Education in India is at the crossroads and stands as a basic right bestowed to everyone that enables individuals and communities to develop holistically. Education today has become is critical for eliminating poverty and inequality by equipping skills among the students for better employment and economic autonomy which will eventually boost national growth. While secondary education serves as a link between basic and higher education, it addresses problems such as poverty and limited infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. Initiatives of UNESCO seek to address the existing gaps in the education eco-system. In our country, increased enrolment is countered by high dropout rates over the years due to various reasons. The government is dealing with projects such as RMSA, Digital India and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan which aim to improve infrastructure, integrating technology and ensure inclusive quality education for all.
Learning infrastructure in school education
In the realm of education, learning infrastructure refers to both physical facilities and institutional elements that enable successful learning. Physical facilities include classrooms, teaching aids, libraries, laboratories, playgrounds, and even basic requirements such as clean drinking water, sanitation, reliable electricity, Health and hygiene. Well-maintained and appropriately planned environments may have a greater influence on student concentration, convenience, and overall learning experience. Institutional elements include syllabus, educational resources, technological advancement, training for teachers, and even administrative processes. Effective learning infrastructure ensures that these components work together effortlessly to provide a high-quality education.
The learning infrastructure is still lacking in government schools of India after several initiatives. the fact that just 65% of schools have electricity supply, 28% have computers, and 11% have connectivity to the internet (UDISE 2020–21). Lack of access to basic amenities, such as clean drinking water and separate working toilet for students, is a common problem, particularly in rural regions where dropout rates are high and academic performance is low. Programs like the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan aim to improve infrastructure, but execution varies widely, with significant disparities between urban and rural schools. Therefore, more equitable resource allocation is crucial to ensure a favourable learning environment for all students.
Witnessing the above deficiencies few studies are carried out to understand the physical challenges and based on the studies it was seen that government schools often lack proper buildings, with many building structures insufficient or poorly maintained, hindering a conducive learning environment. Library resources exist but are underutilized due to the absence of dedicated spaces, depriving students of regular reading and research opportunities. While some schools have laboratory equipment, the lack of separate labs restricts hands-on learning essential for subjects like science, impacting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Digital infrastructure is similarly deficient. Despite having computers, many schools lack internet access and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, crucial for reliable digital learning. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of teachers trained in digital education, limiting the effectiveness of available technology. This shortfall impairs students' ability to learn digital skills essential in the modern world, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and trained staff to improve educational outcomes.
In a nutshell, blending physical and digital infrastructures into education enhances the learning experience while also preparing students for the demands of the modern world. It equips them with essential 21st-century abilities, improving their flexibility and competency in an increasingly digital and networked global society.
