Education Notes

India, UK sign pact recognising each other's higher education qualifications

Education Notes

Delhi Fees hike protest New Delhi, August 5. Delhi University’s top-ranked college Miranda House (estb.1948) raised its hostel fees for students by Rs 6,000 per semester — from Rs.27,090 to Rs.33,090 for the first semester (July-December) and from Rs.26,750 to Rs.32,750 for the second (January-May). In a social media post the Student Federation of India (SFI) objected to this “steep” increase. “The recent fee hike at Miranda House hostel is a significant financial burden on students and their families,” it said. “The hike has been effected keeping in view inflation and high maintenance cost for the facility. We have increased the hostel fee after due consultations, keeping in view inflation of the past five-six years and higher maintenance costs. There is no major hike in the fee. We have rigorous policies when it comes to providing student support,” said Miranda House Principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda, addressing a press conference. Madhya Pradesh Strip search indignation Indore, August 2. Angry parents filed a police complaint after some students of the Government Sharda Girls Higher Secondary School were allegedly strip-searched to determine if one of them had brought a mobile phone to class, said Malhargang police station sub-inspector M. Dhurve. According to the complaint lodged by parents, a teacher of the school took the students to a toilet and asked them to strip after a mobile phone rang in class. The students were also assaulted, alleged the parents in their complaint. “The complaint is being investigated. Action will be taken once our probe is complete,” said sub-inspector Dhurve. Punjab English lessons Jalandhar, August 9. The Border Security Force is providing International English Language Testing System (IELTS) coaching to youth under an initiative to engage the community in “gainful activity that will wean them away from drugs,” said Inspector- General Atul Fulzele. “The BSF utilised funds provided by the Union government for civic action work to hire two ‘good English speaking’ teachers who were providing this training to youngsters at Amarkot in the state’s Tarn Taran district,” said Fulzele, addressing a media conference “Some villagers and children approached officers of our 103rd battalion deployed in that area and said they did not have the funding for IELTS training. Since then, about 50 children have been trained and three girls have cleared the exam. The objective is to provide them a skill to enable them to prove themselves,” he added. West Bengal Dedicated hostels Kolkata, August 1. A year after the death of a fresher following alleged ragging, the state government-run Jadavpur University (JU) has inaugurated the first of two new hostels constructed on its main campus. It will house only first-year undergraduate students. A JU fresher housed in a common male students’ hostel died last August after falling from a balcony allegedly because of continuous ragging by senior students. Thirteen arrests were made in connection with that incident. “To prevent such incidents from recurring, the JU management has resolved to construct dedicated hostels for first-year students. Second and third-year students will now be housed together…

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Education Notes

Kerala Challenged children sports program Thiruvananthapuram, July 3. In collaboration with SCERT (State Council of Educational Research & Training), the state’s education ministry released an “inclusive sports manual” with the objective of promoting the track and field sports talents of differently-abled school children and ensuring their on-field participation. “Steps are being taken to conduct competitions prescribed in the manual this year itself. A Healthy Kids programme which nurtures the physical and mental health of children by initiating them into sports and games, will be implemented for primary students of state-run schools,” said education minister V. Sivankutty addressing the media. Moreover under an initiative to support autistic children, model autism complexes will be established in all 14 districts of the state at an estimated cost of Rs.37.80 crore, added the minister. Delhi Students’ crime scene visits New Delhi, July 10. Delhi University’s (DU) forensic science postgrad students will soon be authorised to visit crime scenes as interns to examine forensic evidence. DU has mooted a proposal to the Delhi Police to allow them to visit crime scenes together with investigators. DU’s faculty of anthropology has prepared the proposal tabled for approval by the varsity’s Academic Council, which will meet at month end. In a letter, the faculty has requested the police to enable forensic science students to acquire field experience. The proposal also seeks minor modifications in the curriculum of DU’s M.Sc (Forensic Science) course for final semester students to include visits to crime scenes through police stations. Himachal Pradesh Outstanding teacher awards Shimla, July 14. The state government is all set to award teachers and school leaders for outstanding contribution to education. “The objective of instituting these awards is to promote teaching as a career, encourage teachers to adopt best teaching-learning practices, and enhance the reputation of teachers within society,” said chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, addressing a press conference. According to Sukhu, 24 teachers will be awarded in two separate categories. “In addition, six special awards will be presented to teachers who have made outstanding contribution towards innovation, implementation of state flagship programs, and special initiatives. Awardees will be shortlisted based on recommendations of a state-level committee constituted under the State Award Scheme,” he added. Uttar Pradesh Imperious teacher Aligarh, July 28. Visuals captured on camera of a government primary school teacher in Gokulpur district sleeping in the classroom while her students waved handheld fans around her, have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh said that while the matter is being investigated, the teacher has been suspended. Meanwhile, another video of the same teacher beating students has also surfaced. A probe by the Block Education Officer confirmed that the sleeping video and the footage of children being beaten star the same teacher, but the latter video footage was shot a few years earlier. Assam Inter-state cooperation Guwahati, july 1: A 13-member delegation from Himachal Pradesh led by education minister Rohit Thakur, arrived in Assam’s admin capital for a detailed meeting with…

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Himachal Pradesh Show-cause notices Shimla, June 25. The state’s education ministry is set to issue show-cause notices to teachers of schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education in which the pass percentage of class X students has fallen below 25. “The notices solicit explanation from teachers regarding unsatisfactory academic outcomes. A thorough examination of the class X board results across affiliated schools has revealed that 116 institutions reported pass rates lower than 25 percent, with 30 schools recording an alarming zero percent pass rate,” said Ashish Kohli, Director of Elementary Education, addressing a press conference. The issuing of notices will commence promptly, he added. Meanwhile the education ministry has initiated the process of recruiting 1,122 Junior Basic Training and 1,027 Trained Graduate Teachers who will undergo a comprehensive 15-day induction training program in District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) centres to familiarise them thoroughly with the prescribed syllabus and pedagogies, said Kohli. Tamil Nadu First AI degree program Chennai, June 11. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras has launched the country’s first Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics B.Tech degree programme starting in the current academic year (2024-25). The first batch of 50 students for this programme will become eligible through the IIT-JEE selection process. The study programme will be administered by IIT-M’s Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, funded by an endowment of Rs.110 crore by Sunil Wadhwani, an alum and co-founder of IT multinationals IGATE and Mastech Digital. “The programme aims to cultivate expertise in data science and offers a panoramic view of its applications across industries,” said IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti, addressing a media conference. Arunachal Pradesh Cell phone suicide Itanagar, June 26 A class X student allegedly took his own life a day after being asked to leave school for using a mobile phone on campus. The body of 15-year-old Chirang Kri was found hanging from a tree near his school in Anjaw district. Chirang’s family filed a complaint against the principal and hostel warden at Hayuliang police station, demanding an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Briefing the media, Superintendent of Police Rike Kamsi said that Chirang, who lived in the school hostel, was caught using a mobile phone on campus, which is prohibited by school rules. Therefore, the school management had asked his father to withdraw him from the institution. Following a meeting with the school management, Chirang was granted permission to continue his studies. However on June 23, Chirang went missing. His body was found the next day. A suicide note in his pocket apologised for using the mobile phone and asked for forgiveness. The school’s principal T.M. Sathian, described the incident as “very unfortunate” and clarified that Chirang had been granted pardon and allowed to continue his studies in school. Therefore, the reason for Chirang’s extreme reaction remains unknown. Assam New IIM approved Guwahati, June 2. The Centre has approved establishment of a greenfield Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Marabhita, Kamrup district near Guwahati. Addressing…

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Haryana Ashoka students protest Sonipat, May 6. Students of Ashoka University (AU, estb.2014) — ranked among India’s Top 3 private multidisciplinary universities in the EW India Higher Education Rankings 2024-25 — have joined the global outcry against Israel’s war in Gaza. In a letter, they have urged Vice Chancellor Somak Raychaudhury to end all academic and research collaboration ties with Tel Aviv University. AU has research partnerships with Tel Aviv University, ongoing faculty and student exchanges, research collaboration, short-term and joint study programmes. “As the Israeli military’s brutality persists… students across universities are now actively calling on their institutions to boycott Israeli universities and exchange programmes, to have open dialogue about the war on Gaza. The spirit and the results of ongoing protests in universities in the form of encampments — embarked on by students of Columbia University — are live examples,” said the letter. Tamil Nadu IIT-M’s record fund raise Chennai, May 8. For the second year consecutively, the premier Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras raised record funding aggregating Rs.513 crore from alumni, industry and individual donors in the financial year 2023-24. Sixteen alumni and 32 corporate partners donated Rs.1 crore and above. “The funds received will be used for technology research and development as well as for deploying technology already built by IIT-Madras, in various parts of the country based on societal needs. In addition, it will also support deserving students with scholarships as well as the Sports Excellence Admission programme. Steep academic growth needs steep rise in funding,” said V. Kamakoti, director, addressing a press conference. Tripura Vidyajyoti investigation Agartala, May 16. Chief Minister Manik Saha said he will convene a meeting with education ministry officials to investigate the poor performance of state-run Vidyajyoti Schools in CBSE’s class X and XII school-leaving board exams. In 2019, 125 state board-affiliated schools were renamed Vidyajyoti Schools and affiliated with the Delhi-based CBSE board to provide “better education” to students. This year, 61 percent of students cleared the CBSE class X examination while 59 percent cleared the class XII exam. “I will soon convene a meeting to check the reason behind the poor results. Everything will be sorted out,” said the chief minister, who also holds the education portfolio, addressing a media conference. Delhi Emmanuel’s new broom New Delhi, May 15. The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has mandated compulsory 50 hours’ training per year for all teachers of CISCE-affiliated schools. “Of the 50 hours, individual schools can arrange training for 25 hours with the remaining 25 hours conducted by the council,” said Joseph Emmanuel, recently appointed chief executive and secretary of the council, addressing a press conference. “CISCE will conduct the training in online and offline modes with teachers given the option to choose either. Teachers will be obliged to pay a nominal charge for attending the training on completion of which certificates will be awarded,” he added. Manipur De-recognised university Imphal, May 30. UGC has removed the private free-of-charge Sangai International University (SIU, estb.2015) from…

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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…

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Tamil Nadu IIT-M sports quota New delhi, february 2. From the new academic year beginning July 2024, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras will introduce two supernumerary sports quota seats in every undergrad program, announced director V. Kamakoti. The idea was mooted by IIT-Madras before the IIT Council in 2023. Addressing a press conference, the director said: “IIT-Madras is set to offer Indian nationals two supernumerary seats per undergraduate programme under the Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) programme. We are the first IIT to introduce sports quota and the idea is to reward and encourage students who have achieved a certain level of sports excellence.” Candidates will also be required to have obtained the minimum class XII marks to fulfill the eligibility criteria for IIT admissions. Gujarat Careless teachers fined Gandhinagar, february 6. Over a period of two years, an aggregate fine of Rs.1.54 crore was imposed on 9,000 government school teachers statewide for committing totaling errors while marking classes X and XII board exam answer sheets. Responding to a query during Question Hour, Gujarat’s education minister Kuber Dindor admitted that 9,218 teachers — 3,350 class X and 5,868 class XII — had committed totaling errors during assessment of board exam answer papers in the academic years 2022 and 2023. A fine of Rs.1,600 has been imposed on all these teachers. Uttar Pradesh Budget largesse Lucknow, february 5. In the Uttar Pradesh budget 2024-25 presented in the state assembly, a sum of Rs.1,000 crore had been budgeted for provision of free sweaters, shoes, socks and bags to over 20 million class I-VIII government school children. Also Rs.1,000 crore for Operation Kayakalp (makeover) for government primary schools. Addressing a press conference, finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said: “The procurement process for providing uniforms, sweaters, school bags, shoes, and stationery for students has been discontinued. Instead, a sum of Rs 1,200 per student is being directly transferred to the bank accounts of parents through DBT (direct bank transfers).” Delhi New safety rules New felhi, february 19. All government and private schools in the national capital have been directed to constitute committees for ‘surprise bag checking’ to ensure no student brings any object that may cause harm to other children, says a Directorate of Education (DoE) circular. “It is imperative for all schools to implement a streamlined framework for ensuring good safety practices for students, parents and staff. Heads of schools should also ensure that CCTVs are installed in schools and functional all the time. Visitors should not be allowed to enter classrooms and staff rooms,” says the circular. Himachal Pradesh Teachers study tour Shimla, february 22. Under the state government’s International Tour for Teachers program, 102 school teachers will depart for a five-day tour of Singapore to familiarise themselves with “new technologies and teaching methods in education”, said chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu. “The first batch of 102 teachers selected from across the state are scheduled for departure on February 24 and a second batch of 98 teachers on March 15,” said Sukhu. Added education…

