Consider the following statements regarding Wood’s Dispatch of 1854 : 1. It recommended English as the medium of instruction for higher studies. 2. It laid stress on female education and vocational training. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Explanation

In 1854, the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London sent a note to the Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie, on the subject of education. In response, Charles Wood, the President of the Board of Control, issued a policy document in July 1854, which is known as ‘Wood’s Despatch’ or ‘Wood’s policy document/charter’. This charter prepared a comprehensive plan for future education in India, and it is called the ‘Magna Carta’ of English education in India. Wood’s Despatch made the following recommendations— (i) Emphasis was laid on imparting higher education through the medium of the English language; however, importance was also given to the development of vernacular (native) languages. (ii) It recommended women’s education and vocational training. (iv) Establishment of one university each in the three Presidencies (Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras) on the model of the University of London. (v) Establishment of teacher training institutions for the training of teachers. Therefore, the required answer will be option (c). ## Page 21