Indian Education Commission (1964-66)

Indian Education Commission (1964-66):

The Commission was appointed under provision of a resolution of the Government of India, dated 14th July, 1964. The Commission included eminent educationists in diverse fields from India and abroad. It consisted of total 17 members, where 14 members, 1 member - secretary, 1 Associate - Secretary and Dr. D.S. Kothari, chairman of the U.G.C. was appointed as the chairman of the commission. Therefore, it is also known as the Kothari Commission. Among the members of the commission 5 educationists were from England, America, France, Japan and Russia. J.P. Naik was appointed as number secretary of the commission and J.F McDougall as associated secretary. 

Recommendations of Indian Education Commission, 1964-66:

              Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 1.

Education for National Reconstruction: The destiny of India is now being shaped in her class rooms. The commission recommended that it is education that determines the level of prosperity, welfare and security of the people which brings national reconstruction through raising the standard of living of our people.

            Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 2.

Education as Powerful Instrument of Change: Education should be used as a powerful instrument of social, economic and political change and it would have to be related to the long term national goal.

           Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 3.

Science Education and Research: The commission stressed that science education should be made an integral part of education. By promoting advances in technology, it helps to develop agriculture and industry and increases national wealth.

            Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 4.

Work Experience: The commission had laid much stress on work- experience and wanted that it should be introduced at all stages of education.

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      Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 5.

Education and Productivity: The commission recommended that the link between education and productivity can be forged through the development:

(a) Science as a basic component of education and culture.

(b) Vocationalisation of education.

               Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 6.

Enrolment and Manpower Requirement: The commission suggested that proper manpower planning should be undertaken to ensure an adequate supply of educated experts for each category of job it would avoid frustration due to unemployment.

                 Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 7.

Role of Education in Social and National Integration: Education should play a very significant role in social and national integration by:

(a) Introducing a common school system of the public education

(b) Making social and national service an integral part of education at all stages

(c) Developing Modern Indian languages and

(d) Promoting national consciousness.

               Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 8.

Study of Languages: English cannot serve as the link language for the majority of our people. As Hindi is the official language of the union and link language of the people, all measures should be taken to spread it in the non-Hindi areas.

             Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 9.

Social and National Service: Some form of social and national service should be made obligatory for all students and should form an integral part of education at all stages.

     Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 10.

Community Life: Educational institution should try to develop a better community life and provide adequate opportunities for students to participate in it.

   Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 11.

Status of Teachers: The commission stressed that intensive and continuous efforts were necessary to raise the economic, social and professional status of teachers. The salary of the teachers should be increased and promotional prospects should be given to the trained graduate teachers.

          Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 12.

Expansion and Vocationalisation of Secondary Education: Secondary education should be vocationalised in a large scale and enrolment in vocational courses should be raised to 20 percent of total enrolment at the lower secondary and 50 percent at the higher secondary stage by 1966.

    Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 13.

Curricular Development: School curriculum should be upgraded through research in curriculum development undertaken by curriculum improvement departments. Periodical revision of text books and other teaching aids should be made according to the revised curricula.

1       Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 14.

Improvement in Methods of Teaching: The commission suggested for “introducing elasticity and dynamism in the educational system so that good school will be free to go ahead on creative and experimental lines while the weaker ones should be supported to gain a sense of security”.

   Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 15.

Quality Text Books and Other Materials:In order to raise the standard of education, quality text books and other learning materials should be provided and a comprehensive programme of text-book production at the national level should be implemented by mobilizing the best talent in the country.

         Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 16.

Guidance and Counseling: The commission recommended to introduce adequate guidance services in all secondary schools with a trained counselor in charge of the programme which will help in the identification and development of the abilities and interests of adolescent pupils.

       Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 17.

Administration and Supervision: For sympathetic and democratic system of administration and supervision the commission suggested the common school system of public education, a nation-wide programme of school improvement, re-organisation and strengthening of the Education Department, revitalizing the system of supervision and organising school complexes.

        Indian Education Commission, 1964-66: Recommendation # 18.

Evaluation: Evaluation should be a continuous process and be related to educational objectives. It is required for developing pupil’s study habits and the teacher’s methods of teaching. The written examination should be improved and oral tests as a part of internal assessment should be given due weight-age. External examination should be improved.