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Bihar Coaching centres caveat Patna, january 2. The state’s education ministry has threatened stringent action against government schoolteachers associating with private coaching centres. In a letter addressed to district magistrates, the ministry’s additional chief secretary K.K. Pathak requested them to obtain written undertakings from all private coaching centres within their jurisdiction affirming that “no government school teachers will take classes in their institutions”. “If teachers continue to work in coaching centres, strict departmental action will be taken against them and legal action will also be initiated against the coaching centre,” says a senior ministry official. The ministry has also asked all district education officers in the state to provide details of such teachers on a priority basis. According to a report recently compiled by the ministry, there are a total of 12,761 registered private coaching centres in Bihar, with 9.9 lakh students enrolled in them. Uttar Pradesh Girls Sainik Schools Mathura, january 1. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the country’s first all-girls Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School at Vrindavan describing it as a ‘beacon of light for girls who aspire to join the armed forces and serve their motherland’. The first all-girls Sainik (army) school with an enrolment of 870 students was inaugurated under an initiative to establish 100 new Sainik schools in partnership with NGOs/private/state government schools in all states/Union territories. These are in addition to the existing 33 Sainik schools, a defence ministry statement said. Addressing a press conference, the defence minister said: “They (girls) have the right to protect the nation just like their male counterparts. It was a golden moment in the history of women empowerment when we approved the admission of girls to Sainik schools. Today our women are not only flying fighter jets, they are also securing our borders.” Himachal Pradesh Outer space lab Bilaspur, january 26. On Republic Day (January 26), technical education minister Rajesh Dharmani inaugurated the state’s first outer space lab in the Government Senior Secondary School, Ghumarwin. “The space lab will provide students an opportunity to learn about satellite launcher systems, drones and details of critical ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) projects. The lab has been built at a cost of Rs.10 lakh,” the minister said, speaking on the occasion. Special tour programmes will be organised for students of other schools to access the lab, he added. Jharkhand New APU campus Ranchi, January 24. Chief minister Hemant Soren laid the foundation stone of the Rs.5,000-crore Azim Premji University sited on a 146-acre campus in Ranchi. Azim Premji, chairman of the Azim Premji Foundation, joined the ceremony through video conferencing. “Currently, the foundation’s largest university campus is in Bengaluru — 110 acres. APU’s Ranchi campus will be bigger than that,” the chief minister said, speaking on the occasion. The university, which will include a medical college with a 500-bed hospital besides a K-12 school, will start functioning in 2026, he added. Gujarat Deakin campus inauguration Ahmedabad, january 10. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green hailed the inauguration of Australia’s Deakin University…

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HIMACHAL PRADESH Learning gaps directive Shimla, december 1. Learning gaps of class IX-XII students of government schools will be identified in the first 15 days of the new academic year based on the previous year’s final exam results. Thereafter teachers will focus on improving the mathematics, science, Hindi and English learning outcomes of students, said Amarjeet Sharma, higher education director, in a directive issued to schools statewide. “Learning gaps will be assessed and remedial measures taken accordingly. The compliance and action taken report will be submitted to the secretary (education) within seven days,” said the directive. MAHARASHTRA ITI for challenged persons Latur, december 2. Skills development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha inaugurated Maharashtra’s first Industrial Training Institute (ITI) for challenged persons. The ITI christened Samvedna will admit students from the academic year beginning June 2024. Speaking on the occasion, Lodha said: “Prime minister Narendra Modi gave a new identity to persons with disability by coining the term ‘Divyang’ which changed people’s outlook towards them. This ITI will help persons with disability to become part of mainstream society.” Digambar Dalvi, director of the State Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, presented a cheque of Rs.1 crore to the institute’s management. MANIPUR Relocation plea New Delhi, december 4. The Supreme Court came to the rescue of 284 students hit by ethnic violence in Manipur — in which over 170 people have been killed and several hundred injured — by granting them the option of attending online classes at Manipur University or relocating to Silchar to enroll in Assam University or relocating to Shillong to enroll in North East Hill University. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by the Manipur University EIMI Welfare Society on behalf of the students. The bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra directed that the name of a nodal officer, appointed by the Manipur University, be posted on its website. The officer will be entrusted with the duty to ensure relocation of students within two weeks of applying. ASSAM IIT-G teacher training programme Guwahati, december 5. One thousand government school teachers attended a six-day residential training programme at IIT-Guwahati to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teaching-learning statewide. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of IIT-G, education minister Ranoj Pegu said: “The purpose of this training programme is to encourage and motivate our schoolchildren to pursue science and mathematics in higher education through better pedagogies.” The teachers were trained in physics, electronics, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, biology and biotechnology, chemistry and materials science, among other STEM subjects, and to guide students to derive maximum advantage from the Atal Tinkering Labs programme. UTTARAKHAND Schools building initiative Dehradun, december 5. The state government has partnered with prominent private school managements to establish schools for students from low-income households. “A memorandum of understanding was signed with some private school managements which have established institutions in the state. Within two years, these private school managements will build day and residential schools in…

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Maharashtra Paltry pay petition Jalna, november 11. The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court stayed a termination order served by management on seven teachers of MS English School, Jalna and directed the management to deposit outstanding salaries until November 2023 in the court. The teachers were among 42 educators who filed a writ petition over the paltry and irregular salaries paid to them leading to termination of their service. The teachers, with teaching records ranging from six to 26 years, claimed that their service had been terminated by the school without any prior notice. In their petition filed in court, they also alleged that they were classified as temporary teachers and paid salaries of Rs.12,000-30,000 per month — way below Seventh Pay Commission salaries prescribed for government school teachers. Expressing concern over the situation, the bench said, “If teachers have been working between six to 26 years, as is the contention of the petitioners, it is incorrect to say they are temporaries. A trained graduate has to be regularised after completion of the probation period.” Haryana Police rebuked Chandigarh, november 3. Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, criticised the police for failure to act promptly on the complaints of over 50 students of a government school in Jind district who accused their 55-year-old principal of sexual harassment. The complaints were forwarded to the police on September 14 but action was taken only on October 30, she said. The Haryana police booked the school principal 48 days after he was suspended by the Jind district administration over allegations of sexual harassment. The Jind police has formed teams to arrest the accused but the principal has evaded arrest, said a police spokesperson. Himachal Pradesh Pre-primary ed boost Hamirpur, november 18. The state government has resolved to construct buildings for 49 anganwadi (pre-primary) centres — currently being run in private buildings — in Hamirpur district at an estimated cost of Rs.5.88 crore, said Hemraj Bairwa, the district’s deputy commissioner. “The state government is taking positive steps to ensure proper nutrition and preschool education of children in the 3-6 age group. Efforts are being made to provide best facilities in anganwadi centres and to construct dedicated buildings for such facilities,” said Bairwa, addressing a press conference. Added Balveer Singh Birla, District Programme Officer, Women and Child Development ministry: “These buildings will be constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) programme. A total of Rs.12 lakh will be spent on each building.” Provision for the anganwadi buildings will be made under MGNREGA — Rs.8 lakh and Rs.2 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission funding to the state, and Rs.2 lakh will be contributed by the Women and Child Development ministry. Tripura TIT-Providence MoU Agartala, november 5. Chief Minister Manik Saha cleared a proposal of the public sector Tripura Institute of Technology (TIT, estb.1958) to sign a partnership agreement with the Taiwan-based Providence University. Addressing the media, the chief minister said: “The Memorandum of Understanding will enable…

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Punjab School security initiative Ludhiana, october 4. Under a special initiative to transform public education, the Punjab state government has appointed 1,378 security guards for all government senior secondary schools with an enrolment of more than 500 students. Addressing an audience at a local government school function, education minister Harjot Singh Bains said: “These security guards will be posted at the entry and exit gates of schools to ensure students don’t leave the premises during school hours without the principal’s permission. They will also maintain visitors’ records.” Moreover, the state’s AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) government has budgeted Rs.250 crore to build boundary walls for all government schools while 2,000 campus managers are being appointed for maintenance of school buildings, added the minister. Uttarakhand Milestone agreement Dehradun, october 5. A partnership agreement was signed between Samagra Shiksha (secondary education department) Uttarakhand and Swiss Education Group, Switzerland for training class IX-XII students in tourism and hospitality management. “There is abundant employment potential in the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors, and given sufficient training, many of our students will be better equipped to avail career opportunities in this sector. This is a milestone agreement,” said chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, addressing the media. Sikkim Online learning directive Gangtok, october 10. The state government has directed all schools in the floods-ravaged state to conduct online classes for class IX upwards students of public and private schools. This directive for online classes has been issued to compensate for learning loss caused due to closure of educational institutions until October 15 after several people lost their lives in flash floods on October 4, explained a state education department official. An estimated 70 people have lost their lives in this tragedy and 80 are missing. The total number affected is 87,300, said an official of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. Nagaland First medical college Kohima, october 14. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR), the state’s first medical college. Speaking on the occasion, the Union minister said: “Under the Central government’s initiative to set up healthcare facilities countrywide, Nagaland’s first 100-seat medical college will not only impart medical education but encourage students to undertake deep research as well.” The medical college offers 100 seats — 85 for students resident in Nagaland — and 15 are reserved for students of other states. “This is a historic day for the people of Nagaland as their dream of a medical college has been fulfilled. The state has a severe shortage of doctors, and there are shortcomings in the delivery of secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare. I hope this new facility will grow into a centre of excellence,” added chief minister Neiphiu Rio. Jharkhand AI powered app Ranchi, october 16. Chief minister Hemant Soren launched J-Guruji (Jharkhand’s Guruji) AI app and distributed appointment letters to over 800 secondary school teachers during a function at Dr. Ram Dayal Mundal Football Stadium in Morabadi. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said: “The…

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Rajasthan Coaching school guidelines Jaipur, september 29. Recommendations made in the Rajasthan government’s guidelines for test prep/coaching institutes statewide include no glorification of toppers, results of routine tests to be kept confidential, no segregation of students in special batches based on ranks, and a policy for easy exit and fees refund within 120 days, among others. The nine-page guidelines were issued days after the state government constituted a 15-member committee headed by education secretary Bhawani Singh Detha to issue guidelines after a record number of 23 students in Kota’s test prep institutes died by suicide this year. “Coaching institutes should not encourage students below class IX to take admission. They should give admission after screening tests and counselling to assess their interest,” state the guidelines. In addition, another set of recommendations have been issued to ease pressure on students. Among them: facial recognition to prevent fake attendance, mandatory weekly holidays, not holding exams on days after a holiday and a code of conduct for faculty and hostels. Moreover, district collectors have also been asked to sensitise coaching institutes under their jurisdiction to ensure the guidelines are followed. Uttar Pradesh Child abuse indictments Sambhal, september 28. A private school teacher was arrested for inciting communal hatred after she allegedly ordered a Muslim student to slap a Hindu classmate for failing to answer a question. On the basis of a complaint filed by the Hindu boy’s father, the teacher was booked under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Additional Superintendent of Police Shirish Chandra, informed the media This follows a similar incident at Khubbapur village in Muzaffarnagar in August, where a teacher of a private school instructed students to slap a Muslim child for failing to complete his homework. A case was registered against accused teacher Tripta Tyagi, under IPC sections 323 (voluntary causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace). On September 25, the Supreme Court castigated the Uttar Pradesh government for a shoddy probe into the Muzaffarnagar incident. JAMMU Model space lab ammu, september 26. A space lab was inaugurated in the Government Higher Secondary School, Kishtwar district. Developed under the ISRO space tutor programme by the Vyomika Space Academy, this pioneer space lab is funded by the Directorate of Education, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Kishtwar’s deputy commissioner Prahlad Bhagat said: “The lab is equipped with high-tech telescopes, ISRO rocket and satellite, drones and aircraft demonstration models. This will enable class VI-XII students to explore the wonders of the cosmos and notable space missions of ISRO to acquire a deeper understanding of space and inspire students to consider careers in space sciences and astronomy.” The academy will also host a state-level inter-school hydro rocket and astronomy workshop on October 15, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he added. Chhattisgarh Sexual molestation charge Gariaband, september 13. A government school principal in Gariaband district has been…

