Education Notes

Maharashtra Minority schools review call Thane, april 15. The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) urged reform in the policy of awarding minority status to private educational institutions. “Educational institutions cannot misuse the policy and do injustice to minority communities. The state government should determine a minimum percentage of minority students while granting licenses to such schools. Moreover, schools that have been granted minority status should be inspected regularly,” said Susieben Shah, the commission’s chairperson, addressing the state education ministry. MSCPCR has received several complaints about schools in Mumbai city and suburbs denying admission to poor children citing exempt minority status, Shah added. Jharkhand Class X pass dip Ranchi, april 19. The percentage of children who passed the class X state board examination declined this year with 90.39 percent students declared successful, compared with 95.78 percent last year. According to the Jharkhand Academic Council, a total of 205,110 students passed in first division, 153,733 in the second and 19,555 in the third division. East Singhbhum, Hazaribag and Giridih were the top three districts in terms of pass percentage. “The department will soon launch a scheme for children in districts that did not perform well. A detailed study of schools will be conducted and steps taken to improve learning outcomes,” said Uma Shankar Singh, school education secretary, addressing the media. Mizoram Misconduct charges Aizawl, april 16. Chief Minister Lalduhoma has ordered a probe into alleged irregularities in the civil service examination conducted by the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC) last October. Former chief secretary and MPSC chairman M. Lalmanzuala has been appointed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities, says an order issued by the state vigilance department. “The allegations are not confined to misconduct under civil service laws, but also seem to be violations of penal laws, which necessitate a thorough preliminary inquiry to initiate timely action,” said the order. Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the state’s apex student body, has launched an agitation at the MPSC office demanding resignation of the commission’s chairperson J.C. Ramthanga over the alleged irregularities. H. Lalthianghlima, MZP president, alleged that marks obtained by some candidates were altered on answer papers and tabulation sheets using correcting fluid. MZP has also received many complaints from students about their marks, Lalthianghlima said. Uttar Pradesh AMU vice chancellor appointment row Aligarh, april 22. Dr. Naima Khatoon was appointed Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU, estb.1875), the first woman appointed to this apex-level position. Dr. Khatoon’s appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu, Visitor of the university. Khatoon’s husband, Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, was Acting (interim) Vice Chancellor of AMU last year after VC Tariq Mansoor resigned from the post following his nomination to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. Dr. Khatoon’s nomination had triggered a controversy with some university officials alleging conflict of interest. Last October, the 27-member Executive Council (EC) shortlisted five of 20 eligible applicants. In a letter to President Murmu, Mujahid Beg, one of the applicants whose name was not shortlisted, called for…