Archive · 11 Jan 2026
PM Criticizes Colonial Education Policy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently criticized a 1835 education policy by Macaulay, saying it created a 'slavery mentality' in India.
This started a big discussion about education in India.
Many people are worried because a lot of students can't read or do basic math well.
Some schools, especially government ones, are in bad shape with old buildings and not enough teachers.
While some students do well in exams and get into good colleges, many others struggle.
The government has a plan called NEP 2020 to improve things, but it's not happening fast enough.
Some people think the government should spend more money on education and focus on teaching skills that help people get jobs.
Others believe the current system is working fine and that top schools are doing well.
The main idea is that education in India needs to get better so that all students can succeed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Macaulay's 1835 education policy for instilling a 'slavery mentality' in India.
A debate on the state of education in India was triggered, with concerns about the current education system's failure to provide quality education.
According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, a significant percentage of students struggle with basic reading and math skills.
Government schools are in a state of disrepair, with falling buildings and a shortage of teachers, affecting the education of the majority of students.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to introduce vocational education at all levels, but its implementation is behind schedule due to financial and logistical challenges.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, politicians, education experts, and the general public.
- What
- A debate on the state of education in India, triggered by PM Modi's criticism of Macaulay's 1835 education policy.
- When
- The debate was triggered on 17 November 2025, with discussions on the current state of education and the impact of historical policies.
- Where
- The debate is taking place across India, with a focus on the education system and its challenges.
- Why
- The debate was sparked by PM Modi's criticism of Macaulay's education policy and the perceived failure of the current education system to provide quality education to all students.
Critics of Current System
Supporters of Current System
State of Education
Critics of Current System
Critics argue that the current education system is failing, with high percentages of students unable to read or perform basic math, and a lack of improvement in government schools.
Supporters of Current System
Supporters point to the high pass rates in secondary education and the success of top institutions like IITs and IIMs as evidence of a functioning system.
Role of Government
Critics of Current System
Critics blame successive governments for neglecting education, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and a shortage of teachers in government schools.
Supporters of Current System
Supporters argue that the government has made efforts to improve education, such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and that more time is needed to see results.
- Class 3 students unable to read Class 2 level texts
- 76%
- Class 5 students unable to read Class 2 level texts
- 55.2%
- Class 8 students unable to read Class 2 level texts
- 32.5%
- Class 3 and Class 5 students struggling with simple maths
- 66%
- Gross Enrolment Ratio target by 2030
- 100%
- Current pass rate in twelfth board examinations
- 88.4%
- Students scoring above 90% in CBSE
- 1.1 lakh
- Qualifying score in JEE Advanced Examination
- 20.56%
- Qualifying score in NEET
- 18.75%
- Government expenditure on education as percentage of GDP
- Less than 3%