He developed a comprehensive scheme of village education through the ...
James Thomson, lieutenant-governor of NW Provinces (1843- 53), developed a comprehensive village education scheme through the medium of vernacular languages. In these village schools, useful subjects such as mensuration and agriculture sciences were taught. The purpose was to train personnel for the newly set up Revenue and Public Works Department.
He developed a comprehensive scheme of village education through the ...
James Thomson developed a comprehensive scheme of village education through the medium of vernacular languages. In these village schools, useful subjects such as mensuration and agricultural sciences were taught. The purpose was to train personnel for the newly set up Revenue and Public Works Department.
Background:
During the British colonial period in India, there was a need to educate the local population in order to efficiently administer and govern the country. The British administrators recognized the importance of education in creating a class of local personnel who could assist in the functioning of various government departments.
James Thomson's Contribution:
James Thomson, an English educationist, played a crucial role in developing a comprehensive scheme of village education. His focus was on imparting practical knowledge to the students in order to meet the requirements of the newly established Revenue and Public Works Department. Some key points about his scheme are as follows:
1. Medium of Vernacular Languages: Thomson believed that education should be provided to the masses in their own language. He emphasized the use of vernacular languages to make education accessible to the local population.
2. Subjects Taught: The village schools established under Thomson's scheme taught practical subjects such as mensuration and agricultural sciences. These subjects were deemed useful for the personnel who would be working in the Revenue and Public Works Department.
3. Purpose: The primary objective of Thomson's scheme was to train personnel for the newly set up Revenue and Public Works Department. By providing education in practical subjects, the scheme aimed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve in various administrative roles.
4. Rural Focus: Thomson's scheme specifically targeted the rural population, recognizing the importance of educating the villagers in order to bring about socio-economic development in the countryside.
5. Comprehensive Approach: Thomson's scheme was comprehensive in nature, aiming to provide a well-rounded education to the students. It focused not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical skills that would be applicable in the field.
Overall, James Thomson's scheme of village education through the medium of vernacular languages played a significant role in providing practical knowledge to the rural population of India. By training personnel for the Revenue and Public Works Department, the scheme contributed to the efficient functioning of the British administration in colonial India.