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  1. Blogs
  2. Polity and Governance

Role of Teachers in Education

Published on: 05-Sep-2026

Source: PIB

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Role of Teachers in Education

Article Summary

  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:

    • Central to the educational framework in India, focusing on placing the learner at the center of the education system.
    • Aims to transform the education landscape by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development.
  • Role of Teachers:

    • Teachers are recognized as pivotal in guiding learners from mere information to understanding and then to knowledge.
    • There is a longstanding tradition in India of honoring teachers, reflecting deep respect for those who impart knowledge.
  • Government Schemes:

    • The NEP 2020 is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education and is part of broader educational reforms initiated by the Indian government.
  • Cultural Significance:

    • The respect for teachers highlights the cultural and historical significance of education in Indian society, aligning with constitutional values that promote the right to education.
  • Constitutional References:

    • Article 21A of the Indian Constitution mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years.
    • The Right to Education Act (2009) operationalizes this constitutional provision, ensuring access to education.
  • Educational Improvement:

    • NEP 2020 aims to improve educational outcomes and make education more inclusive and accessible.
    • Emphasizes the importance of teacher training and professional development in enhancing teaching quality.
  • International Perspective:

    • The focus on education aligns with global educational standards and practices, promoting lifelong learning and skill development.
  • Economic Indicators:

    • Education is linked to economic growth; a well-educated workforce is essential for national development and competitiveness in the global market.
  • Judicial Recognition:

    • Various judgments have reinforced the right to education, emphasizing that quality education is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed by the state.

These notes encapsulate the significance of educators in the educational framework of India as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, within the context of NEP 2020 and constitutional mandates.

Key Terms & Concepts

National Education Policy 2020Guides learner-centered education
Prime Minister Narendra ModiShared article on education
Union Education MinisterAuthored article on teachers

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Disenfranchisement Concerns

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  • Absence of Audit: Critics argue there has been an unfair exclusion; supporters counter that deleted names were mainly due to reasons categorized as Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate (ASDD) per the Election Commission of India (ECI).
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    • Exclusion Statistics:
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      • In Uttar Pradesh, the exclusion rate is significant, with about 2.8 crore adults — over 17% of the adult population — not accounted for.

    Total Missing Voters

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    8. Press Freedom and Civil Rights:

      • Detainments of journalists and protestors have drawn criticism and highlighted the ongoing conflict between governmental authority and democratic rights.
    9. Conclusion:

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      • Hong Kong's use of highways as assembly areas.
      • Transforming university lawns into spaces for political discourse in Palestine.

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    Legislative Framework

    • Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995: Marks a significant milestone in disability legislation.
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        • : Structures must be physically accessible.
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    Key Facts and Contributions of Mary Poonen Lukose

    • Historic Significance: Mary Poonen Lukose (1886-1976) was the first female Surgeon General of India and a pioneering figure in improving public health in Kerala.

    • Early Education and Career:

      • Denied admission to study sciences at Maharaja College, she graduated in History from Madras University in 1909.
      • First Indian woman to earn an MBBS from the University of London in 1915.
      • Further training in obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatrics at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
    • Return to India:

      • Returned to Travancore in 1916 as its first woman doctor and significantly contributed to modern healthcare practices.
    • Public Health Contributions:

      • Initiated scientific deliveries and maternal care, co-founded the X-Ray and Radium Institute in Thiruvananthapuram, and established a tuberculosis sanatorium in Nagercoil.
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    Polity and Governance19-Oct-2026

    Ongoing Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

    Exam-Focused Notes on the Ethnic Strife in Manipur

    Context of Conflict

    • Communities Involved: Kuki-Zo, Naga, and Meitei.
    • Duration of Violence: Ongoing since May 2023.
    • Casualties: Approximately 300 deaths reported.
    • Displacement: Nearly 60,000 individuals displaced from their homes.

    Recent Developments

    • Clashes: Renewed violence from October 9, 2023, resulted in at least nine additional deaths in hill districts, escalating ethnic tensions.

