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This refers to the article “How justified is public expenditure on Government schools?” (Business Line, June 3).

The authors have lamented the low efficiency levels of Government schools and corruption in some of the public-funded initiatives.

They have, therefore, suggested introduction of education vouchers to meritorious students — to enable them to pursue their education in schools of their choice.

However, it is felt that the remedy suggested will only worsen the situation.

The authors may be correct about the quality of education imparted in Governments schools because of inadequate infrastructure and poor quality of teachers.

But it is also a fact that these schools provide access to education to the poor and downtrodden students near where they live.

This accessibility has helped increase the literacy levels over a period of time.

Besides, a few committed teachers in some of these schools have provided good education to the students, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the education in their areas.

Issues such as poor infrastructure, poor quality of teaching and corruption are to be tackled administratively though a different platform. The gift vouchers suggested may only promote an elitist culture.

It must be remembered that India, being the second most populous nation, has to invest in improving basic infrastructure in government schools and ensure access to education for underprivileged students.

Such expenditure constitutes laying the ground for a well-educated future generation.

P. E. Muthu Mumbai

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