Q. Which of the following report was the first official pronouncement on women’s education:
(a) Charles Wood Report
(b) Hunter Commission Report
(c) Butter Commission Report
(d) Hartog Commission Report
Ans: (a) Charles Wood Report
Explanation: The Charles Wood Report, also known as the Indian Education Commission Report of 1854-1855, was a significant document concerning education in India during the British colonial period. Although it did not exclusively focus on women’s education, it did address the issue as part of its overall examination of the Indian education system.
The report was commissioned by the British government and headed by Sir Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control for India. Its purpose was to assess the state of education in India and make recommendations for its improvement. The report was based on extensive surveys and consultations with educational institutions, administrators, and experts.
Regarding women’s education, the Charles Wood Report acknowledged the dire state of education for women in India at the time. It highlighted the need for educational opportunities for Indian women, emphasizing that their education was essential for the betterment of society as a whole. The report recognized that women’s education could enhance their role as mothers and contribute to their overall empowerment.
Although the Charles Wood Report was not the first official pronouncement on women’s education, it played a crucial role in shaping subsequent educational policies in India. It helped pave the way for the establishment of institutions specifically focused on women’s education and highlighted the importance of gender equality in access to education.
It’s worth noting that women’s education in India has evolved significantly since the Charles Wood Report, and there have been subsequent reports and initiatives addressing this issue in more recent times.
