Formulation of New National Policy on Education by Govt. of India and Library System

Dear Library Professionals,

The Govt. of India is proposed to formulate new National Policy on Education to meet challenges posed by lack of quality, research and innovation in our educational institutions. The present National Policy on Education 1986, as amended in 1992, has been the guiding document for the policies of the Central Government in the education sector.

Minister for Human Resources Development Smt. Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha said, “all students, irrespective of caste, creed, location or sex, have access to education of a comparable quality.”

The National System of Education envisages a common educational structure. The 10+2+3 system is the generally accepted structure in the country. But, it is sad to say that the library system (the heart of any education and research institution) in our country has not got due consideration.  Out of total 15 years of education, some importance has been given to libraries in colleges and universities (3 years).  But, in the case of school education (10+2 years), the library system is totally neglected.  Of course, libraries with qualified librarians are there in Central Schools, CBSE, ICSE, ISE and international schools.  Students studying in these schools are meager as compared to others.  That means, most of the schools in the country are running without heart (Library).  So, how we can achieve quality in school education?.  Learning skill, especially the self learning skill is better to be imparted at the early childhood and this will highly determine the life long learning skill of a person. Without quality in schools, how our higher education and research system can perform well?.

In Kerala, about 40 lakhs students are studying in State Controlled schools.  There are no qualified librarians in any of these schools.  Even some eminent academicians are of the thought that, other teachers can manage libraries and provide better library service.  If that is the scientific approach, why we need special teachers for each subjects?.

So, it is the primary duty of the library professionals and associations to convince the authorities the role of libraries and library professionals in education and research.  The so called academic administrators will be financially and academically sound to provide all facilities by themselves to their children, if that can not be provided in the schools, colleges, or universities.  So, we should thought of the facilities to all as respected MHRD minister Smt. Smriti Irani rightly pointed out.

All schools, colleges and universities should have librarians with similar qualifications and also in the same cadre and status of the teachers in the particular institution.  As per the UGC norms, all universities should have University Librarian of equal status of Professor/Registrar.  But, out of total 13 universities in Kerala, none of them have University Librarian.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT LEARNING AND RESEARCH SHOULD START FROM LIBRARY AND THEN APPLY IN LABORATORY.  IS IT OUR LEARNING AND RESEARCH WITHOUT FOUNDATION?. SHALL WE NEED A CHANGE IN THIS SITUATION?

Dr. A.T. FRANCIS, MCom, MLISc, NET, PhD