Government is contemplating the starting of an Indian Education Services (IES) for education administrators on the lines of other civil services.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal today asked a group of experts to study and suggest how to start IES on the lines of other civil services. The aim is to improve administration in the education sector.
Former education secretary Anil Bordia will head the group which will recommend on how to start IES. It was decided at roundtable on teachers’ education.
“The idea is that a dedicated IES cadre should be created. These officers will get well trained on education affairs and can better handle the work,” a ministry official said.
The idea of an IES was first sounded in the late 1980s’ when P V Narshima Rao was the HRD Minister. A study was conducted at that time too. However, it was not followed up. The group headed by Mr. Bordia will have a re-look at the recommendations of that report and give fresh suggestions after a study.
“The broad view was that education administrators do not have in-depth insight into education. They will get some sort of training so that they get the required knowledge on the subject,” the official said.
It was also decided to set up a sub-committee to suggest on how the universities will augment their capacity to provide pre-service and in-service training.
Many universities do not have departments of education. They may start such departments to offer teachers’ training. Another sub-committee was also set up to study the public—private—partnership model in starting new teachers’ training institutions.
The ministry has set up a round-table for evolving strategy for expansion of teachers’ training so that the country can meet the shortage of nearly 10 lakh teachers. It was agreed that training for in-service teachers should be encouraged in distance mode.