The Paradox of Public Education: Why Government Schools Struggle Despite Qualified Teachers BY SYED IRFAN HASHMI

New Delhi,India – In a striking contradiction, government schools in India staffed by qualified teachers and offering free education continue to lose ground to private institutions, even among low-income families. Why do parents pay out of pocket when public options promise accessibility and expertise?

A new analysis by education commentator Syed Irfan Hashmi sheds light on this paradox. Despite credentialed educators, public schools grapple with outdated infrastructure, scarce resources, bureaucratic management, and a lack of personalized student support. These factors fuel a damaging perception of inferior quality, driving enrollment away from government systems.

Qualified teachers alone aren’t enough, says Hashmi. Bureaucracy stifles innovation, and without modern facilities or empowered administrators, even the best educators can’t thrive.

Hashmi calls for urgent reforms: Invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, deliver continuous teacher training, and grant school leaders decision-making autonomy. These changes could restore public schools’ reputation, ensuring quality education for every child, regardless of background.