Why in News?

“A Shikshit Bharat for the Future” stresses that India must prioritise education, skill development, and technology-led growth to achieve sustainable progress and global competitiveness.

Introduction

• The vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, cannot be achieved without a strong foundation of education, skills, and innovation.
• In the rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), advanced technologies, and knowledge-based industries, the creation of a Shikshit Bharat—an educated and skilled India—is essential for national progress.
• Economic power, technological capability, and human capital are becoming the principal determinants of a nation’s global standing.

(Image Source: new Indian Express)

The Changing Global Economic Order

• The 21st century is defined by the rise of nations that have successfully leveraged education, technology, and innovation to transform their economies. Countries such as China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated how strategic investment in human resources and technology can rapidly elevate national status.
• China’s transformation from an agrarian economy in the 1980s to a global manufacturing and technological power highlights the role of education and research in national development. Similarly, the UAE’s diversification beyond oil demonstrates how policy reforms, skill development, and global integration can drive progress even in resource-scarce environments.
• For India, which aspires to become one of the world’s leading economies, replicating such growth trajectories requires focusing on the quality of education, innovation ecosystems, and technological capability.

India’s Current Challenges

• India’s demographic advantage—over 60 percent of its population being below the age of 35—can become a liability if not adequately educated and skilled. Several interrelated challenges hinder India’s progress toward becoming a knowledge-driven society.

1. Skill and Education Deficit

• Despite near-universal primary enrollment, the quality of education remains a concern. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), foundational literacy and numeracy among schoolchildren are inadequate. Higher education institutions face issues of employability, outdated curricula, and limited industry linkage.

2. Technological Backwardness

• In the global race for leadership in AI, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing, India lags behind. The country remains dependent on imports for crucial technologies, components, and raw materials—particularly from China. This dependence weakens strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness.

3. Limited Research and Innovation Capacity

• India’s expenditure on research and development (R&D) has stagnated at around 0.6–0.7 percent of GDP, compared to over 2 percent in China and nearly 3 percent in advanced economies. The absence of strong university-industry collaboration limits innovation and commercialization potential.

4. Inequality and Divisive Politics

• Socio-political polarization and uneven access to quality education have deepened inequalities. Regional disparities and inadequate governance in education reinforce the cycle of exclusion, preventing the creation of a unified, skilled workforce.

The Role of Education and Technology in National Development

A “Shikshit Bharat” represents more than literacy; it involves empowering citizens with critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills. Education is both a moral and economic imperative for modern India.

1. Education as an Engine of Growth

• Investing in education generates a multiplier effect—improving productivity, social mobility, and innovation. Countries that expanded access to quality higher education have achieved sustained growth through innovation-led industries.

2. Skilling for the AI Age

• The global economy is transitioning toward automation and artificial intelligence. India must reform its education and training systems to prepare youth for emerging sectors such as robotics, green technology, biotechnology, and data science.

3. Integration of Policy and Industry

• Educational reform must be integrated with industrial and digital policies. Initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Skill India, and Digital India are steps in the right direction but require effective implementation and coordination.

Policy Recommendations

• Prioritize Foundational Learning: Strengthen early childhood and school education through investment in teacher training, digital tools, and learning assessment reforms.
• Expand Vocational and Technical Training: Align skill development programs with industry demand, emphasizing apprenticeships and public–private partnerships.
• Enhance R&D and Higher Education: Increase R&D expenditure to at least 1.5 percent of GDP; promote innovation clusters around universities.
• Encourage Global Collaboration: Negotiate and deepen free trade agreements in technology and education to enhance knowledge exchange.
• Promote Equity and Inclusion: Ensure that women, rural populations, and marginalized groups have equal access to quality education and skill training.
• Build a Governance Framework for AI: Develop a national AI strategy that balances innovation with ethical safeguards and employment transitions.

Conclusion

• The pursuit of Viksit Bharat by 2047 is unattainable without first achieving a Shikshit Bharat.
• An educated and skilled citizenry is the foundation of a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy, and a secure nation. India must shift its policy priorities from short-term political objectives to long-term investments in human capital, technology, and governance.

CARE MCQ

Q6.  Consider the following statements regarding the concept of Shikshit Bharat:

1. The concept of Shikshit Bharat emphasizes education and skill development as the foundation for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
2. It advocates that India’s long-term growth should rely primarily on natural resource exploitation rather than technological innovation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 6-A

Explanation

• Statement 1 is correct: The concept of Shikshit Bharat indeed emphasizes that education, skill development, and technological learning form the foundation for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. It focuses on creating a knowledge-driven, innovation-oriented society capable of competing globally.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The idea of Shikshit Bharat does not advocate reliance on natural resource exploitation. Instead, it stresses that India’s long-term growth should be driven by human capital formation, research, and adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, rather than dependence on natural resources.
• Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q.  Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)

1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (d)