Education in Haryana – An Introduction
The state of Haryana was formed on 1st November 1966. Haryana literally means “green forest”. The local economy consists of both agriculture and industry. Since its formation the state has made commendable progress in all spheres of development. Sports persons from Haryana have contributed handsomely to the medal tally of Indian sports. Despites being a socially conservative state its socio economic fabric are fast changing to align with the liberal national mainstream. The population of Haryana per the 2011 census was 25.35 million of which the male population was 13.49 million and female population was 11.86 million. The literacy rate of Haryana is 75.55% of which the male literacy is 84.06% and female literacy is 56.91%. The sex ratio of Haryana is 879 for each 1000 male. Due to the prevalence of conservative social mindset of the major masses of the state the female population and their upliftment have rather been slow in comparison to the national mainstream.
School Education in Haryana
Read about Education in Haryana
The ASER Report of 2012 has depicted not a very rosy picture of the Elementary education in Haryana. The situation in the Government schools is alarming which has risen primarily due to the shortage of teachers. The state is struggling to meet the education parameters as stipulated by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Examinations at the Middle, Matric and Senior Secondary levels are conducted by the Haryana Board Of School Education. It has introduced the semester system and is the first educational board in India to do so as well as to introduce relative grading, continuous and comprehensive evaluation in all board classes. The board conducts examinations twice a year for classes 8th, 10th and 12th. The Haryana Open School which is an integral part of the Haryana Board of School Examination is entrusted with the task to provide education to aspiring children who are beyond the reach of formal education due to social, financial and other reasons.
Higher Education in Haryana
The opportunity of higher education in Haryana abounds in plenty. Gurgoan, Hissar, Sonepat, Faridabad and Rohtak are the educational hubs of Haryana. Women in Haryana have access to free education up to the Bachelor’s Degree level. The Government of Haryana is setting up Rajiv Gandhi Educational City at Kundli in Sonepat for higher learning and centre for research. There are 16 Universities in Haryana as per the Department of Higher Education, and 197 colleges. The Department of Technical Education provides technically trained manpower in various fields of Engineering and Technology encompassing Diploma, Post Diploma, Degree and Post Graduate level courses conducted through technical institutions like Polytechnics / Engineering colleges / Institutions of Management / Computer / Pharmacy thereby also meeting the requirements of Industries / Departments / Organisations and other user agencies. The Department also conducts Entrance Tests, Admissions, and Examinations and engages in updation of curricula and various training programmes. Haryana boasts of some of the finest colleges of research, technology and management in the country. It has numerous agricultural and vetinary colleges and research institutes of repute.
Education in Haryana – Future
Education in Haryana has still a long way to go at the basic level but due to its proximity to New Delhi and presence of numerous and prestigious institutions of higher learning, besides the abundance of industries for absorption of the skills it is a very promising destination for education aspirants.