Social Policy Development Pertaining to Education in India Essay

Social Policy Development Pertaining to Education in India - Essay Example imarily comprised of two areas that are one that were directly under the control and the administration of Great Britain and then there were the princely states that were under the dominion of the native rulers, who exercised their jurisdiction on behalf of the British Crown (Mill & Thomas 1976). Before the revolt of 1857, India was under the rule and control of the British East India Company. A formal system of governance under the British dominion was introduced in India in 1858 when the British East India Company passed over the control of India to the Crown then represented by Queen Victoria (Mill & Thomas 1976). Queen Victoria was formally proclaimed the empress of India in the year 1877. The British colonial rule in India lasted until 1947. The non-violent opposition and resistance to the British rule initiated and guided by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi finally brought freedom to India in 1947 (Mill & Thomas 1976). Indian scholars and historians respond to the British colonial rule with a mixed sentiment. Some hold the British responsible for depriving India of its economic prowess and wherewithal through a system of sustained exploitation. Then there are others who appreciate the British for introducing the policies and measures that led to the modernization of India. Perhaps, the truth lies somewhere between these two views. 3.0 Indian Education System under the British Modern education in India is the result of gradual evolution. History of education in India is closely linked up with the history of education in England. The beginnings of the modern system of education in India can be traced to the efforts of the Christian missionaries who poured into India in the wake of European traders (Willinsky 2000, p. 97). It was the... This paper stresses that in many ways and perspective, India could be considered to be a modern and democratic nation with a fast growing economy that to a great extent is integrated with the outside world. In that context the challenges before the Indian education system are immense and multifarious. However, it would be pragmatic to touch upon a few issues that are of immense importance to India, being a mature and responsible member of the international community. This report makes a conclusion that subjugation is not an ideal state of existence for any nation, still the British Raj did one good thing that is it introduced and exposed the Indian education system to Western thought, literature and scientific knowhow. Not to say, the policy makers and administrators in the independent India did much to build on the start given by the Raj. The current economic growth and development of the modern India to a great extent testifies to the success of its education system and educational policies. Still, the policy developments in India need to go a step ahead to include the weaker and sidelined segments of the Indian population. Besides, India also needs to get over its cultural and political compulsions and hesitations to make way for the inclusion of such subjects and disciplines in its education system that are in tandem with the trends prevailing in the free and modern nations.