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Unit 4 : Education in India after Independence: Secondary Education Commission of (1952-53)

the quality of education imparted was unable to meet the changing socio-economic needs of the Notes
country.
In view of these considerations, the Government of India set up, the Secondary Education
Commission by Resolution dated 23rd September, 1952, under the Chairmanship of Dr. A.
Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar, the Vice-Chancellor of the Madras University. Therefore this
commission is also known as Mudaliar Commission.

The Commission was inaugurated on 6th October, 1952. It submitted its Report on
June 1953.

4.2 Report of the Commission

Now we shall discuss about the report of the Secondary Education Commission, 1952-53. As the
report is a very lengthy one containing 311 pages, it is not possible for us to discuss all aspects
in detail. We will confine our discussion to the defects of the prevailing system of secondary
education in India and the recommendations given by the Commission regarding its aims, new
organizational pattern and the curriculum. Let us discuss all these points one by one.

4.2.1 Management and Administration of Secondary Schools
The commission have given the following suggestions in this reports :
1. The post of education director should be equivalent to the joint secretary of the secretariat
and he should advise the minister in this capacity.
2. The secondary education board should be organised under the chairmanship of education
director who should arrange for secondary education in his State.
3. A board for teacher’s training should be established.
4. Central and State Committees should be organised for giving advice on secondary
education.
5. The district inspector of schools should not only find faults with teachers but should
also assist them in performance of their duties. They should solve their problems arising
form time to time and should acquaint them with latest developments in the field of
education.
4.2.2 Evaluation of Commission Work
Below we will discuss the merits and demerits of the recommendations of the Commission:
Merits of Secondary Education Commission: The Commission has given numerous practical
suggestions for the reforms of secondary education in the country. The Commission has drawn
our attention to the various defects of the existing system of secondary education. This itself is
a great service which the commission has rendered. It has rightly pointed to the evils of the
prevailing examination system and has given practical suggestions for its overhauling.
Demerits of Secondary Education Commission: The Commission’s suggestions regarding the High
Power committee for selecting text books it ridiculous and unrealistic, How can a high court judge
assess the suitability of a text-book for schools‘ The Commission has not chosen to pay adequate
attention on the various aspects of women education.

The issue of religious education as well has not been adequately considered by the
Commission.

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