– by Dr. A.S. Gangwar
Education is not merely about acquiring bookish knowledge or securing high scores in examinations. True education finds its essence in the holistic development of a student, nurturing intellectual, physical, mental and moral growth. Schools, as the primary sanctuaries of learning, serve as the cornerstone for this comprehensive development. They are not merely centers of instruction but temples of wisdom, where educators shape the character and future of the nation through their students. However, the emergence of “dummy schooling” — a deceitful practice driven by the lure of monetary gains — poses a grave and disheartening threat to this noble mission. What is even more alarming is the obliviousness of students and parents to the long-term damage caused by this practice.
A recent incident involving a JEE Mains topper who had been associated with a school whose affiliation had already been revoked underscores the severity of this issue. Such cases spotlight the growing menace of dummy schooling, demanding immediate and collective action to safeguard the integrity of our educational system.
Judiciary’s Firm Stance on Fraudulent Practices
Dummy schools are steadily eroding the foundation of our educational system. If left unchecked, this malpractice may catalyze an irreversible decline in the quality of education. Recognizing this imminent threat, the Delhi High Court recently directed stringent action against dummy schools operating in the capital. The court unequivocally categorized dummy schooling as ‘fraud’ and instructed the state government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to launch thorough investigations into these activities.
The court highlighted a critical concern: dummy schools not only contravene established educational norms but also violate CBSE’s mandatory 75% attendance rule. Such practices unfairly disadvantage students attending regular schools, particularly when seeking admission to prestigious engineering, medical and other professional institutions through state quotas. This judicial intervention serves as a stark reminder that educational integrity cannot be compromised for short-term gains.
Parental Accountability: A Critical Factor
The proliferation of dummy schooling is not solely attributable to unscrupulous educational institutions; parents, too, share a significant portion of the blame. In their relentless pursuit of academic success for their children — especially in competitive exams like JEE and NEET — many parents actively encourage this malpractice.
Dummy schools, in essence, act as intermediaries between students and coaching centers. Students are enrolled in these schools, but instead of attending regular classes, they spend their time exclusively at coaching institutes. This distorted approach to education deprives children of essential life skills, emotional intelligence and extracurricular development. Alarmingly, several schools across the country charge exorbitant fees for facilitating such arrangements. For instance, schools with a standard annual fee of Rs. 60,000 often charge up to Rs. 90,000 for allowing students to skip regular classes in favor of coaching sessions.
Such practices reduce education to a mere rat race for competitive success, undermining the very essence of learning. Parents must introspect and realize that genuine academic excellence is rooted in well-rounded development rather than rote memorization and exam-centric preparation.
The Perils of Dummy Schooling: Beyond the Classroom
Education is a multidimensional journey that transcends textbooks and examinations. Regular schooling plays a pivotal role in nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, social skills and resilience — qualities that are indispensable for success in both personal and professional spheres. Schools provide an environment where students engage in sports, music, art, drama and various co-curricular activities, which collectively shape their personalities and foster critical life skills.
Dummy schooling, by sidelining these integral aspects of education, produces individuals who may excel in exams but often lack adaptability, emotional maturity, and interpersonal skills. The repercussions of this educational myopia are profound, potentially hindering the intellectual and emotional growth of an entire generation.
Awareness and Collective Action: The Need of the Hour
The fight against dummy schooling necessitates a collaborative effort involving educational institutions, policymakers, parents and students. CBSE’s recent crackdown on over 300 dummy schools across the country is a commendable step in this direction. However, regulatory actions alone cannot resolve the issue; widespread awareness is equally crucial. Parents must recognize the long-term disadvantages of dummy schooling and prioritize their children’s holistic development over the fleeting satisfaction of high exam scores.
Reclaiming the True Essence of Education
Education, in its truest form, is an empowering force that shapes individuals into well-rounded, conscientious citizens. The alarming rise of dummy schooling threatens to undermine this foundation, reducing education to a mechanical process of exam preparation. As stakeholders in this educational journey, we must collectively resist this malpractice and reaffirm our commitment to authentic, holistic learning. Let us remember: schools are temples of wisdom, not factories of marks. By safeguarding the integrity of our educational institutions today, we secure a brighter, more enlightened tomorrow for our children and our nation.
(Principal, DPS Bokaro & President, Dr. Radhakrishnan Sahodaya School Complex, Bokaro)
