Education is an important marker to quantify Human Resource development which contributes to National growth. Developed countries spend a decent percentage of their GDP on ensuring that their inhabitants are afforded an opportunity to educate themselves. Developing countries are also striving to enhance their education sector and extend its reach to every corner of the country. In line with this lofty goal, the Government has launched a mission to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) across Schools and Institutions of Higher Education. Gross Enrolment ratio, as described by UNESCO, represents the percentage of total population in a specific age group corresponding to the given level of education which are actually enrolled at that level of education regardless of their age.

Sukanta Parida, Director of Admissions & Marketing at Centurion University, Odisha has shared his observations regarding his university’s contribution to this mission. His remarks lay emphasis on a multifaceted approach to ensure easy access to quality education for one and all.

Geographical Expansion for Reduced Barriers

One of the key steps in improving access to education is combating geographical barriers. In light of this objective, Centurion University has 6 campuses out of its total of 7 in areas with difficult terrain with a demand for skill-based education. This initiative has helped the University to extend its services to those inhabiting difficult geographies.

Financial Support and Scholarships

More often than not financial inability of students causes them to drop out of educational institutions. Centurion University provides Scholarships, Grants, and student loans at low interest rates to address the financial concerns of candidates. The University offers scholarships to specialised categories of people like “CHANDRIKA” for female candidates and it offers inclusive Scholarships like “BHOOMIPUTRA” to the children of defence personnel.

Inclusive Policies to Reduce Disparities

Socio-economic factors like generational poverty, societal hierarchy, and gender norms do tend to keep pupils away from education for one reason or another. Centurion University actively pursues the implementation of such policies which prevent these disparities from expressing themselves in educational institutions. It's important to ensure equal opportunities of enrolment to all in a mission to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio.

Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure is a crucial part of a person’s educational experience at an institution. Centurion University recognises the need and provides for stellar infrastructure which includes Computer labs, Science Labs, Libraries etc. It is the topmost priority of the University that students get an environment which promotes learning.

Teacher, Training and Motivation

The University invests heavily in the recruitment of qualified teachers with justified remuneration. It is important to have a decorated teaching faculty as they can inspire students to learn and sate their curiosity. Teachers play an important role in attracting and retaining students which augments the enrolment numbers.

Early Childhood Education

It's important to focus on Early Childhood Education as it lays the foundation stone for further education. If Early Childhood Education is taken care of then a student might recognise the value of education and decide to enrol for further studies which increases the Gross Enrolment Ratio.

Addressing Societal Norms and Cultural Practices

Centurion University has put policies in place that seek to engage constructively with society to redress societal norms and cultural practices affecting the enrolment ratio. It engages with communities in an effort to inculcate the value of education within its members.

Leveraging Technology for Accessibility

The advancement of Technology has significantly improved access to education through online classrooms, distance learning courses, e-learning platforms etc. Technology also helps in accounting for enrolment rates and tracking of relevant data along with factors affecting the enrolment. It is an opportunity to identify the shortcomings and address them as soon as possible.

Collaborations for Additional Resources

Increasing GER is a mission that requires aid from all corners, and it is a combination of various factors that need to be addressed simultaneously. Educational Institutions alone can’t combat all these challenges alone which is why it is recommended to enlist the help of Civil Society Organisations working in the field of education. These Organisations have a grassroots level of understanding about the issues that affect the GER due to the meticulous nature of their work. Such assistance is good for the swift redressal of issues affecting GER.