital tools in education has increased rapidly. However, progress in upgrading digital infrastructure has been woefully inadequate. Bridging the digital divide through affordable devices, reliable internet connectivity and teacher training is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Without these investments, Indian students will be unprepared for the skills and careers of the future.
skills for the future
Technology is redefining the way we work, communicate and learn. Topics like coding, artificial intelligence and data literacy should become an integral part of the learning experience. However, preparing for the future goes beyond digital literacy. Schools should also focus on equipping students with critical thinking, analytical skills, communication abilities and adaptability. These competencies are essential to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing global landscape.
Building climate friendly schools
As India is facing the challenges of climate change, our students should be prepared to deal with this global crisis. Environmental education in schools should move beyond theoretical knowledge to include practical, hands-on experiences in sustainability. While the UDISE+ 2023-24 report shows that only 10.5% of schools have solar panels and 36.2% have kitchen gardens, these numbers highlight both the need and the potential for schools to promote environmental responsibility. Programs focused on waste management, renewable energy, and conservation can transform these existing resources into vibrant, vibrant classrooms where students learn by doing.
Schools with solar panels can be a living lesson about renewable energy. Similarly, kitchen gardens can serve as a practical gateway to lessons in sustainable agriculture and nutrition. Encouraging participation in local climate action projects, combined with these resources, can create a sense of responsibility in finding climate solutions.
Additionally, the report shows that only 10.9% of schools have tinkering labs â a worrying gap given their importance in developing a problem-solving mindset. Integrating environmental challenges into tinkering lab activities can enable students to design creative, concrete solutions to sustainability.
The Ministry of Education has an important role to play in bridging these gaps and ensuring that schools are future-ready. Investments should prioritize both basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and sanitation and advanced resources such as computer labs, science laboratories and smart classrooms. It is important to create an equitable learning environment where every child receives quality education.
Without future-ready schools, India risks widening the gap between those who have and those who have access to quality education. If the digital divide is left unchecked, disparities will increase, leaving large numbers of students unprepared for the demands of a technology-driven world.
Moreover, India’s demographic dividend â its large youth population â depends on how well we prepare our students for the future. Schools are incubators of this potential. Their transformation is not just an educational imperative but also a social imperative.
(The author is General Secretary, Management of the Independent CBSE Schools Association in Karnataka and Board Member, Delhi Public Schools, Bengaluru and Mysuru)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author
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