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Delhi Graphic book for well-being New Delhi, August 29. A new graphic illustrations book for adolescents titled Lets Move Forward was launched by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union education minister, to guide adolescents to maintain holistic well-being. The book focuses on interpersonal relationships, gender equality and substance abuse prevention, among other issues. A collaborative effort of NCERT and Unesco, this book is accessible in multiple languages and will be distributed to state education ministries, teacher education colleges, and institutes of advanced study in education, among other educational and health institutions nationwide. Initiated under the Ayushman Bharat campaign of April 2018 launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the School Health & Wellness Programme is being implemented by the Union education and health and family welfare ministries. Assam New open university Guwahati, August 3. The state’s Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) has become the country’s only open university to introduce four-year undergraduate courses as mandated by NEP 2020. Moreover, all KKHSOU academic programmes have been restructured according to UGC’s Academic Bank of Credits framework. Currently, KKHSOU offers 44 study programmes at 276 study centres and a regional centre in Jorhat. “The degrees and diplomas of the open university are on a par with other universities offering regular courses, and our government is recognising it for future recruitments,” said Ranoj Pegu, the state’s education minister, addressing the media. The minister also urged students denied admission into college undergraduate courses to register with KKHSOU. Haryana Sapling nurturance scheme Chandigarh, august 3. Kunwar Pal, the state’s education minister, announced that students of government schools, who plant a sapling in class IX and nurture it until class XII, will be awarded additional 15 marks in their class XII school-leaving examination. “A detailed proposal in this connection will soon be notified. Marks will be awarded on the basis of the health of planted trees,” said the minister after a meeting with school education officials. He also directed forest department officers to ensure availability of saplings and education ministry officials to appoint liaison officers in each school to coordinate with forest department officers. Madhya Pradesh Third child penalty Bhind, August 8. The service of a government school teacher of CM Rise School in Bhind district has been terminated for concealing information about his three children while accepting employment in March, in violation of the government’s two-child norm. Addressing the media, school principal Tikam Singh said: “According to the state government’s General Administration Department (GAD) order, a third child should not be born to a government employee after January 26, 2001.” The termination order said a complaint against the teacher was found to be true following an investigation by the district education officer. Uttarakhand Hindi medical education Dehradun, August 11. The state government is all set to introduce professional medical education in Hindi in state medical colleges from September 1. “In a gift to students with Hindi as their medium of instruction, Uttarakhand will be the second state in the country after Madhya Pradesh to introduce such an initiative.…

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Bihar Absent teachers crackdown Patna, july 6. The state government has ordered deduction of a day’s salary of 87 teachers of 3,486 government schools in Patna district, found absent during inspections in the past five days. This action was taken following a directive of additional chief secretary (education department), K.K. Pathak, who asked district magistrates to conduct frequent inspections of government schools from July 1, and “immediately” deduct a day’s salary of those found absent without valid reason. Simultaneously, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has also ordered similar deduction of its lecturers posted in Purnea and Darbhanga districts, for not attending online meetings convened by the council on July 5. Punjab Singapore training for principals Chandigarh, july 22. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann flagged off two batches of 72 government school principals to the Principals Academy, Singapore for updating their professional knowledge and expertise in K-12 education. “The motive is to ensure that students of state government schools receive world-class education, thereby enabling them to compete with their convent educated peers. This endeavour is aimed at reversing the trend of brain-drain from the state and channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction,” said the chief minister, addressing a media conference. “After their return, these principals will share best practices with students and their colleagues thereby ensuring that students get acquainted with the pattern of study in foreign countries,” he added. Madhya Pradesh Students protest march Indore, july 25. A group of 150 students of the state government-run Gyanodaya Residential School in Morod village walked 20 km to the Indore collector’s office to protest against mismanagement of the school. “The school refused to provide financial assistance for the treatment of a student who suffered injuries after falling from the third floor of the institute. We jointly collected Rs.19,000 to foot the medical bill of the injured student. Moreover, we are suffering an acute shortage of books and regular teachers in the school,” said a student protestor. “I have ordered an Additional District Magistrate to conduct a detailed inquiry into the complaints of students. Action will be taken against those found guilty,” said Indore district collector Ilayaraja T, addressing the media. The free-of-charge Gyanodaya Residential School was recently conferred a ‘Centre of Excellence’ award by the state government. J&K Design-own-degree initiative Jammu, july 27. Prof. Umesh Rai, vice chancellor of Jammu University, announced the launch of a four-year ‘design your degree’ undergraduate programme which will be offered by the university from the current academic year beginning this month. “By allowing students to select courses from diverse fields of study, the ‘design your degree’ programme will equip them with well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability — essential traits for thriving in the rapidly evolving global economy,” said Prof. Rai, addressing a press conference. The objective of the self-designed degree is to produce graduates who aren’t just experts in their chosen fields but also possess a “holistic understanding of the world,” he added. Maharashtra Exorbitant fees…

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Gujarat Model primary Ahmedabad, june 6. A late 19th century government school operational until 2018 in Vadnagar, Mehsana district which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended in young age, has been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. Under Project Prerna (‘inspire’) — the vernacular school is being developed as a model for the country. Being redeveloped according to prime minister Modi’s vision, it will serve as a model for primary schools countrywide. Designed as an “experiential school” offering a “unique pedagogy”, it will use new technologies to impart values and inspire children to become catalysts of change in future, says a Gujarat government spokesperson. “Two students from each of the country’s 740 districts will be selected for a week-long study tour of the model school in 2024,” he added. Odisha Samanta solicitude Bhubaneswar, june 7. The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed-to-be University, Bhubaneswar will provide employment to one family member and free education to children whose parents died in the June 2 triple train accident near Balasore, in which 280 passengers lost their lives. Announcing the humanitarian package, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) said: “We will offer a job to one member from each family at KIIT/KISS and provide free-of-charge education to their children at KISS and KIIT as per their eligibility.” Earlier during the Covid-19 pandemic, KIIT had stepped forward to support students who lost their parents to Covid by providing free education and jobs to their family members. Kerala Grievance redressal panels Thiruvananthapuram, june 8. Following protests over the suicide of a female student of a church-run private engineering college in Kottayam district, the state government announced that grievance redressal committees would be constituted in all higher education institutions statewide to investigate complaints lodged by students. This is the outcome of a second-year student found hanging inside her hostel room in early June. Some students alleged that their teachers were “harassing” them on several issues including use of mobile phones on campus. Addressing a press conference, the state’s higher education minister R. Bindu said: “The proposed panel will comprise principals of colleges and heads of departments of universities. Representatives of student unions and nominees of Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) and the university syndicate will also be part of the new panels.” Chhattisgarh Intelligent initiative Raipur, june 10. Eighty-nine classes X and XII students who topped the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education exams were given joyrides in a seven-seater helicopter by the state government under an annual reward scheme announced last year by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. This year, 54 class X students and 35 class XII students including ten from the Scheduled Tribes were presented this reward. “This intelligent initiative has proved very popular with students and inspires them to study hard for their board examinations,” said a state government spokesperson, addressing the media on the occasion. Telangana Deliberate omission charge Hyderabad, june 23. The Telangana State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is mired…

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Punjab Education officers suspended Chandigarh, may 30. Harjot Singh Bains, the state’s school education minister, ordered the suspension of three officials of his ministry on charges of dereliction of duty. During a surprise inspection of the Government Primary School, Lambayan in SAS Nagar district, class V students brought to the minister’s attention that they were yet to receive their English textbooks. Investigation revealed that 3,500 textbooks had not been printed due to the negligence of ministry officials. As a result, 2,500 students were deprived of English textbooks. Apart from suspension orders issued against the three officials, the minister also ordered the district education officer and block education officer to be issued show-cause notices. Uttar Pradesh Prisoners good show Lucknow, may 7. Ninety-five percent of prisoners in Uttar Pradesh’s jails who wrote the class X state board examination passed, while the class XII success rate was over 70 percent. “Fifty-seven of the 60 inmates who wrote the class X examination averaged 82.40 percent, a first-division score. Of the 64 inmates who wrote the class XII board examination, 45 passed with 13 percent scoring first-division marks,” a prison department official said at a press conference. “Inmates who study in the prisons are given light physical work and during the board examinations, they are exempted from all manual work. Books and study materials are made available to them in jail. Moreover, most jails have libraries from where they can access study materials,” he added. Maharashtra Biodiversity study scholarships Mumbai, may 3. The state cabinet recently approved a proposal to provide scholarships to 75 students over a period of three years for conducting research in mangroves and marine biodiversity in top-ranked universities abroad, said an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office. The outlay for the scholarships is estimated at Rs.31.50 crore. Every year, 25 students will be given scholarships by the forest department’s Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation. These scholarships will be awarded to students admitted into higher educational institutions abroad ranked within the Top 150 in the latest annual World University Rankings league tables of the London-based Times Higher Education (THE) or Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Thirty percent of these scholarships will be awarded to women students. Madhya Pradesh Girl child education drive Bhopal, may 2. Observing Ladli Laxmi Utsav (festival of the girl child), chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced his government’s decision to pay the tuition fees of meritorious girl students from MP admitted into IITs, engineering, law, and medical colleges. “Under the Ladli Laxmi Yojana, fees for engineering, law, IIT and medical colleges will not be paid by parents, but by Shivraj mama (uncle),” he said, addressing a press conference. Chouhan added that henceforth Ladli Lakshmi Utsav will be celebrated in every city and panchayat of Madhya Pradesh from May 9-15, during which various competitions, programmes and health check-ups will be organised. Himachal Pradesh Ineligible vice chancellors Shimla, may 20. The vice-chancellors of two private universities in the state have been found ineligible for the post after thorough…

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J&K Moving direct appeal Kathua/jammu, april 20. Days after class III student Seerat Naaz in a video message urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure basic facilities at her government school in Kathua district in the remote Lohai-Malhar block, Ravi Shankar Sharma, director of school education (Jammu), initiated action to give the school a facelift. Elaborating on her school’s pathetic condition, Naaz said students are forced to sit on dirty floors, which often stain their uniforms. She also highlighted the poor condition of toilets and the building’s unfinished construction work. “I request you to build a nice school for us so we can continue our education and not get scolded by our mothers for getting our uniforms dirty,” the girl said in a moving appeal to the prime minister. “A project worth Rs.91 lakh was sanctioned to upgrade the school but pending administrative approval, the work was stalled. It has now been sorted out and work is underway,” Sharma confirmed after visiting the school. Delhi Anganwadis upgradation New delhi, april 24. All 11,000 anganwadis (government preschools) in the national capital will be provided with a 35-item learning kit to make learning enjoyable and interactive. Moreover, they will observe ‘ECCE Day’ every month together with parents, said Atishi Marlena, Women and Child Development Minister of the AAP state government, after reviewing anganwadi projects with department officials. Addressing a press conference, the minister said: “Early childhood education is a priority of the AAP government. Anganwadi workers and supervisors will receive training from master trainers. To involve parents in children’s education, the Delhi government will celebrate ECCE Day every month by inviting parents to participate in group activities with their children.” Parents will also receive counselling to create supportive environments for their children’s education at home, she added. Uttar Pradesh Girls outperform boys Prayagraj, april 25. Girls outperformed boys in the intermediate and high school examinations conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Council this year, said Mahendra Dev, Director of Secondary Education, while announcing board exam results. The pass percentage of girls in the high school examination was 93.34 percent, against 86.64 percent for boys. In the intermediate examination, the pass percentage of boys was 69.34 percent, against 83 percent for girls. Congratulating successful students, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted: “May your future be bright with the grace of Maa Saraswati. Students who bagged top 10 positions at the state and district levels in the class X and XII board exams will be honoured.” Kerala History deletions ignored Thiruvananthapuram, april 26. Higher secondary students across the state are likely to be taught portions that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has deleted from its class XI-XII history textbooks, including those pertaining to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and subsequent ban on the RSS, said the state’s general education minister V. Sivankutty, after chairing a curriculum steering committee meeting. “The curriculum committee unanimously decided to include all portions omitted from the old textbooks in the syllabus,” said Sivankutty. Maharashtra Swachh Bharat circular…

