Hunter Education Commission (1882)

Background

Previous Context: 1835, Macaulay's Minute favored Anglicists for English education in India.
- Resulted in a downward filtration policy where only a few Indians received Western science education in English.
1854, Wood's Dispatch: Abolished Macaulay's policy and aimed for mass education in India.

Year: 1882
Purpose: Review education progress in India from 1854 to 1882.
- Assess implementation of Wood's Dispatch and identify shortcomings.
Significance: First Indian Education Commission.
Chairman: Sir William Hunter.
Restrictions: Focused only on primary and secondary education, excluding university and technical education.

Secondary Education Structure:
- Divided into two streams: literary and vocational.
  - Literary Education: For those pursuing higher education.
  - Vocational Education: For those entering the workforce directly.
Primary Education Language:
- Should be provided in local languages.
Local Control:
- Primary education management assigned to local bodies (district and municipal boards).
Female Education:
- Emphasis on the need for education for women, similar to Wood's Dispatch.
Liberal Grant-in-Aid System:
- Encouraged private involvement in education.
- Resulted in significant expansion of secondary education.

Following the Hunter Commission's recommendations, there was a notable increase in enrollment of Indian children in primary and secondary schools starting from 1882.

The Hunter Commission played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape in India, emphasizing local governance and expanding access to education.