    Governance Issues

    • Political Environment: Currently under President’s Rule (February 13, 2025, to February 4, 2026).
    • State Response: Criticism of both state and Union governments for ineffective handling of ethnic conflicts and violence.
    • Comprehensive Action Needed: There exists a pressing need for disarmament of militant groups and ethnic militias.

    Institutional Mechanisms

    • Peace Committee: A 51-member committee was announced after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit in June 2023, aimed at initiating peace talks. It remains unoperational.
    Physical Access
  • Process Access: Ensures participation in educational and other processes.
  • Product Access: Relevant to affordability and usability of products for PwDs.
  • Societal Perception of Disability

    • Historical approaches have focused on charity and welfare; disability is viewed as a social issue rather than a political identity.
    • The need for increased visibility in political discourses to ensure advocacy and representation.

    Judicial and Policy Interventions

    • While legal frameworks exist, implementation is lacking; highlighted by persistent physical and institutional inaccessibility.
    • Disability rights require robust implementation strategies to transition from passive welfare to active civic engagement.

    Political Participation

    • Political participation needs to encompass more than voting; it includes active engagement in public affairs, advocacy, and decision-making processes.
    • The importance of political mobilization is emphasized, drawing parallels with Babasaheb Ambedkar’s efforts for Dalit rights and his transformational impact on visibility and legal protections, such as reservations.

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    • Engaging in advocacy as a legitimate form of political activity is crucial for disability organizations.
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      • Influencing political parties and narratives.
      • Occupying political spaces and facilitating representation in legislative frameworks.

    Call to Action

    • A shift in perspective is needed, viewing disability rights through the lens of citizenship, equality, and political participation.
    • Emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to integrate PwDs into mainstream political discourse, following the inclusive vision demonstrated by Ambedkar.

    These notes encapsulate the challenges and strategies required to foster inclusive politics for persons with disabilities in India, stressing the transformation from welfare to rights and active political agency.

  • Government Role:

    • As Surgeon General (1938), managed 32 government hospitals and 40 dispensaries.
    • Became the first woman nominated to the Travancore Legislative Council in 1922, promoting women's political rights.
  • Recognition and Awards:

    • Honored with the Vaidyaśāstrakuśala by the Maharaja of Travancore (1935) and the Padma Śhri in 1975 for her contributions to health and women's rights.
  • Community Engagement:

    • Co-founded the Tiruvananthapuram branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association and served as its president for 50 years.
  • Legacy:

    • Contributed significantly to elevating healthcare standards and women's rights in India, paving the way for future generations of women in medicine and public service.
  • Relevant Constitutional and Policy References

    • Constitutional Rights: Advocated for women’s rights, reflecting provisions from Articles 14 (Right to Equality), 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination), and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

    • Government Schemes and Health Policies: Contributions to public health align with current government schemes focusing on maternal and child health, such as the National Health Mission (NHM) and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.

    Final Note

    Mary Poonen Lukose exemplified resilience and excellence against the gender barriers of her time, contributing to foundational health systems in India. Her legacy continues to inspire current reforms in women’s rights and healthcare.

  • Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): Last elections were in 2015, and the term ended in 2020. Current electoral delay is six years. ADCs previously helped in reducing violence through local governance and engaging communities.
  • Consequences of Inaction

    • Reiteration of Conflicts: The dysfunction of ADCs has weakened community-government links, leading to ethnic mobilization and associated violence.
    • Social Cohesion: The decline of social cohesion has exacerbated political failures, preventing healing of fractured inter-community relations.

    Urgent Measures Suggested

    • Contain Violence: Immediate action required from both state and Union governments to control ethnic conflicts.
    • Disarm Militias: Militant groups pose ongoing threats and need to be addressed to prevent further violence.
    • Public Engagement: Building public trust through functional governance and meaningful dialogues is essential to restoring peace.

    Conclusion

    • This situation underscores the importance of political engagement, effective governance, and the operational capability of local institutions to manage ethnic relations and communal harmony in Manipur. Failure to address these issues could reverse gains made against violence and significantly impact community stability.