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Assam Question paper leakage row Guwahati, march 14. Twenty-two people including teachers and students have been detained for questioning about leakage of a general science question paper of the class X state board examination which led to cancellation of the exam. Addressing media personnel, education minister Ranoj Pegu, however denied the involvement of any teachers. “There is no question of involvement of teachers. The papers are kept at police stations and taken to examination centres only on the morning of the test day,” he said. Added Gyanendra Pratap Singh, Director General of Police: “The Assam Police has registered a criminal case and the Crime Investigation Department has been given charge of the investigation.” Jharkhand Special rewards scheme Ranchi, march 27. Chief minister Hemant Soren introduced a special rewards scheme for a cohort of 68 class X and class XII rank holders across all exam boards (Jharkhand Academic Council, CBSE and CISCE) and toppers of the Jharkhand Olympiad. A total sum of Rs.1.32 crore, laptops and mobile phones were distributed at a specially organised awards ceremony. The first three class X and XII board exam toppers were conferred cash rewards up to Rs.3 lakh, a laptop and mobile phone. Addressing a media conference, the chief minister said: “Even if a student from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or any other part of the country tops from any Jharkhand school, he/she will be rewarded by the state government. We want to lessen the initial financial burden of the families of meritorious students after board examinations, so that they pursue higher education.” Delhi Finland teacher training New delhi, march 4. After several disputes with Delhi’s AAP government in the past, Lt. Governor VK Saxena approved the government’s new proposal to send primary teachers of state-run schools to Finland for training. While granting approval, Saxena noted the AAP government’s refusal to bring “impact assessment of the foreign training programmes conducted in the past, on record,” said an official from the LG’s office. Addressing a press conference, the official said: “Lt. Governor VK Saxena has approved the education ministry’s proposal for training of primary school in-charges in Finland. Taking the approach of equitable benefit for all, the LG has increased the number of primary in-charges (headmasters) who were to proceed to Finland for training, from 52 to 87 to ensure equal representation of primary in-charges from all 29 administrative zones of the education department.” Madhya Pradesh Molestation charges against teachers Dindori, march 8. The state government issued a transfer order to Sanjay Singh, Superintendent of Police (SP), for “poorly handling” a molestation case of girl students in a district school run by Jabalpur Diocesan Education Society (JDES) of the Roman Catholic community. A caretaker nun, principal and guest teacher of the school were booked on charges of assaulting and molesting several girl children. The caretaker was booked for overlooking complaints of the girls, while the nun was charged with beating them. Action was initiated only after officials of the Madhya Pradesh Child Protection Department visited the school.…

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Madhya Pradesh Mahatma disrespect notice Seoni (mp), february 7. The education ministry has issued a show-cause notice to a teacher of the government-run CM Rise School in Seoni district after a student recited a poem criticising Mahatma Gandhi during an event organised as part of the state government’s ongoing Vikas Yatra (development campaign). A video clip of the function also showed BJP MLA Dinesh Rai Munmun applauding the boy during the recitation. The poem accused the Mahatma of remaining silent during a period of violence, and questioned why so many people sacrificed their lives for the country. “A show-cause notice has been served to the teacher who guided the student, and a report sought from the principal. School principals and teachers have also been directed to preview student performances and ensure that no religion, caste or renowned personality is disrespected,” said Kamal Kishore Patel, district education officer, addressing the media. Maharashtra Exam cheating FIR Pune, february 28. An FIR was lodged against nine teachers for alleged involvement in a mass copying incident by students of the Jawaharlal Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Kedgaon in Pune district, during board examinations. “These teachers allegedly aided and abetted students to write their physics paper,” said Ayush Prasad, CEO, Pune Zilla Parishad. Addressing a press conference, Prasad said: “A squad of the state’s education board uncovered the exam malpractice and reported it to the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education. The Zilla Parishad is coordinating with the police and municipal corporations to strictly enforce the copy mukt abhiyan (copy free exam campaign) of the state government. Moreover, it has provided study notes, exam paper analysis and test materials to schools to help students better prepare for exams.” Gujarat Exam paper leak arrests Ahmedabad, february 3. Two persons allegedly involved in the Gujarat panchayat junior clerk exam paper leak scandal were arrested in Kolkata, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 19. Over 9.5 lakh candidates had registered for the exam for recruitment to 1,181 clerical posts statewide. The state government had cancelled the competitive exam for recruitment of junior clerks hours before its scheduled time on January 29. The question paper was leaked in Vadodara following raid of a computer centre by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). At the time, 15 people were arrested. According to ATS sources, the two arrested from Kolkata are kingpins in the case. Most of the accused are engaged in the education consultancy business. J&K Capacity building fellowship Jammu, february 4. Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off a batch of nine undergraduate students of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu for a 60-day capacity building fellowship programme at Kansas State University, USA. The students will visit KSU under the Student Overseas Fellowship Programme of the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the World Bank. The group includes undergraduate students of the faculty of agriculture, school of biotechnology, faculty of veterinary sciences,…

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Teacher training initiative Chandigarh, january 20. The Punjab government has finalised a plan to send a first batch of 36 principals of government schools to the Principals’ Academy, Singapore for a specially designed training programme this month (February). Addressing a press conference, education minister Harjot Singh Bains said: “Since teachers are nation builders who can lift the level of education, their teaching skills need to be upgraded by ensuring quality training. The principals will take part in a professional teachers’ training workshop in Singapore from February 6-10.” Last year, chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann convened a meeting with government school principals seeking inputs on ways and means to raise school education standards. Uttarakhand Sampark FLN TV Dehradun, january 2. Under a Sampark smartshala initiative to transform government school classrooms into smart classrooms, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced Sampark FLN (foundational literacy and numeracy) TV and Sampark Science TV — free-of-charge plug and play devices designed by the Noida-based Sampark Foundation — at a function organised at the Girls Inter College, Kaulagarh. In the initial phase, Sampark FLN TV — a device that converts any television set into an interactive learning platform with preloaded lessons featuring quizzes, worksheets and animated content — will be installed in 100 schools statewide, impacting 17,000 students. A total of 200 teachers will be trained to use the smart platform. “Sampark smartshala is an initiative to promote education through modern technology. It will reach out to nearly 11,000 schools statewide. In particular, the initiative will prove very useful to children living in remote areas of the state,” said the chief minister. . Jharkhand Overnight protest trek Chaibasa (jharkhand), january 18. A hostel warden, four teachers and security guard of the fully residential government-run Kasturba Gandhi Girls School, Khuntpani were served show-cause notices after 61 girl students trekked 17 km overnight to register a complaint at the deputy commissioner’s office highlighting abuse and “atrocities” inflicted upon them by school authorities. The students informed the DSE (district superintendent education) that they were served stale food, denied clean toilets and backward class children were forced to sleep on the floor in cold wave conditions. They also alleged that the warden compelled them to lie to senior officials when they visited the school for inspection. Neither the guard nor teachers were aware that 61 girls were missing from the hostel until the district authorities contacted them. Gujarat Bribery charge arrest Ahmedabad, january 9. The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a DEO (district education officer) for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.20,000 from a government school principal near Lunawada town. The Mahisagar district DEO was trapped accepting the bribe, which he had allegedly demanded from a school principal when she had approached his office for the second time to complain about delay in allotment of an ‘employee number’ to a newly appointed teacher in her school. Haryana Sports University of Haryana Sonipat, january 2. Former IPS officer S.S. Deswal has been appointed vice chancellor of the Sports University of…

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ODISHA Achyuta Samanta felicitated Bhubaneswar, december 1. President Draupadi Murmu conferred the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022 award of the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports on Dr. Achyuta Samanta, founder-promoter of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). “This award recognises KIIT’s sustained focus on sports education for the past 18 years. Together with upgrading academic education, we have continuously strengthened our sports and sports-related infrastructure. The encouragement and support of chief minister Naveen Patnaik towards sports has also inspired KIIT to transform Odisha into an athletics and field sports hub of India,” said Dr. Samanta, speaking on the occasion Over the past almost two decades KIIT has sponsored the education and training of several national sports stars. Among them: Olympian Arjuna awardees Dutee Chand (athletics), C.A. Bhavani Devi (rapier fencing), Shivpal Singh (javelin) and Amit Rohidas (hockey). MAHARASHTRA Anti-ragging suspension Nagpur, december 1. Six interns at the Government Medical College & Hospital (GMC&H), Nagpur, were suspended for ragging a junior student. The suspension order was issued after the first-year student sent a video clip of the incident to UGC’s anti-ragging helpline cell, said a college spokesperson. After viewing the video clip, the UGC cell directed the college administration to initiate action against the accused. Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, dean of GMC&H, immediately issued orders suspending internship of the students and also asked them to vacate the college hostel. HARYANA Exam prep bugle Chandigarh, december 25. In an initiative to improve pass percentages of class X-XII students of government schools, the education ministry issued a circular urging temple, mosque and gurdwara authorities to sound wake up calls through amplifiers to ensure students rise early to prepare for their board exams scheduled for March this year. In a letter to government school principals, and district education officers, Anshaj Singh, director of secondary education, also urged parents and teachers to suggest ways and means for students to get extra hours for self-study. “Mornings are most suitable as children’s minds are fresh and there is no noise of traffic. For this, every class teacher should request parents to wake their children at 4:30 in the morning so they can start study by 5:15 a.m. Teachers should advise parents through WhatsApp group messages,” wrote Singh in his letter. ASSAM Dibrugarh ragging arrests Dibrugarh, december 1. On the recommendation of the university’s Anti- Ragging Committee, four students of Dibrugarh University have been expelled for three years for ragging a junior. Addressing a press conference, education minister Ranoj Pegu said a first year commerce Masters student suffered fractures in his spine after he fell from the second floor of the varsity’s hostel in an attempt to escape his tormentors.“Five students involved in the ragging incident have so far been arrested. Another person has been picked up for sheltering the accused,” Bitul Chetia, additional superintendent of police informed media personnel. PUNJAB Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting Patiala, december 24. Under an education ministry initiative, over 1 million parents participated in a Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (MPTM) simultaneously organised in 19,259…

