Sargent Report (1944)

1)Many efforts taken by British Indian government for the enhancement of the education in India, it includes: Government of India resolution of 1913, Sadler Commission report of 1917, Hartog Committee report in 1929.

2)These were not sufficient for the development of education in India. Wardha scheme of education was proposed by Mahatma Gandhi in 1937 and not implemented due to congress ministries’ resignation in 1939. 

3)The education condition was not good in India and British knew about the situation.

4)In 1944, Sir John Sargent was given the task to prepare a comprehensive scheme of education in India.

Sargent plan 1944

1)They set up a 22 members committee and given the task to prepare a comprehensive report on education.

2)In 1944, they submitted their report to the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) and they accepted and recommended for its implementation.

3)This scheme of education known as Sargent plan of education 1944.

4)The Sargent plan was the first attempt for the development of a national education system in India. For the

5)The plan had 12 chapters covering education plan from pre-primary to university level.

6)Each and every problem was pointed in this scheme and how to solve these problem.

Explain in detail the main recommendations of sargent report 1944

1)The plan of education 1944 for pre-primary education

2)They recommended for the promotion of Pre-primary education to nursery schools.

3)The aim of nursery schools to target 3 to 6 years age children for pre-primary education.

4)The main aim of the nursery schools was to enhance or promote the social experience and general behaviour.

5)They recommended free pre-primary or nursery education.

Sargent Plan of Education on primary education

1)Basic education of Gandhi ji’s had some impact on Sargent Plan of Education.

2)The basic schools were to be divided into two groups: Junior basic schools and senior basic schools.

3)For 6 to 11 the Junior basic stage was compulsory and 1:30 was to be the student teacher ratio.

4)The Senior basic schools for the 11 to 14 years of age group of children and the ratio was to be 1:25.

5)Mother tongue was to be used at the junior schools, but for the senior basic stage provincial governments could take the  final decision.

6)Internal examinations instead of external examinations.

Sargent commission’s recommendations on high school education.

1)The high school education was paid and 50% free studentship could be provide where applicable.

2)The high schools were to of two types: Academic and Technical.

3)The academic schools were to provide arts, pure science, etc. Education.

5)The technical schools were to provide for the Industrial and commercial subjects.

6)They recommended the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction and English was to be taught as second compulsory language.

Recommendations of Sargent Plan of Education on University education

1)The University degree was to be for 3 years.

2)They wanted to raise the standard the education in universities and only capable students were to made to allowed in University education.

3)They recommended to appoint the well trained and competent teachers. 

4)Higher standard in post graduate courses.

5)They wanted all the universities as per British universities.

Sargent report 1944 recommendations on vocational and Technical Education.

1)They have recommendations for the semi skilled or skilled crafts.

2)They have suggested diploma or certificate courses for the lower category workers.

3)They recommended the provision of preliminary Training in Technical High Schools and then they can take education in technological department of universities or technical institutes.

Merits of Sargent report

1)First Scheme that covered all levels of education: pre primary level to University education and Technical Education.

2)Proper importance was given to teacher’s training and making it a proper profession.

3)To made student self dependent so that they can earn their livelihood.

4)They also gave importance to the education of handicapped.

Implementation of Sargent commission recommendations.

1)The government established the education department in 1945.

2)The time limit was reduced to 16 years from 40 years and the free education at the primary level for the 6 to 11 years age children was accepted by the government.

3)For the implementation of certain aspects of the scheme 40 crore of rupees were given to the provincial Governments.