NCERT survey: Maths, science haunt Himachal students

Class 8 students in Himachal Pradesh performed poorly in the national achievement survey conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

The recent survey conducted by NCERT across the country has revealed a grim picture of the education system in the hill state.

Of the 12 districts, result of the survey for mathematics was below 40% in 11, except Mandi. In science, students from five districts scored below 40%.

Students were given a standard questionnaire with basic questions from mathematics and science.

Other reports, surveys show similar results

The National Achievement Survey conducted by the NCERT in 2016 had also highlighted that Himachal students fared poorly in English and mathematics. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) annual survey, which calculates learning level, also termed learning level of the state’s students as “poor”.

The learning standards have not improved over the years despite initiation of several steps by the state government.

Educators say

Teachers, as well as government officials blame the Right to Education (RTE) policy that was ‘half-heartedly’ implemented in the state, resulting in ‘worsening’ of the educational standards.

Teachers say the education policy implemented in the state has no provision of examination till Class 8. Without examination, teachers have failed to maintain the learning level in elementary classes and there is no mechanism to fix the accountability of teachers.

“We are promoting students to next class even if they write nothing in the final test. This system has ruined the education standards,” said a senior government official, requesting anonymity.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) state project director Ashish Kohli said the survey report highlighted several issues. “Work on improving the learning standard is already going on. We will utilise this report to improve the state of education,” Kohli said.