The History, Design and Present State of the Religious, Benevolent and Charitable Institutions, Founded by the British in Calcutta and Its Vicinity/Committee of Public Instruction
COMMITTEE
OF,PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
While the measures of reform and improvement described in the two preceding sections, were in agitation, the Government was meditating the adoption of a resolution replete with benefit to the interests of education, and by the operation of which the advantage hitherto anticipated by the establishment of Institutions and Associations for the encouragement of literary pursuits among the natives, are likely to be realized and consolidated. The arrangement alluded to was the appointment by Government in July 1823, of a General Committee of public instruction. The members of this Committee, of which Mr. Harington, whose benevolent exertions in the cause of native education are well known, is president, have been selected from the most enlightened individuals of the Company’s Service; and when the talents, ability, experience and discretion of these gentlemen are considered, together with their intimate acquaintance with the language, manners, habits and ways of thinking of the natives, it will be difficult to form exaggerated expectations of the beneficial result of their labors. After ascertaining the state of public education under this Presidency, the attention of the Committee will be engaged in considering, and from time to time submitting to Government the suggestion of such measures as it may appear expedient to adopt with a view to the better education of the people, to the introduction of useful knowledge, including the sciences and arts of Europe, and to the improvement of their moral character. The Committee are authorized to exercise through Sub Committees or individual Members, as may seem most expedient, the superintendance of all the Government Seminaries,[1] the official correspondence of which with Government is to be conducted through them.
Though the Committee cannot of course exert any authority over private Schools, they are at liberty to communicate with and encourage all persons, Native and European, who may be engaged in the management of such Institutions, and to afford their assistance in providing for the safe custody and improvement of any funds which may be directed to the object of education by individuals.
The Committee were consulted, and their sentiments adopted by Government in the principal points of the new arrangements, relating to the Sanscrit and Mohomedan Colleges.
- ↑ These are described in the Appendix.