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Education Notes

JHARKHAND Room to Read project Ranchi, november 5. Students of government primary schools across the state will soon have access to child-friendly libraries to develop the reading habit and enhance learning capabilities, said Kiran Kumari Pasi, director of the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC). In association with Room to Read, a San Francisco (USA)-based non-profit working for children’s literacy and education of the girl child, JEPC has introduced a pilot project to establish 50 well-equipped libraries with low-height chairs and tables statewide. “We have tied up with Room to Read for this path-breaking project. Room to Read is setting up libraries and providing free-of-charge study materials to the state government. If the project is successful, it will be extended on a large scale through a formal government programme,” said Pasi, addressing a media conference. UTTAR PRADESH TCS teacher training initiative Lucknow, november 22. The Mumbai-based Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) — India’s largest information technology services company — signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uttar Pradesh government’s social welfare department. Under terms of the agreement, over a period of 18 months under its go- IT and Ignite My Future programmes, TCS will train 1,500 teachers and 35,000 students of 105 Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya and Eklavya Residential schools managed by the state government, in computational and logical thinking. Under the Ignite My Future program, teachers will be familiarised with the usage of computers, algorithms, programming, coding and problem-solving pedagogies. These teachers will be certified as master trainers. Under the company’s go-IT program, students will be taught design, logical thinking, problem-solving skills and also prepared for the Bebras India Computing Challenge, an international student competition. ARUNACHAL PRADESH Football for Schools Itanagar, november 22. The state government has finalised plans to launch a ‘Football for Schools’ programme, an initiative to promote the field game of football in 200 schools statewide, said education minister Taba Tedir. “The objective of the programme is to nurture budding football stars in the 6-13 years age group. In this connection, a partnership agreement has been inked between FIFA and the Union education ministry to promote the game among children countrywide. The Union education ministry and FIFA will jointly support the successful implementation of the programme,” said Tedir addressing the media. UTTARAKHAND Hindi medical education Dehradun, november 5. Uttarakhand is set to become the second state to permit undergraduate medical education in Hindi language from the academic year 2023-24. This decision was taken in light of the special importance being accorded by the Central government to Hindi, said medical education minister Dhan Singh Rawat. The medical education ministry has constituted a four-member expert committee chaired by Dr. CMS Rawat, principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar (Kashmir). The committee will prepare a draft of the new syllabus for colleges after studying the MBBS Hindi syllabus in Madhya Pradesh’s medical colleges, added Rawat. JAMMU & KASHMIR Back-to-Village programme Jammu, november 8. Over 14,000 children who had dropped out of school during the Covid pandemic rejoined classes under a Back-to-Village (B2V)…

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Education Notes

Madhya Pradesh: Hindi MBBS textbooks Bhopal, October 17. Union home minister Amit Shah launched three Hindi language education textbooks for first year students at a function to mark the Madhya Pradesh state government’s ambitious project to provide the MBBS degree programme in Hindi. “This day will be written in history in golden letters. Studying in one’s own language will enhance the abilities of students and allow them to overcome their linguistic inferiority complex,” said Shah, who added that work has begun to provide technical and medical education in eight other languages of the country. Added Viswas Sarang, MP’s medical education minister: “The pilot project will begin at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, where medical education in anatomy, bio-chemistry and physiology will be taught in Hindi and gradually extended to 13 government medical colleges statewide.” Assam: Motor scooter awards Guwahati, October 19. The state government will distribute automotive two-wheelers to 35,800 students who topped this year’s class XII school-leaving board examinations. This awards initiative which will cost the exchequer Rs.258.9 crore, was approved by the state cabinet, said education minister Ranoj Pegu after a meeting chaired by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. “A total number of 35,800 students — 29,748 girls who passed with distinction and 6,052 boys who averaged above 75 percent — will receive motor scooters. The state’s department of higher education will also provide these students financial assistance for registration and insurance of the vehicles,” added Pegu. Jharkhand: Exam invigilator arrested Jamshedpur, October 15. A woman exams invigilator was arrested after a class IX girl student from the Dalit community was reportedly forced to undress to check whether she had hidden prepared notes in her uniform. Unable to bear the humiliation, the student set herself ablaze shortly after returning home from school. The girl was rushed to the hospital in a serious condition, K. Vijay Shankar, superintendent of police (city), informed the media. The invigilator was arrested after a case was registered against her under sections of the Indian Penal Code 1860, and POCSO Act 2012. Bihar: Exam paper bloomer Patna, October 19. A class VII English mid-term question paper distributed in government schools in the Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar districts of the state, described Kashmir as an independent country. The question paper was approved by the Bihar Education Project Council. “We have ordered an investigation into the matter and strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” said Dipak Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary of the state’s education ministry, addressing a press conference in Patna. Meanwhile in a Facebook post in Hindi, the opposition BJP’s state president Sanjay Jaiswal said: “This question paper proves that officials of the Bihar government believe the Union territory of Kashmir is an independent country.” Delhi: Sexual assault in KV New Delhi, October 6. An 11-year-old girl was reportedly sexually assaulted by two male senior students in the washroom of a Central government-funded Kendriya Vidyalaya school in the national capital. A case has been registered, says a police spokesperson. The Kendriya Vidyalaya…

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Education Notes

UTTARAKHAND Demolition order Dehradun, september 15. School education minister Dhan Singh Rawat ordered demolition of all dilapidated school buildings in the state, a day after the ceiling of a toilet in a government primary school in Champawat district collapsed, killing an eight-year-old student and injuring three others. Addressing a press conference, the minister said a district-wise survey will be conducted to identify all dangerous school buildings and they will be demolished. “The school management is to blame for this incident as instructions to evacuate dilapidated school buildings are issued from time to time,” added Bansidhar Tiwari, director, school education. MADHYA PRADESH Molestation outrage Bhopal, september 15. Sexual molestation of a three-year-old child inside a school bus in Bhopal has shaken the confidence of the people, said chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan following an emergency meeting of the cabinet. He directed officials to take stringent action against the accused and management of the private school. “Parents send their children to a selected school because they have faith in the institution. It is the duty of school managements to ensure this trust is not broken. We can’t leave children to the mercy of barbarians,” said Chouhan. The chief minister directed the officials to ensure police verification of employees and organise workshops to train staff as well as make parents and children aware of the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. MIZORAM New campus impasse Aizawl, september 16. Chief minister Zoramthanga briefed Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and apprised him of the need to improve education standards and establish additional higher education institutions in the state. According to a state government communique, the chief minister especially sought the Centre’s help to establish a new campus of Mizoram University (MZU) in south Mizoram’s Lunglei town. Earlier state higher and technical education minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana informed the legislative assembly that the state government is ineligible to finance the construction of MZU’s southern campus because it is a Central government-funded university. TRIPURA Five new colleges Agartala, september 16. Five new undergrad colleges including an English-medium college will be inaugurated in the new academic year, said Ratan Lal Nath, the state’s education minister. Of the five colleges, three will be promoted by the state government and two including a law college will be promoted privately. As a result the total number of undergrad colleges in the state will rise to 22. “Tripura Central University has already granted affiliation to all these degree colleges including the two private colleges,” said the minister, addressing a media conference. BIHAR No-bags day Patna, september 18. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the state government is all set to introduce a ‘no school bags’ order and a mandatory weekly games period in public and private schools. An official notification will be issued soon, said Dipak Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary in the education ministry. Addressing a press conference, Singh said: “The weekly ‘no-bag day’ will have task-based practical classes. At least once…

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Education Notes

Uttar Pradesh: Defalcation scandal Agra/Firozabad, August. A school principal and other employees of the basic education department of Firozabad district have been charged with defalcating Rs.11.46 crore, sanctioned for the state’s Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme for children. The teacher used fake ration and ID cards to register an NGO and transferred Rs.11.46 crore sanctioned for the MDM scheme with the connivance of officials and staff of his department and banks. A case of corruption has been registered against teacher Chandrakant Sharma of the basic education department of Firozabad district. According to the charge sheet, the principal had appointed his father president of the NGO, his mother manager and secretary, and his wife treasurer. Odisha: Gender equity initiative Bhubaneswar, August 8. A gender equity module will be integrated into the social studies syllabus of classes VI-X students in 18,000 government elementary and 5,000 secondary schools statewide. The state’s school education ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-Pal), South Asia, and a Bhubaneswar-based women rights organisation Breakthrough. The gender equity module mandates interactive classroom discussions to encourage adolescent boys and girls to question culturally embedded gender norms, roles and discriminatory practices. J-Pal will conduct independent monitor surveys to assess progress of the programme towards achieving its objectives. Breakthrough will work with the education ministry to contextualise and integrate the module into the syllabus, train teachers, receive feedback, conduct workshops and involve parents in this initiative. Gujarat: Overt bribery ban Ahmedabad, August 12. A class XII student has been debarred from writing the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) examination for a year. He attempted to bribe an examiner by adhering a Rs.500 note in his answer sheet. Addressing a press conference, a Gujarat board official said: “When the examiner found the note, he complained to GSHSEB. After recording the student’s statement, the board exam committee withheld his result and banned him from appearing for the exam for the next one year.” This boy is one of 22 class XII science stream students imposed punishments including ban from writing the board exam for a year, said an official spokesperson of the exam board. Results of the class XII board exam were declared in May. Chhattisgarh: English medium colleges Raipur, August 18. The state government is set to establish English-medium Swami Atmanand Model Colleges in all districts of the state over the next three years. “The decision to set up these institutions has been taken after receiving a positive response to the Swami Atmanand English Medium Schools started by the state government earlier,” said chief minister Bhupesh Baghel in a note sent to the chief secretary. “Initially, ten English medium colleges will be established in major cities from the academic year starting June 2023. Later they will be replicated in all district headquarters over the next three years,” added Baghel. Assam: Zero pass schools Guwahati, August 25. The state government has announced closure of 34 public schools after all their 1,000 students who wrote…

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Education Notes

Delhi: Foreign applications surge New Delhi, July 4. Against an average 100 admission applications from foreign students in the previous decade, for the academic year 2022-23, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIU), Delhi, has received 650 applications from abroad for admission into undergraduate to Ph D programmes. Among applicants are students from SAARC nations, South Africa, Mauritius, Iran, Russia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Germany and South-East Asia. “The reason behind this quantum surge of applications from foreign students is GGSIU’s drive to diversify our students’ body. The university is grateful for the support of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Study in India programme of Educational Consultants India Ltd (EdCIL),” says a communique from the office of Dr. Mahesh Verma, vice chancellor of GGSIU. Chhattisgarh: Bagless Saturdays Raipur, July 7. The state’s school education ministry announced ‘bagless Saturdays’ for classes I-VIII to enable primary students to participate in yoga, sports, art and value education, among other activities. “The objective is to awaken children’s co-curricular interests and help them remain connected with school. Principals will be requested to plan activities in advance for Saturdays and display agendas on their notice boards,” said a spokesperson of the education ministry. Uttar Pradesh: Negligence investigation Ballia, July 8. Non-teaching staff of a government primary locked the school premises leaving behind a five-year-old boy in a classroom. The child was later rescued by family members who had to break the door open. Maniram Singh, Ballia district’s BSA (basic shiksha adhikari), said the state government has taken cognisance of the incident and directed the block education officer to investigate the matter. “Strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence,” he said. According to school staff, the boy had fallen asleep inside the classroom unnoticed by them. Odisha: Alleged ragging suicide Bhubaneswar, July 20. Rohit Pujari, the state’s higher education minister, warned strict action against students who severely ragged a first-year girl student of the BJB Autonomous College prompting her to suicide. The student was found hanging in her hostel room on July 2. Police found a suicide note in the room, in which the student said she was continuously harassed by three seniors. However, local police said they haven’t found any evidence of ragging or harassment. Addressing a press conference, Pujari said: “Police are conducting an inquiry and appropriate action will be taken based on their report. We have established anti-ragging cells and all steps will be taken to punish students/teachers indulging in this retrograde practice.” Meghalaya: SSA teachers’ salary row Shillong, July 20. State education minister Lahkmen Rymbui warned 5,000 teachers of government primary schools who continued a sit-in protest before the state secretariat to press their demand for five months’ overdue salaries. “The Central government is yet to release funds for clearing the pending dues of these teachers appointed under the Centre’s SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan) programme. If they don’t resume classes, we will have to issue a ‘no work, no pay’ order or withdraw grants to schools that are non-functional,”…

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Education Notes: Major digital skilling drive

