The Kothari Commission, The National Board of Education (1964-1966)

The Kothari Commission, The National Board of Education (1964-1966), commonly known as was appointed by the Government of India at the end of the Third Five Year Plan. The committee is chaired by Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari, Chairman of the University Grants Committee. Dr. Daulat Singh and his team evaluated the Indian education system and submitted a report to the Indian Minister of Education. Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari was Dean of the Department of Physics at the University of Delhi from 1934 until 1961. He also served as Secretary of Defense as Scientific Advisor from 1948 until 1961, when he was appointed Chairman of the UGC University Grants Committee, a position he served until 1973. The Commission started its work on 2nd October 1964 and submitted its report to the Minister of Education of India on 29th June 1966. If you are preparing for competitive exams and are looking for expert guidance, you can check out our General Knowledge Ebook Free PDF: https://www.safalta.com/general-awareness-free-e-book

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Table of Content 

Aim of the Kothari Commission
Suggestions of the National Education Commission
Reforms of the commission
 

Aim of the Kothari Commission

Commission had a firm belief that education is the most powerful instrument of national development. The report has rightly been titled “Education and National Development.” Commission had an international composition, 6 out of its 7 members were from London, USA, Tokyo, Moscow, UNESCO & France. The first commission was set up in India for modernization and standardization of education.

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The report obtained from these two methods was discussed by the commission on June 29, 1966. This commission submitted its report titled “Education and National Development” to the government of India. The report is a document of 692 pages. It itself begins with the sentence “The density of India is being shaped in her classroom.”

Suggestions of the National Education Commission

Commission formulated five aims and functions and termed it five programs.

1. To increase productivity through education- special emphasis on the education of agriculture, science, and technology.
2. To strengthen social and national integration through education.
3. To modernize the county through education.
4. To develop social, moral, and spiritual values through education.
5.  To develop democratic values through education.

This commission aimed to review all aspects of the Indian education system. This was the sixth post-independence commission and the first comprehensive commission on education. The necessity of Kothari Commission in the Indian Board of Education was established to advise the government on the development of the Indian education system. Many recommendations have been made to improve all aspects of the Indian education system. The existing Indian education system had some shortcomings in terms of content, curriculum, national development, and values. Therefore, it was urgently necessary to assess the existing education system and make some changes.
“Education is the backbone of democracy. In the absence of education, democracy can never succeed.”- commission.
 

Reforms of the commission

1. Curriculum research, at each stage, the curriculum was thoroughly researched. The curriculum was recommended to be upgraded with research from universities and government educational institutions.
2. Emphasis on science and mathematics education Science and mathematics should be compulsory in the first decade of education Science education is linked to technology in urban areas and to agriculture in rural areas.
3. Effective Social Studies Program Essential for the development of good citizenship and emotional integration. The inclusion of social studies in the curriculum was recommended.

  4. Special schedule for language classes From grade 8 they have to teach 3 languages (Native, Hindi, and English) but it is not required. The Commission recommended a trilingual formula, which should include Modern Indian in addition to Hindi and English in Hindi-speaking regions, while in non-Hindi-speaking countries, Hindi plus regional It was recommended to include language and English in the curriculum.
 5. Teaching Moral and Spiritual Values The commission proposes a systematic attempt to impart moral education and instill spiritual values in schools. Moral and spiritual values lead to responsible citizenship.
6. New curriculum and basic education According to the commission Education should be a productive activity. There must be a relationship between the curriculum and the environment. It requires connection and contact with the community. This is important because it allows us to shape the education system at all levels.
7. Community service program Participation in community service programs and community development should be organized at all levels and appropriate for different age groups
8. Textbook quality The Board of Education considered the quality of teaching materials for most subjects to be poor. Since there is no mention in these books of the value of education, lack of research preparation, skills of Indian scholars, etc., we propose some recommendations. Appointment of Best Author Multiple selections of books No profit and no loss basis Continuous improvement of books.
10. Teaching method recommendations Improved teaching methods Approach to new method Teacher training such as workshops Providing Appropriate Guidance Teaching material.