Education has always been accorded an honoured place in Indian society. The great leaders of the Indian freedom movement realized the fundamental role of education and throughout the nation's struggle for independence stressed its unique significance for national development. Gandhiji formulated the scheme of Basic Education seeking to harmonize Intellectual and manual work. This was a great step forward in making education directly relevant to the life of the people. Many other national leaders likewise made important contributions to national education before Independence. Commission (1964-66 was appointed to advise the Government on "the national pattern of education and on the general principles and policies for the development of education at all stages and in all aspects". The Report of the Education Commission has since been widely discussed and commented upon. The government was happy to