Why do parents pay for education when primary schools offer free services, asks advisor

Primary and Mass Education Advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder has expressed concern over the “lack of improvement” in the quality of primary education despite infrastructure development.

Speaking at a discussion in Mymensingh’s Tarek Smriti Auditorium on Saturday, he said: "Primary schools have no tuition fees; (they offer) free textbooks, and stipends.

“So why do parents spend money sending their children elsewhere for education?"

The primary and mass education ministry issued a statement detailing the discussion with stakeholders regarding the improvement of primary education standards.

In his speech, the advisor said: “After independence, there was no other place for children to go except primary schools. Now, there are kindergartens and madrasas.

“Our primary education infrastructure is good, the teachers are competent, the education is progressive, the salary structure is fairly good, and there is job security. Other educational institutions offer comparatively fewer facilities.”

Despite these advantages, parents continue to seek alternative schools for their children.

“Where is the problem in improving the quality of primary education? I expect specific suggestions on how we can enhance it,” said Bidhan.

He said: "Quality education will play a crucial role in eliminating social inequality”.

The advisor directed headmasters to set specific targets for improving education quality at their schools.

Bidhan said: “Children’s target should be to write, read, and speak in their mother tongue, do basic mathematics, and know some English.

“If they are proficient in their mother tongue, they will easily learn English and other foreign languages.”

“Teachers are responsible for improving education quality, and that will resolve many problems. If everyone takes initiative in their own fields, we can improve the quality of primary education,” he concluded.