Delhi: Major digital skilling drive New Delhi, June 6. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a class VII-graduation digital skilling initiative for 10 million students. The programme will provide skilling, reskilling and upskilling education to students via internships, apprenticeships and employment in emerging technologies. “This is the first-ever collaboration on a national scale between the ministries of education, skill and affiliated NSDCs, Skill India programmes and AICTE. Over 100 corporate, technology and manufacturing firms have already come on board this platform to provide free-of-charge emerging technologies certification,” said the minister, addressing a press conference. Rajasthan: Best education districts New Delhi, June 27. Rajasthan’s Sikar district is the best performing school education district countrywide, followed by Jhunjhunu and Jaipur, according to the Union ministry of education’s Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) pertaining to 2018-19 and 2019-20. The three districts are classified under the ‘Utkarsh’ category (awarded 81-90 percent on a scale of 100) with Jhunjhunu awarded the maximum (236 out of 290) in learning outcomes. PGI-D classifies districts into ten categories starting with ‘Daksh’ for districts awarded over 90 percent of the total points in that category; ‘Utkarsh’ for districts with scores awarded 81-90 percent followed by ‘Ati-Uttam’ (71-80 percent), ‘Uttam’ (61-70 percent), ‘Prachesta-I’ (51-60 percent). The lowest classification in PGI-D is ‘Akanshi-3’ for districts which are awarded 10 percent or less. Madhya Pradesh: K-question suspensions Indore/Bhopal, June 21. The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) suspended a paper setter and moderator after a controversial question on Kashmir was posed in the General Aptitude Test of the state public service commission’s preliminary examination. According to home minister Narottam Mishra, the question was: “If India should decide to hand over Kashmir to Pakistan, which of the following arguments are stronger? Options included ‘Yes, it will save a lot of money for India’ and ‘No, such a decision will lead to more similar demands’, ‘Both are stronger or vice versa’.” Addressing the media, Mishra said: “The question was objectionable and a letter is being written to the state public service commission and the higher education department for stringent action against them.” J&K: Stress management programme Jammu, June 5. The Singapore-based Red Pencil Humanitarian Foundation (estb.2011) and the Mumbai-based Piramal Foundation have developed an art-based capacity building and training (ACBT) programme for teachers to address the emotional and mental stress of government school children in the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the media, Ravi Shankar Sharma, director of school education, J&K, said that 150 teachers, 75 each from Jammu and Kashmir divisions will be trained in the first phase. “The objective is to improve the socio-emotional well-being of students, especially those who cannot express their problems and grievances verbally. The ACBT project will be especially helpful for teachers in remote areas like Poonch and Kishtwar,” he added. Odisha: New education milestones Bhubaneswar, June 17. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Bhawanipatna School in the backward Kalahandi district. Promoted by the nationally renowned Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS), the school will…

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Education Notes: Textbooks ban

Punjab: Textbooks ban Chandigarh, May 1. Three class XII history textbooks have been proscribed for distorting facts related to Sikh history, said Yograj Singh, chairman of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), addressing the media. The decision to ban the texts was taken following a report by an inquiry committee constituted after a complaint was filed by farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa. Based on the report, punitive action has been suggested to hold officials serving when these texts were notified by the board, to account. The government’s ban order has been conveyed to the Director, SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), and all district education officers for compliance with immediate effect, he added. Delhi: Centenary second chance New Delhi, May 2. To mark Delhi University’s (DU) year-long centenary celebrations which commenced on May 1, former students who dropped out of affiliated colleges in their final year will be awarded a one-time ‘centenary opportunity’ to re-register, write examinations and complete their degree programmes. “Undergraduate, postgraduate and professional course students who had enroled in mainstream programmes, students of the Non Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB), School of Open Learning (SOL) and External Cell are eligible to re-register. Former students should submit their registration forms for the centenary chance examination by June 14, 2022,” said an official order issued by DU’s Dean of Examinations. Dropped out students can also access DU’s online students’ portal for the purpose, it added. Faculties, departments, colleges and centres under the university have been notified to complete the confirmation and verification of re-registration forms by June 20. J&K: Woman vice-chancellor Srinagar, May 20. Prof. Nilofar Khan assumed office for a three-year term as the first woman vice chancellor of Kashmir University. A distinguished academic with three decades of teaching and admin experience within Kashmir University, Khan has served in several critical academic and administrative posts including Dean, College Development Council, Registrar, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology and Director, Institute of Home Sciences. Addressing the media, Khan said students’ welfare and implementation of NEP, 2020 would be her top priorities. Andhra Pradesh: Teachers arrested Amaravati, May 2. The Andhra Pradesh government ordered the arrest of 42 teachers of government schools statewide for indulging in malpractice during the annual class X examination. According to education ministry sources, officials detected the malpractices on the first day when photo copies of the Telugu language question paper were circulated from Kurnool district on WhatsApp an hour after the exam began. On the second and third days, the Hindi and English papers were similarly circulated on social media. “We immediately detected the involvement of some teachers who spread rumours about question paper leaks with the help of outsiders. This was gross mischief calculated to arouse anxiety among students and parents,” said a senior education department official. The suspect teachers have been charged under provisions of the AP Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair Means) Act, 1997. This is the first time teachers in the state have been arrested under…

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Education Notes: Salary arrears assurance

Uttar Pradesh: Facelift for govt schools Lucknow, April 3. To ensure 100 percent enrolment in primary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath launched a statewide ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ (attend school campaign) from Shravasti district, which has UP’s lowest literacy rate. “Government schools must achieve all the goals of Operation Kayakalp which aims at giving schools a facelift. Towards this end, all state-run schools have been directed to offer basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, furniture and uniforms to students, and also ensure deployment of adequate teachers under the campaign,” said the chief minister, addressing media on the occasion. Delhi: Withdrawn invite indignation New Delhi, April 14. Delhi University’s top-ranked Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College for Women withdrew an invitation to BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan, following protests from members of its students’ community. After LSR’s SC-ST (scheduled castes and tribes) community advertised an interview with Paswan to commemorate the birth anniversary of SC-ST leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) unit of the college persuaded the SC-ST association to withdraw its invitation on the plea that BJP is “against the interests of marginalised communities”. “I prepared my presentation on the contributions of Babasaheb Ambedkar beyond drafting of the Constitution, his role as an economist, diplomat and an educationist… At a time when the country is celebrating 75 years of its independence, one thing that we ought to learn from the makers of our Constitution is their ability to listen, absorb and respect other viewpoints,” said Paswan in a statement posted on Facebook and Twitter. J&K: Commerce education drive Jammu, April 4. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) signed a five-year partnership agreement with Directorate of School Education, Kashmir for promoting commerce education among students of the Union territory. Under the agreement, commerce education will be promoted in government and government-aided secondary and higher secondary schools. “Commerce education can play a critical role to promote the growth of industry and the whole economy. Kashmir’s talented youth need to transform into major contributors,” said a joint statement released on the occasion. Earlier, ICAI announced a 75 percent fees waiver for all chartered accountancy courses for students from the Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and North-eastern states. Gujarat: Mission Schools of Excellence Ahmedabad, April 5. The World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will provide a loan of Rs.7,500 crore towards the state government’s Mission Schools of Excellence project, to improve the quality of education in Gujarat’s 35,133 government and 5,847 grant-in-aid schools. Under the Mission Schools of Excellence project, the state government has budgeted expenditure of Rs.10,000 crore over the next five years. A World Bank delegation visited Gandhinagar to study the Schools of Excellence project. Led by the bank’s global education director Jaime Saavedra, the delegation also visited the state education ministry’s command and control centre in the state capital. Haryana: Exam malpractice arrests Chandigarh, April 7. A principal, teacher and two staff members of a…

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Education Notes: Salary arrears assurance

Meghalaya: Salary arrears assurance Shillong, March 3. Education minister Lahkmen Rymbui assured 12,451 teachers employed in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan — the Centre’s flagship programme for universalisation of elementary education — schools statewide that their pending dues of the past two months will be paid soon. This assurance was given in response to protest marches staged by SSA teachers against the government for failing to pay their salaries since last October. According to the minister, Rs.145 crore is required to clear five months salary arrears of SSA teachers. “The government will clear the remaining three months’ pending dues after the Centre sanctions funds for this education scheme. Meanwhile we will make all efforts to resolve issues related to implementation of the SSA programme in the state,” he said. Delhi: Delhi Teachers University New Delhi, March 4. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia inaugurated the Delhi Teachers University (DTU) in the national capital. DTU will offer undergraduate BA-B.Ed and B.Sc-B.Ed programmes to school-leavers and conduct education research programmes. “This is Delhi’s first-of-its-kind university which will offer a new age, integrated teacher education programme after class XII to produce a new generation of teachers. It will also focus on fundamental and applied research in education by collaborating with national and international organisations. The government wants to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s teachers,” said Sisodia in a Twitter message. DTU students will acquire experiential teaching experience in Delhi’s government schools for the duration of their course, he added. Haryana: Free digital tablets Chandigarh, March 7. Education minister Kanwar Pal proposed distribution of free-of-charge digital tablets to classes X-XII students of government schools across the state. To this end, the state government has decided to purchase 500,000 tablets at an estimated cost of Rs.620 crore, the minister said during the budget session of the state assembly. “Tablets with preloaded content and personalised and adaptive learning software and free Internet data will be provided to students in May this year. This scheme aims to bridge the digital education gap between children in government schools who are from economically weaker and deprived sections and unable to purchase devices like smartphones and tablets, and children in CBSE and CISCE schools,” said Pal. Jharkhand: Women’s Day initiatives Ranchi, march 8. On the occasion of Women’s Day (March 8) chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurated a vocational skills training centre in Dhanbad under the state’s Tejaswini project. The project’s objective is to provide skills training and secondary education to adolescent girls and young women in the 14-24 age group in 17 districts of the state. “Considerable work is being done to empower women through various schemes. The government intends to extend all possible support to them. Rural women need special attention and we have to reach them,” he said, speaking on the occasion. The chief minister also honoured anganwadi workers of West Singhbhum district. Uttar Pradesh: English exam cancelled Lucknow, March 30. The class XII English exam of the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shikshak Parishad state examination board was cancelled in 24…

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Education Notes: Happiness textbooks ready

Madhya Pradesh: Happiness textbooks ready Bhopal, February 4. The Madhya Pradesh government is set to introduce ‘happiness’ as a compulsory subject in its secondary and higher secondary school syllabuses in the academic year 2022-23. MP was the country’s first state to establish a happiness department in 2016. Addressing the media, Akhilesh Argal, CEO of the Rajya Anand Sansthaan (state happiness department), said draft textbooks on the subject for classes IX-XII are almost ready. “After giving final touches to these books, they will be sent to the State Council of Educational Research and Training for clearance,” he said. Delhi: New NCERT director New Delhi, February 4. Dinesh Prasad Saklani has been appointed director of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). A history professor with the department of ancient Indian history, culture and archaeology at HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, Saklani previously taught in the tourism department and IAS Coaching Centre of HNB Garhwal University as guest faculty. The appointment of Saklani, a life member of the Indian History Congress, comes at a crucial time when NCERT is in the process of developing the new National Curriculum Framework. Odisha: Testing violation charge Bhubaneswar, February 9. The state government issued a show-cause notice to the highly ranked DAV School, Chandrasekharpur for allegedly violating government guidelines relating to reopening education institutions during the pandemic lockdown. According to a government spokesperson, the school had issued a notice to students regarding conduct of periodic tests in the offline mode. The school’s directive came despite a state government order that students should have the option to write tests in the offline or online modes. Conducting on-campus offline tests would be stressful for some students and the school’s action violates government guidelines, said the directorate of secondary education in a letter to the principal. Rajasthan: Vedanta Nand Ghar largesse Jaipur, February 8. The Rajasthan government recently signed an agreement with the Anil Agarwal Foundation of the Vedanta Group to establish 25,000 of its proprietorial Nand Ghar anganwadis statewide. The foundation will construct these pre-primaries at a cost of Rs.750 crore (Rs. 3 lakh per anganwadi). Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said: “The development of Nand Ghar anganwadis will ensure youngest children learn in an environment with the best infrastructure and are provided quality education and nutrition.” West Bengal:English teacher training Kolkata, February 11. The United States consulate signed an agreement with the education ministry of West Bengal to provide English language training to government school teachers. A total of 25 English teachers employed in government and aided schools in eight districts of the state have participated in a TESOL (Teaching English to the Speakers of Other Language) Core Certificate Programme (TCCP) offered by the consulate. The US government is providing this programme through TESOL International which trains English teachers worldwide. Assam: New medical college Guwahati, February 14. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation of the 20-acre Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital to be constructed with a project outlay of Rs.998 crore…

