Jammu & Kashmir
Indian Army-KU agreement
Srinagar, November 8. The Indian Army signed a collaboration agreement with Kashmir University, Srinagar for providing distance education study programmes to soldiers posted in the Valley. The agreement was signed by vice chancellor Prof. Talat Ahmad and Lt. Gen. D.P. Pandey, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps at Gandhi Hall of the university.
“As envisaged in the agreement, soldiers posted in Kashmir will be able to seek admission to various courses being offered by the Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir. Eighteen study programmes currently available to Army personnel range from six-month certificate, one year diploma and two-year postgraduate courses,” says a defence services spokesperson.
Delhi
CBSE tightens screws
New Delhi, November 9. The premier Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will use advanced data analytics to identify exam centres with high probability of malpractice.
“Thus far, arrangements to prevent exam malpractices were made by appointing external observers and flying squads, and use of CCTV. We will further improve the vigilance system by using advance data analytics,” said Antriksh Johri, director (IT), CBSE, addressing the media.
A pilot project was conducted by CBSE in collaboration with the Central Square Foundation and Playpower Labs in January. “Based on the project results and the algorithms developed, CBSE will decide whether such analytics can be extended to other examination centres,” added Johri.
Bihar
PSC centenary pillar
Patna, November 20. Patna Science College (estb.1928) is designing a commemorative pillar on campus to celebrate its centenary. The college was formally inaugurated on November 15, 1928, by Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India.
“In consultation with the Patna College of Arts & Crafts, we have conceptualised a foundation pillar that will depict the inception of the institution in the 1920s. The pillar will have four facets representing various faculties,” said Dr. Shree Ram Padmadeo, principal of the college, addressing a media conference.
Rajasthan
Legislative assembly simulation
Jaipur, November 14. Children’s grasp of parliamentary democracy and social sciences was showcased in the Rajasthan legislative assembly during a special one-hour simulated session held for children in the 6-16 years age group.
A cohort of 200 children — corresponding to the number of seats in the assembly — selected from government schools statewide replicated Question Hour, Zero Hour and other processes of the legislative assembly discharging the roles of speaker, chief minister, ministers, leader of the opposition, and ruling and opposition party MLAs.
Most issues debated related to children and youth. Moreover, action plans to banish child marriage and proscribe sale of liquor and narcotic substances in the vicinity of education institutions were also debated.
Punjab
Career counselling portal
Chandigarh, November 15. State education minister Pargat Singh unveiled an online career portal to provide professional guidance to school and college students statewide.
“One major reason behind Punjab’s growing unemployment problem is students’ inability to choose suitable career paths. If students get adequate career guidance at the opportune time, they can work wonders in accordance with their capabilities,” said the minister, speaking at a government function.
According to the minister, following a series of measures initiated by the education ministry, 1 million students will receive career counselling and scholarships advice on their home computers.
Assam
Schools merger directive
Guwahati, November 17. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a directive to merge all lower primary and middle elementary schools statewide. The order was issued following the chief minister’s review meeting of elementary, secondary, higher and technical education departments of the education ministry.
“All infrastructure development projects will also be merged with necessary budget allocations,” the chief minister said, directing education officials to set up a portal for identifying postgraduate teachers for middle and elementary schools.
The chief minister also directed officials to begin the process of merging the directorates of elementary and secondary education into a single Directorate of School Education to ensure efficient management of the elementary and secondary education systems.
Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs
