Beginning of Public Schools in India:
Some wealthy persons invited headmasters from U.K. to start public schools on the pattern of the public schools there. In the beginning public schools in India were called Chiefs’ colleges, meant to give education to the children of princes and wealthy persons. Opposition by Indian leaders. Organisation of Indian Public School Conference.
Only a few Chiefs’ colleges accepted its membership, gradually the Chiefs’ colleges began to accept the membership. Opposition of undemocratic system of public schools after attainment of freedom in 1947. Supporters of English mode of living still support them. Suggestion by Mudaliar Commission for reforms. Kothari Commission (1964-66) recommended their abolition.
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General Form of Public Schools:
Every student a resident of a hostel. Control of teacher or his representative monitors the students in all their activities throughout the day. Encouragement to the student for participating in sports and hobbies like swimming, wrestling, horse riding, photography, crafts, etc.
Development of the feeling of co-operation, responsibility and competition. Division of students into houses. All resources available. No government aid. High salaries to teachers. Headmasters have full authority.
Merits of Public Schools:
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Development of co-operation and responsibility in students. All facilities available. Ideals for other schools in some ways.
Demerits of Public Schools:
Against democratic traditions. Very expensive. Only children of rich persons can study in them. Students consider themselves superior to the students of other schools whether they are capable or not.
Problems Arising out of Public Schools:
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1. Creation of a special class.
2. Neglect of the principle of equality.
3. Public schools responsible for the deteriorating general schools.
4. Complexity of language problem as English is medium of instruction.
Suggestion for Improvement in Public Schools:
1. Admission should be open to poor students also.
2. Their Indianisatdon necessary.
3. Sense of dignity of labour to be developed.
4. Expenditure should be reduced. Central and state financial help should be provided.
5. Their name should be changed to ‘Janta Schools’.
6. No compulsion of the knowledge of English, for admission.
7. Their pomp and show and luxurious ways should be stopped. Simple life should be encouraged.