Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sushasan (good governance) has redefined India’s approach to education. Marking December 25 as Good Governance Day, this initiative reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric development.
Education stands at the heart of good governance, where policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and programs such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and NIPUN Bharat Mission have driven systemic reforms. These changes address foundational learning challenges while leveraging technology for effective governance.
Key Governance Reforms Elevating Education
1. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
NEP 2020 introduced transformative changes, including:
- Foundational Learning: Emphasis on literacy and numeracy under the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
- State School Standards Authority (SSSA): Establishes quality benchmarks for public and private schools.
- Technology Integration: Platforms like Gujarat’s Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) track student progress through real-time data.
2. Data-Driven Insights
Third-party assessments, such as the National Achievement Survey and CBSE’s SAFAL, reveal gaps in foundational literacy and numeracy. Statistics indicate:
- Over 5 crore elementary students lack basic skills.
- 33% of Grade VIII students struggle with simple reading and arithmetic.
Addressing these gaps is critical to improving learning outcomes.
3. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and RTE Act
Building on Vajpayee’s Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, PM Modi’s administration has elevated universal education through the Right to Education (RTE) Act and robust monitoring frameworks.
Transparency and Accountability in Schools
The SSSA ensures:
- Uniform Standards: Public and private schools meet clear benchmarks.
- Digital Portals: Parents can access school performance data, fostering transparency.
By aligning governance with technology, the system reduces administrative burdens and prioritizes outcomes over inputs.
Principles of Good Governance in Education
India’s education reforms embody the eight principles of good governance outlined by UNESCAP:
- Participation: Stakeholder involvement in decision-making.
- Transparency & Accountability: Digital systems for school performance tracking.
- Equity: Accessible quality education for all students.
- Effectiveness: Data-driven policies to optimize resources.
A Call to Action
As India observes Good Governance Day, states are urged to adopt the SSSA framework, reinforcing the vision of a “New India” where quality education is a right for every child. Through sustained efforts and technology integration, India is steadily transforming education into a system that is effective, equitable, and inclusive.
