Once there was a time in this country where the country was rated very highly for the quality of education that was provided to the students. People came from all over the world to study in India. The teachers were dedicated to teaching the students. There was no other pressure on the teachers. They could enhance their own knowledge base in their free time.
Not only did the teachers teach the academic needs but they also added a lot of moral values to the lives of their students. That is the reason why that period is called the golden era of Indian education. Today there has been a lot of progress in science and education but the quality of teaching has gone down way too far. Technology and other forms of entertainment have lead to the degradation of education in the country.
Today the teachers have a lot of work to do other than just teaching. Almost all the teachers in the schools today have their set of household duties. There are various social commitments that they need to attend. They are given too much work to do in a small span of time. Some of the work that the teachers are asked to does today has no connection with the academic needs of the students.
The situation at the moment is like a sword with blades on both sides. This additional pressure is affecting the students and the teachers in an adverse way. Some of the teachers in the government schools are given duties in election census and polio. The teachers are not able to give time to the students while they do this work. It is affecting education in a bad way.
Extracurricular activities are given way too much importance in the present day. It is important but not at the cost of proper education. Whenever there is an event the teacher has to put a lot of time behind the management of these activities. In the process she misses out on regular classes and the students suffer.
Another important point which has been causing serious damage to the teachers and the teaching staff is the mid day meal provided I the government schools. The thought is good but the application is not good. The teachers have to cook the meals and serve the students. Since this is an outdoor work it becomes hectic for the teacher to do the cooking in the school and teach the students. The teacher has to sacrifice on the teaching part to complete her duties.
The latest trend of assessments on a regular basis to evaluate the skills of the students also has adverse impacts. The pressure is tremendous and the teachers are held into recording the marks only. Trying to push the students towards the mainstream courses has taken the fun out of education. Students are losing their interest in studies. Unless the pressure is reduced on the teachers and the students, education will continue to suffer in the country.