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Lakshadweep: New colleges inaugurated

Kavaratti, January 1. On a two-day state visit to the Union territory of Lakshadweep, India’s vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated two arts and science colleges affiliated with Pondicherry University (PU) in the Kadmat and Androth islands. Also chancellor of PU, Naidu said the courses offered will enable students, especially girl students, to overcome the region’s geographical constraints and pursue quality higher education. Acknowledging the island’s immense eco-tourism and fisheries potential, he called on the island’s youth to sign up for courses in aquaculture, tourism and hospitality and strive for excellence in these industries where Lakshadweep has a natural advantage. Karnataka: Guest lecturers award Bengaluru, January 14. The state government announced intent to double the remuneration of guest lecturers in its colleges. The decision is based on a report submitted by a three-member committee chaired by Kumar Naik, additional chief secretary, department of higher education, said higher education minister C.N. Ashwath Narayanan, addressing a media conference. Earlier, guest lecturers compliant with UGC norms were paid Rs.13,000 per month, while others received Rs.11,000. Under the new norms, guest lecturers’ remuneration ranges between Rs.26,000-32,000 per month. “Since eligibility criteria prescribed by the UGC will become mandatory for recruiting guest faculty in coming years, a three-year time window has been given to guest lecturers to acquire the required qualifications,” added Narayanan. Madhya Pradesh: Vice chancellor sacked Indore, January 28. The state government terminated the services of Prof. Asha Shukla, vice chancellor of the Mhow-based Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of Social Science, two years before the end of her tenure for alleged mismanagement and financial irregularities. According to higher education department officials, the Indore divisional commissioner had investigated complaints of mismanagement and financial irregularities at the university. Ladakh: Belated clearance Leh, January 23. Two decades after it was established, Ladakh’s Druk Padma Karpo School, aka ‘Rancho’s school’ popularised by the hit Bollywood film Three Idiots, has received formal clearance from the Jammu & Kashmir examination board of school education, paving the way for its affiliation with the Delhi-based Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). “Though we had all the requisite infrastructure in place, excellent academic record, and focus on innovative teaching-learning, it has taken us several years to receive a no objection certificate from the state board,” said Mingur Agmo, principal of Druk Padma Karpo School, addressing a press conference in Leh. Punjab: Khan Academy’s Punjabi content New Delhi, January 25. Under a recently signed agreement between the Punjab state government and Khan Academy India (KHI), a subsidiary of the eponymous California (USA)-based non-profit NGO, KHI will provide free-of-charge high-quality Punjabi language math learning content to students across the state. This project is supported by SBI Foundation, the CSR (corporate social responsibility) affiliate of the State Bank of India. “The focus of the agreement will be to provide math learning in Punjabi to 100,000 learners statewide. SBI Foundation and SBI Funds Management Pvt. Ltd will finance math content translation into Punjabi, and teacher training for over 5,000 teachers in 3,000 schools across the state,”…

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Indian Army-KU agreement

Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs Odisha: 5T initiative Bhubaneswar, December 16. The state government inducted 6,131 newlyappointed secondary teachers into an ongoing schools transformation programme under its 5T (team work, technology, transparency, timely completion leading to transformation) initiative. These teachers have received their appointment letters in the past 47 days. Of them, 2,236 are arts stream teachers, 1,779 science, 829 Hindi, 796 Sanskrit and English, and three Telugu language teachers. Thus far, 1,075 schools in the state have adopted the first phase of the 5T programme. All government and aided high schools will be developed in similar fashion in phases. Delhi: Nutrition gardens initiative New Delhi, December 16. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has established ‘nutrition gardens’ in 48 of its 568 schools to familiarise students with the nutritional value of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Another 100 gardens are scheduled to become operational by the year-end, said SDMC commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, addressing the media. “A majority of school children report protein, vitamin, calcium and mineral deficiencies. Therefore, vegetables and fruits grown in nutrition gardens will be used for mid-day meals to enhance children’s nutritional intake,” said the commissioner. Kerala: Gender-neutral uniforms row Kozhikode, December 15. Higher education minister R. Bindu inaugurated the gender-neutral uniform of the K-12 Balussery Government Girls Higher Secondary School whose higher secondary classes include male students. Nearly a dozen schools in Kerala have introduced new gender-neutral uniforms. Earlier in the day, a march was staged by members of the Muslim Coordination Committee protesting unisex uniforms. “In a batch of 200 girl students and 60 boys, the school authorities have asked girl students to wear the uniforms prescribed for boys. We feel it’s a wrong decision and encourages liberal ideology in the school,” said a committee representative, addressing a press conference. West Bengal: School leaders training programme Kolkata, December 18. The state government has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta for the latter to provide leadership training to 1,300 principals of government and government-aided primary, secondary and higher secondary schools. “Under the state education ministry’s Paschim Banga Samagra Shiksha Mission we intend to provide leadership training for schools. This is a timely and necessary step in the right direction,” said Prof. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, director of IIM-Calcutta, welcoming the first batch of principals. Speaking on the occasion, education minister Bratya Basu Therefore, vegetables and fruits grown in nutrition gardens will be used for mid-day meals to enhance children’s nutritional intake,” said the commissioner. Assam: ADB skills university loan Guwahati, December 18. The Assam Skill Development Mission has signed a loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish a skills university at an estimated cost of $140 million (Rs.1,041 crore) in the state. ADB has approved a loan of $112 million with an additional grant of $1 million provided as technical assistance. The state government has allotted 250 bighas of land in Mangaldoi district. Construction work is expected to commence by early 2023 and completed by 2027. “Eastern India’s first public skills university…

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Indian Army-KU agreement

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…

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NIT-AP initiatives

Andhra Pradesh NIT-AP initiatives Tadepalligudem, october 30. The National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh (NIT-AP), has revised its B.Tech curriculum and added new features in conformity with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The institute recently conducted a ‘National Conclave on Strategies for Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’ symposium to apprise administrative staff, students, researchers and faculty members about implementation of NEP in NIT-AP. Addressing the conclave, Telangana governor and Lt. Governor of Puducherry Dr. (Smt.) Tamilsai Soundararajan said: “I am glad that in spite of being the youngest among all NITs, this institute has taken steps towards quickly developing required infrastructure, offering lectures employing modern day technology and is set on fulfilling the academic expectations of the Union ministry of education. NEP 2020 will nurture and orient India’s youth towards the path of development.” Also read: NEP 2020 will focus on concepts: Kriti Garg, SAI International School Uttar Pradesh Government-Wheebox agreement Lucknow, october 5. The state government signed a collaboration agreement with Gurugram-based Wheebox, a global leader in artificial intelligence-based online proctored assessments, to digitise the examinations of its technical education institutes. Following the agreement, over 200,000 students of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), formerly Uttar Pradesh Technical University, and another 300,000 students wrote the exams of the Board of Technical Education Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated teams were deployed by the universities and technical board along with Wheebox specialists for conducting and monitoring a secured exam. Addressing a press conference, Nirmal Singh, the founder & CEO of Wheebox, said: “In the past year, we have partnered with more than 130 premier academic institutions who have made a smooth transition to online examinations. Our collaboration with the UP government has helped evaluation of millions of students.” Odisha Girls taking to tech Berhampur (odisha), october 1. More than 400 of the 1,351 new students who have enrolled in 22 trade courses offered by the government-run Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Berhampur in the state’s Ganjam district, are girls. “With the admission of 30 percent girl students this year, the institute is looking to fulfil the state government’s objective of one-third of graduates passing out from technical education institutes being women. Moreover, many girl students have opted for subjects related to technology this year which is an encouraging trend and reflects changing social attitudes,” said principal Rajat Panigrahi, addressing a media conference. Delhi Sports education drive New delhi, october 14. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has requested all engineering colleges and other technical institutes to submit details of their sports infrastructure including number of playgrounds, sports complexes, gymnasia/fitness centres, indoor stadia, swimming pools and yoga centres. “Technical institutes can play an important role in promoting sports and prepare sportspersons for national and international championships. The education ministry wants to explore the issue of optimal sports infrastructure usage in these institutions following India’s excellent performance at the olympics and paralympics,” said Col. A. Shreenath, director, AICTE’s policy and academic planning bureau, in an official communique. Maharashtra Kalam Teachers…

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National Teachers Awards

Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs DELHI National Teachers Awards New Delhi, September 5. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the National Teachers Awards on 44 educators from across the country on Teachers Day (September 5). Instituted in 1958, the national awards are conferred upon outstanding primary-secondary teachers under a three-tier district, state and national selection process to honour educators who have improved the quality of school education and enriched the lives of students. “Our education system in which teachers play a major role, should be such that students develop feelings of respect for constitutional values and their duties as citizens,” said President Kovind, speaking on the occasion. MIZORAM Refugee children admitted Aizawl, September 3. Four hundred children from Myanmar who have taken refuge in Mizoram after fleeing a military coup in February last year, have been admitted to government and private schools statewide, said education minister Lalchhandama Ralte, addressing a media conference. According to the minister, the school education department has directed all district and sub-divisional education officers to admit refugee children from Myanmar in local schools and enable them to continue their schooling. “Although they are yet to be granted refugee status by the Centre, the Mizoram government is providing education to them on humanitarian grounds as the RTE Act does not discriminate against children on a nationality basis,” said the minister. The government cannot ignore the educational needs of refugee children as they are not only “our fellow humans but also belong to Mizo communities,” he added. JHARKHAND Munda Overseas Scholarships Ranchi, September 23. Chief minister Hemant Soren felicitated the first cohort of six tribal students selected for the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Overseas Scholarship programme — instituted in the memory of Jharkhand’s eponymous tribal icon who studied at Oxford University a century ago — and promised to raise the number of scholarships to 25. “We will bring not only tribal students but other backward communities within the ambit of this scheme,” said chief minister Soren, speaking on the occasion. The overseas scholarship scheme approved by the Jharkhand cabinet in December last year, covers tuition fees, residential living and miscellaneous expenses. The overseas scholarship scheme rolled out by the state government will enable ten students per year from the scheduled tribe category of the state to pursue higher studies in British universities. MADHYA PRADESH School turns flour mill Shivpuri (MP), September 17. A government primary school principal in the state’s Shivpuri district was suspended after an official inspection revealed that the school’s premises were being used to operate a flour mill. When inspecting officer Rohini Awasthi solicited whereabouts of the principal, she was informed that he rarely came to work and that a local political leader has been utilising the premises to operate a flour mill, said a school department official, addressing a media conference. Shivpuri district collector Akshay Kumar Singh has suspended the principal and initiated appropriate action against several accomplices. ODISHA Gifted students’ initiative Bhubaneswar, September 5. In an official function to mark Teachers Day, chief…

