Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true?
- Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
- Establishment of universities was recommended.
- English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Wood’s Despatch: The Magna Carta of English Education in India
- In 1854, Charles Wood prepared a Despatch outlining a comprehensive plan for education in India. It became known as the “Magna Carta of English Education in India” due to its far-reaching impact.
- Provisions:
- The Despatch rejected the “downward filtration theory” and asked the Government of India to assume responsibility for educating the masses.
- It recommended a hierarchy of educational institutions, with vernacular primary schools in villages, followed by Anglo-Vernacular High Schools, affiliated colleges at the district level, and universities in the presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
- Grants-in-Aid:
- To encourage private enterprise, the Despatch proposed a system of grants-in-aid. This system would provide financial support to private educational institutions.
- Medium of Instruction:
- Contrary to statement 3, the Despatch recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies, with vernacular languages to be used at the school level.
- Establishment of Universities:
- The Despatch recommended the establishment of universities in the presidency towns of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. Modelled after the London University, these universities were to have a senate consisting of a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, and fellows nominated by the Government.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
