India Education Round-Up | July 2024 | Panel studies US and UK models for exam reforms, plans NTA revamp

17 July, 2024

Serving as a primer for news articles in print/digital media, this write-up aims to share recent notable events in Indian education, inspiring educators and stakeholders to adopt best practices. It is crafted to be a valuable source of information for individuals keen on staying updated about the latest trends, events, and innovations in Indian education. By keeping abreast of these developments and incorporating best practices, we can collectively contribute to the vision of providing high-quality education at an affordable cost to everyone in India and globally.

All CBSE schools to implement Assam’s ‘Jal Doot’ initiative: Chief Minister

Guwahati: Assam government’s ‘Jal Doot’ programme, which recognises students’ role in water conservation, will be emulated in all schools under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in the country, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Jal Jeevan Mission Assam pioneered the initiative under which students of classes 8 to 12 are made ‘student champions’ who provide an assessment of piped water supply schemes in their locality, among other activities like water conservation, officials said.

The Jal Doot programme, under the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign of the central government, focuses on rainwater harvesting, water conservation, intensive afforestation and other allied activities. “This nationwide movement could significantly bolster India’s efforts towards sustainable water use, environmental conservation, and climate resilience, as well as involving young minds in Jan Andolan for fresh ideas and youthful energy,” the CBSE circular said.

Gujarat: KGBV schools transform lives of over 80,000 underprivileged girls

Ahmedabad: Gujarat has joined the national initiative to empower girls through education, successfully transforming the lives of over 80,000 underprivileged girls since 2004 through Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) across the state. These residential schools, sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), cater to girls at the upper primary level from disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Castes, Minorities, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Currently, 257 KGBV schools exist in Gujarat, enrolling around 30,000 girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds whose parents cannot afford their education. Some 50,000 girls have already passed out since the inception of the scheme. The government spends approximately 35,000 rupees on each girl every year. This initiative has significantly improved these students' access to education and opportunities.

Nearly 95,000 students get free admission to higher education in Assam

Guwahati: Nearly 95,000 poor students from underprivileged sections have been offered free admission from Class 11 onwards till post-graduation across colleges and universities of Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said recently.

As part of the 'Pragyan Bharati Scheme', Rs 68.44 crore was distributed among 349 colleges and varsities to give free admission to higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce streams. "Today, nearly one lakh students secured a pathway towards free education. This scheme aims to foster higher education and promote inclusivity by empowering students from the underprivileged sections," he said.

Panel studies US and UK models for exam reforms, plans NTA revamp

New Delhi: The Indian government has initiated a comprehensive review and potential restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in response to recent controversies surrounding national-level examinations like NEET-UG and UGC-NET, as per The Economic Times.

The panel, chaired by ex-ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, was established after the NEET-UG paper leak. It has convened four full committee meetings and engaged with various stakeholders to devise a fool-proof exam system. The panel explores entrance exam models from the United States and the United Kingdom for potential changes to the Indian system, including computer-based testing methods widely used in these countries.

CBSE gets affiliated with the School Games Federation of India

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formalised its affiliation with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), effective July 8. According to a CBSE press release, this partnership will allow winners of the CBSE National Games to participate in the SGFI National School Games starting from the 2024-25 academic year.

CBSE also cautioned against the CBSE Board School Games Welfare Society (CBSE-WSO) in Agra, which falsely claims affiliation with CBSE to organise sports events. Schools have been advised to avoid any engagement with this entity as CBSE does not officially recognise it. The Board emphasised that schools violating this advisory may face disciplinary action and urged them to verify any communications from such organisations through the official CBSE website: https://cbseit.in/cbse/2023/sports.

Amit Shah inaugurates the 'PM College of Excellence' in 55 MP districts

Indore: Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah virtually inaugurated the 'Prime Minister's College of Excellence' for all 55 districts in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. Speaking at the main programme held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Arts and Commerce College in Indore, which has been developed as a PM College of Excellence, Shah praised MP for implementing the NEP ahead of other states.

Officials said these colleges of excellence, where all courses will be offered as per NEP. They aim to impart employment-oriented education at an estimated cost of Rs 486 crore. Shah, who took part in a mega sapling plantation drive earlier, said that Indore, the cleanest city in India and a cotton centre, will also be known as an education hub.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only; readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.