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First Birhor matriculate

Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs JHARKHAND First Birhor matriculate Hazaribagh, August 3. Paval Birhor (16), a student of Pariyojna Ucha Vidyalay, Kandsar, a government school in the Hazaribagh district, is the first girl child from Jharkhand’s primitive Birhor tribe (pop.11,000) to pass the state board’s class X matriculation examination. Results of the Jharkhand Academic Council were declared on July 29. Felicitating her, Aditya Kumar Anand, deputy commissioner of Hazaribagh district, said it was a milestone for the Birhor tribe whose children are unwilling to attend school despite the state government’s best efforts. “We will provide all assistance to Paval and ensure she gets admission into the best higher education institutions,” he said at a media conference. PUNJAB Olympic medallists honoured Chandigarh, August 6. Chief minister Amarinder Singh has given approval to a proposal to name roads and schools after Olympic 2020 medal winners, and directed officials to initiate the process. “Punjab sent a contingent of 20 sportspersons to Tokyo Olympics 2020, of whom 11 were in the podium-finish men’s hockey team. These players and sportspersons have made the country proud and annually, are set to reopen after the state government permitted class IX-XII schools to restart on-campus teaching-learning The coaching centres have instituted elaborate safety protocols to safeguard students against the Covid-19 virus and are ready to welcome students back, according to a joint statement issued by coaching institute managements. DELHI JNV roadblock New delhi, august 2. The construction of 17 Central governmentfunded Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) — class VI-XII residential schools for meritorious rural children — is stalled because of land transfer delays of state governments, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Lok Sabha. Of the 17 stalled JNVs, seven are planned for Delhi, three in West Bengal, two in Jammu & Kashmir and one each in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. “The Navodaya Vidyalaya project envisages at least one JNV in every district of the country. As on date, 661 JNVs have been sanctioned of which 580 are functional from permanent campuses. Construction work of 64 JNVs is in progress,” added the minister. RAJASTHAN Kota set to reopen Kota (rajasthan), august 28. Forty prominent test prep coaching institutes in Kota, a town nationally renowned for its large number (150) of test prep institutes that enrol an estimated 100,000 students annually, are set to reopen after the state government permitted class IX-XII schools to restart on-campus teaching-learning. The coaching centres have instituted elaborate safety protocols to safeguard students against the Covid-19 virus and are ready to welcome students back, according to a joint statement issued by coaching institute managements. MIZORAM Schools reopen Aizawl, August 23. Seven Covid-free districts including Aizawl have commenced in-person classes in 376 schools for the academic year 2021-2022, school education department director James Lalrinchhana informed the media. On August 8, Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Mizoram government had permitted schools beyond the jurisdiction of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation to reopen. The next day in an another order, it permitted re-opening of primary…

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Stringent punishment

GUJARAT Stringent punishment Vadodara. Service contracts of two junior resident doctors of the Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society’s Gotri Medical College were terminated, and five third-year medical students expelled from the hostel for allegedly ragging 60 second-year students who were forced to do 100 sit-up exercises. “We have taken a serious view of the matter and ordered an investigation. Strict action will be taken against those involved in this ragging incident,” said the state’s additional chief secretary (health) Manoj Aggarwal, addressing a press conference. RAJASTHAN English medium surge Jaipur. The secondary education department of the education ministry has received 60,000 applications for admission into the state’s newly established English-medium Mahatma Gandhi Government Schools (MGGS) across Rajasthan. Against this, the available capacity is 18,093 seats. “In 2019, there were only 33 MGGS schools in the districts. Since then, the number has increased to over 200 currently. About 330 existing government schools are also being considered for upgradation into MGGS. Wherever the number of applicants is higher than available seats, the lottery system is adopted for selection,” said Saurabh Swami, the state’s director (secondary education) addressing a media conference. MAHARASHTRA BMC’s upscale plans Mumbai, July 2. Tourism and environment minister Aditya Thackeray announced plans of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — India’s wealthiest local government with an annual budget of Rs.39,000 crore — to establish free-of-charge municipal schools affiliated with the International Baccalaureate (Geneva) in the near future. BMC will also establish one CBSE and one CISCE-affiliated school in all 24 administrative wards under it, said the minister. Thackeray made the announcement at a function to mark the inauguration of a new CBSE school with capacity to admit 400 students, in eastern Mumbai. “Over 2,000 applications were received for the school’s 400 seats,” he said. ODISHA Ambitious initiative Bhubaneswar. The Odisha government has given the green light to upgrade the state government-run College of Engineering, Keonjhar into a research centre of excellence for earth sciences and technology at an estimated cost of Rs.42.50 crore. “We intend to develop a high-class research and academic ecosystem with smart human resource strategies to attract talent from different parts of the world, especially Odia emigrants who have achieved acclaim in the fields of mining, engineering and geophysics in foreign countries,” said chief secretary S.C. Mohapatra addressing the media. UTTARAKHAND Excess admissions enquiry Dehradun. The state government has ordered an inquiry into allegations that 14 private colleges in Haridwar and Dehradun affiliated with the Sridev Suman University admitted 700 students in excess of licensed capacity. “The defaulting colleges have been served show-cause notices and the admission of all unqualified students has been cancelled,” said the varsity’s vice chancellor P.P. Dhyani. Added state higher education minister Dhan Singh Rawat: “An inquiry into the allegations has been ordered and the committee looking into the matter has been asked to submit its report within two weeks.” ASSAM Empowerment Committee Guwahati. A three-member committee has been constituted to recommend ways and means to empower autonomous colleges in the state. Chaired…

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Schools upgradation drive

Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs ODISHA Bhubaneswar, june 3. The Kendrapara district administration has set a target to revamp 500 government primary schools in the district by end 2021. “So far, 60 primary and upper primary schools in the district have been given a facelift. The focus is on upgrading their infrastructure with good quality benches, desks, toilets among other facilities. To this end funds have been allocated to panchayats,” said Kendrapara collector Amrit Ruturaj, addressing a press conference. Leveraging the Building As Learning Aid (BALA) concept to enable qualitative improvement in education, the district administration is currently upgrading school premises, classrooms, walls and corridors with paintings related to math, geography and science. It is also planning to introduce computer literacy for class IV-V students and installing digital education equipment, he added. GUJARAT Real-time command centre Ahmedabad, June 10. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani inaugurated the country’s first real-time command-and-control centre in Gandhinagar to monitor the activities of over 54,000 government schools statewide. Through this control centre, education ministry officials can track implementation of various schemes and initiatives such as home learning and periodic assessment, launched by the state government to improve the quality of education. Inaugurating the centre’s ‘video wall’ feature, the chief minister held a brief discussion with some field staff of the education ministry and received feedback about a project, and also spoke to a primary school teacher in Anand district. Apart from monitoring teachers’ and students’ attendance in all government schools statewide, the command centre also provides miscellaneous district and other data. UTTAR PRADSH RTE Act notices Noida (uttar pradesh), june 4. Thirty-three private schools in Noida and Greater Noida have been issued show-cause notices for alleged irregularities in connection with admission of children from economically-weaker sections under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Under s.12 (1) (c) of the Act, private unaided schools are obliged to reserve 25 percent capacity in classes I-VIII for poor children in their neighbourhood and provide them free-of-charge education. “These schools have allocated lesser number of seats to s.12 (1) (c) children than in the previous year,” said Sanjay Kumar Upadhyay, principal, District Institute for Education and Training (DIET). The schools issued notices have been asked to provide proof of total capacity in classes I-VIII, he added. LADAKH Online education initiative Leh, june 4. Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Radha Krishna Mathur launched the YounTab digital tablets distribution scheme for government school children to enable them to access online classes, said an official spokesperson addressing the media. Under the scheme, 12,300 tablets with pre-loaded online and offline content, including textbooks, video lectures and online class applications, will be distributed free-of-charge to classes VI-XII government school students in Leh, said Ajeet Kumar Sahu, commissioner secretary of school education. The distribution of tablets will be completed over the next two months, the spokesman said. “An assurance has also come from telecom companies about installing additional towers to enhance Internet connectivity,” he added. PUNJAB New medical colleges Mohali, june…

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New higher education reforms

Paromita Sengupta with bureau inputs PUNJAB Chandigarh, May 3. Chief minister Amarinder Singh constituted a committee to recommend examination reforms and review curriculums for improving the quality of higher education in the state. Chaired by Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, vice chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, the committee will also explore the feasibility of introducing new study programmes and courses. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 60 days. Also reviewing progress of the higher education and languages department, the chief minister directed the education ministry to speed up the process of recruiting 931 assistant professors in government colleges. MAHARASHTRA Covid management course Aurangabad May 13. Dr. Kananbala Yelikar, dean of Aurangabad Government Medical College, has proposed the introduction of a certificate course in Covid-19 prevention and management in all government medical colleges. The syllabus of the six month certificate course proposed for MBBS, homeopathy, Ayurveda and dentistry students currently engaged in treating Covid-19 patients, has been submitted for approval to the secretary and director of medical education and research, and registrar of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. According to Yelikar, the syllabus will cover virology, safety measures, quality control, pathogenesis of infectious diseases, diagnosis of Covid-19 and management, ventilator support awareness and vaccination. “We are currently working with a manpower deficit. This course will augment the pool of skilled manpower, which will prove useful during a possible third wave of the pandemic,” she told a media conference. TRIPURA Remedial education channel Agartala, May 17. Chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched Vande Tripura, a 24×7 dedicated education television channel, to broadcast content mapped to the NCERT syllabus which will benefit students enrolled in 4,500 government schools and “make up for lost learning time” during the prolonged closure of schools statewide because of the pandemic. “We attach maximum importance to education and have taken several steps to improve quality. Last year, we successfully reached 90 percent of all students with lessons delivered over television channels and mobile phones. Vande Tripura will further enable students in the process of learning during the pandemic,” said Deb speaking on the occasion. RAJASTHAN Frontline workers status Jaipur, May 20. Teachers and personnel of the department of secondary education will be classified as frontline workers and vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus on priority basis, according to an order issued by the National Health Mission director Sudhir Kumar Sharma. “Education ministry personnel are working round-the-clock without caring about their lives. Therefore, in discharge of our responsibility to protect them, orders have been issued to vaccinate them on priority basis,” said the state’s school education minister Govind Singh Dotasara in a tweet message to the public. JHARKHAND Final rites deployment protest Dhanbad, May 21. Primary school teachers staged a protest against their deputation to cemeteries and crematoriums for disposal of the remains of Covid-19 victims. The protest followed a notification by Vikash Kumar Rai, Nirsa block development officer, deploying 30 government primary school teachers as nodal officers to burial grounds. According to Brijendra…

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Schools of Specialised Excellence

New Delhi, April 15. Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia held the first annual general meeting (AGM) of the Delhi Schools of Specialised Excellence Society. The society, which will start functioning from the new academic year 2021-22, has drawn up a plan to establish over 100 schools of specialised excellence (SSE) in the national capital region. These “world-class” schools will provide gifted students special assistance in developing STEM, humanities, performing and visual arts skills to prepare them for the imminent era of hyper specialisation, said a state government communique issued on the occasion. Punjab Automatic promotions largesse Chandigarh, April 15. A day after the Central government announced cancellation of CBSE class X exams and postponement of class XII exams amid rising Covid-19 cases, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced automatic promotion of children in classes V, VIII and X in state government schools. “Since the state had shut down all educational institutions till April 30 to safeguard children in the 11-20 age group, some relief needed to be given to them from the pressure of board exams,” explained the chief minister. Meghalaya Offline exams as scheduled Shillong, April 14. Meghalaya’s offline state board class XII examinations will be held as per schedule with observance of all Covid-19 safety protocols, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong informed the media after a cabinet review meeting. “The state government has urged parents not to panic and allow students to write the examinations scheduled to begin on April 16 and continue until May 12,” he said. Meanwhile, additional chief secretary of education D.P. Wahlang is investigating the feasibility of conducting in-school class X examinations, he added. Jammu & Kashmir New development programmes Jammu, April 25. Four model residential schools will be established in the tribal areas of Jammu and Kashmir, said Shahid Choudhary, tribal affairs administrative secretary, unveiling a programme for fast-tracking development projects in the Union territory. “Several development projects are in the pipeline including filling vacancies to strengthen the tribal affairs ministry, developing a portal for scholarships disbursement and real-time online monitoring, e-office, educational plan and Forest Rights Act implementation,” said Choudhary. Odisha Madhusudhan Law University Cuttack, April 28. Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack (MLC, estb.1869) was upgraded to the status of a university on the birth anniversary of 19th century legislator and journalist Madhusudan Das. “No institution can make progress without the collective responsibility of society. Therefore, I appeal to all stakeholders, particularly all former principals, teachers and students of this great institution to extend their support and cooperation to this ambitious new venture,” said Prof. Kamaljeet Singh, founding vice chancellor of Madhusudan Law University, speaking on the occasion. Haryana Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum Sonipat, April 9. Delivering the keynote address at the top-ranked private liberal arts and sciences Ashoka University’s Entrepreneurship Education Conference, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said several former students of Delhi government schools have successfully nurtured their family businesses based on their learning from the state government’s entrepreneurship mindset curriculum (EMC). “There is urgent need to develop an entrepreneurial…

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