Reform in Education: Tackling Coaching Dependency and 'Dummy Schools'

The Ministry of Education has announced the creation of a nine-member panel to address concerns about coaching centers and the rise of 'dummy schools'. This initiative will also evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of entrance exams, as confirmed by officials.

Chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, the panel is tasked with proposing strategies to lessen students' dependency on coaching centers as they transition to higher education. A Ministry of Education official stated that the committee will investigate existing educational gaps that make students reliant on coaching, including a lack of focus on critical thinking and innovation.

The panel will also examine how 'dummy schools' facilitate full-time coaching at the expense of formal education. Additionally, the evaluation will extend to the effectiveness of competitive exams in the school education system and their contribution to the burgeoning coaching industry, as well as assess career awareness among students and provide recommendations for improving career guidance frameworks.

(With inputs from agencies.)