Education, Enablement & Employment

Tata Tea’s socially targeted advertisements, Mahindra’s Rise initiative, and Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement – it’s really a delight to witness this wave of change. Chit-chats are transforming into actions; many social entrepreneurs have begun their journeys.

One of the most targeted sectors for such initiatives is Education. Individuals and organizations at different levels, in India and globally, are working at their respective capacities. Subodh Kumar Gupta, CMD Safal Solutions, is covering the rural streets of Bihar on cycle to explore the basic needs and real status of primary education. Azim Premji Foundation has initiated a `9000Cr. project to launch 1300 schools, two in each district, to impart free and quality education. Silicon Valley VCs are betting US$ 15 Million on free learning sites while World Economic Forum advocates educating the next wave of entrepreneurs to meet the global challenges of 21^st Century.

Each work is commendable and provides a gloomy picture similar to shortly passed India Shining Campaign.  As today, the complete nation is debating whether Anna Hazare’s movement for a strong Lokpal Bill will be able to eradicate corruption from India; no one can deny that it is one of the much needed steps that, if taken positively, will open many other doors in this direction. Similarly, social initiatives for basic and higher education are only the much needed preliminary steps.

When I visit the small towns and villages around my native place, under-graduates often ask me about the employment prospects after completing their colleges. The basic difference why rural people try more for competitive examinations such as government jobs, engineering, medicals and civil services, whereas urban people in metros do not do so at that scale, is the awareness and employment opportunities at their respective locations.

Devanik Shah, Fellow- Teach for India, has very rightly pointed out the real motives of parents sending their children to schools and why girls outnumber boys at such places. Many parents prefer that their children be bread-earners rather than study in schools; because these parents have no confidence that education will provide their children with surviving capabilities, forget about getting employment. The Economic Times on Friday, 9^th Dec 2011, painted a positive picture that job opportunities seem to be abundant in early 2012 as most of the sectors are gearing for hiring spree. As many as 5 lakhs jobs are being offered only by the state-run banks, despite the job cuts by private ones. What is also equally important to note is that 10.5 lakh candidates have already taken examinations for these jobs while 44 lakhs are awaiting their turn for common recruitment tests. 91% would still curse their fate.  

It’s easier said than done. We can paint a picture, boast of promises and win votes. What is more difficult is to build that confidence through real work at the grass-root level and click a picture of the real India Shining. People are more worried about survival. One cannot impose a decision of education when stomachs are hungry. Social leaders need to relate to people the way they can be accepted. Now, this becomes passive voice, rather than active voice. Along with education, we need to build more opportunities in agro-based industries, cottage industries, micro-finance, and related aspects where people can relate, accept and trust. I strongly feel there is an opportunity of mass employment generation similar to one that re-shaped China. No wonder, lots of work is being done by various Government agencies, public-private partnerships, NGOs and several SHGs. Corruption is eating a major pie there too and real transformation is still a distance away.