Co-education in school, is the imparting of education to boys and girls together. This is prevalent in many institutions across the country, especially in colleges and universities. There is, however, gradually an increasing trend towards co-education in schools because of the advantages accruing from it.
It is the need of the hour, if women have to join the main stream and be equal partner in progress. Women in India like their counterparts in all developed countries like USA, UK and Canada have got equal rights, both personal and political. It is therefore, imperative for them, to liberate themselves from the age-old shackles of ignorance and backwardness, which is a result of their segregation. They, therefore, have to ameliorate their lot, by educating themselves, through the various educational institutions available in the country. It would not be conceivable to have separate institutions for there are not many Institutions, nor is there the financial resources required for establishing them. It is also not in the national interest to segregate the sexes, for imparting education. These children are the future of the country and it is essential that they have a normal development. Co-education in school would enable them to become responsible citizen, offering numerous advantages to the students themselves.
Contrary to the fear of orthodox people, this improves the moral and social etiquettes of student to behave themselves in the presence of the other. Moreover, familiarity blunts the edge of curiosity leading to a better understanding of each other. The school life becomes more interesting and charming with lesser absenteeism. It also results in keen competition and opens up new horizons hitherto unknown to them.
This interaction also generates self-confidence in them. They are thus better equipped to appreciate each other point of view, which is very crucial for their all around development. It is but a known fact that students from such institutions are more genuine, frank and have a wholesome personality. They are neither mesmerized nor over awed in female company which makes them a class apart.
The most common argument against co-education is that it distracts students from their studies. This leads them to romance and heartbreaks which at their tender age have disastrous consequences. This fear, however, is unwarranted for such instances have been known to happen mostly where students study in separate schools for boys and girls. It is curiosity to each other that derives them away from school and wrecks their lives.
Another charge leveled against it is the growing incidence of violence in schools for winning the affection of a fellow student. This indeed Is a problem which is on account of the hitherto policy of segregation of sexes. With increasing awareness, this evil which is not the exclusive preserve of coeducational institution would also be effectively tackled.
Co-education in schools, therefore, provides a unique opportunity for the students, for their all around development. It prepares them for their later lives, by making them better citizens. They can thus together strive for greater excellence by improving themselves as well as accelerating the pace of development of the country.
