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Education Community

UGC Greenlights Off-Campus Expansion for State Private Universities, Bolstering Education Accessibility

/ Education Community

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has paved the way for state-private universities to establish off-campus centres, marking a significant stride towards enhancing educational accessibility. This move, endorsed during the 577th UGC meeting on February 13, 2024, aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and is poised to elevate the quality and reach of higher education in India. According to the guidelines set forth by the UGC, state-private universities seeking to establish off-campus centres must meet stringent criteria, including a minimum operational history of five years to demonstrate stability and experience. Additionally, provisions within the respective State University Acts must facilitate the establishment of these centres, ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to educational standards. Experts anticipate a transformative impact on education accessibility, particularly for students residing in smaller towns and cities. The establishment of off-campus centres closer to their homes is expected to reduce the overall cost of education and broaden the spectrum of learning opportunities. States with sizable populations, such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, are poised to witness substantial benefits from this initiative. While 471 private universities await approval for off-campus centres from the UGC, several privately owned deemed-to-be universities have already received permission to establish such centres. This move has garnered commendation from educational institutions, with stakeholders recognizing its potential to foster excellence in education and expand learning opportunities across diverse locations. To ensure compliance and maintain educational standards, state private universities are required to submit formal proposals to a standing committee constituted by the UGC. Quarterly inspections will be conducted, and any violations may result in the closure of the centre, with students relocated to the main campus. Additionally, a processing fee of Rs 10 lakh will be levied for the establishment of these centres, as outlined in the notice. The UGC’s decision to permit off-campus expansion for state private universities signifies a progressive step towards democratizing education and empowering students with greater access to high-quality educational infrastructure.

UGC Greenlights Off-Campus Expansion for State Private Universities, Bolstering Education Accessibility Read More »

Chandigarh Education Department Sells E-Waste from Schools, Allocates Funds for New Computers

/ Education Community

The Chandigarh education department has initiated the sale of e-waste from government schools, generating revenue of ₹36 lakh through the government e-marketplace (GeM) portal. This move, aimed at disposing of obsolete electronic items, aligns with the Swachhata Abhiyan launched by the prime minister. The e-waste sale includes a variety of items such as computers, monitors, CPUs, keyboards, typewriters, UPS, batteries, among others, totaling 87 categories. These items, currently stored in the basement of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10, will be recycled following the end of the academic year. The disposal process adheres to guidelines issued by the UT administration in 2014, categorizing items based on their lifespan and usability. E-waste, once declared obsolete, is disposed of in accordance with the e-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011, through registered e-waste collectors/recyclers. Director School Education Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar expressed satisfaction with the clearance of obsolete waste, noting that space can now be effectively utilized. Additionally, the education department has allocated funds to purchase around 1,000 new computers for government schools, meeting the requirement of 40 working computers per school mandated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The tender for new computers has been awarded to Dell, featuring specialized units with the CPU integrated behind the monitor, at a cost of ₹40,000 per computer. Through these initiatives, the Chandigarh education department aims to modernize school infrastructure, ensure compliance with CBSE standards, and contribute to environmental sustainability by responsibly managing e-waste.

Chandigarh Education Department Sells E-Waste from Schools, Allocates Funds for New Computers Read More »

AICTE Introduces Scholarship Scheme for Women on International Women’s Day

/ Education Community

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a new scholarship program for female students pursuing BBA, BCA, and BMS programs, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to 3000 economically disadvantaged female students annually, with a total allocation of ₹7.5 crore. Under the scheme, each student will receive an annual grant of ₹25,000. The scholarship, dedicated exclusively to women, will be disbursed for three years to support their education. AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam highlighted the council’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in technical and management education. He emphasized the importance of providing affordable education to empower women in management fields as well. The announcement underscores AICTE’s efforts to empower women in engineering and technology, complementing existing initiatives like the PRAGATI scheme for female engineering students. The council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to women’s progress and prosperity in India. As India strives towards progress and prosperity by 2047, AICTE’s new scholarship scheme reflects a step towards realizing the vision of a developed nation where women play a significant role in driving innovation and growth.

AICTE Introduces Scholarship Scheme for Women on International Women’s Day Read More »

ShikshaLokam Hosts Third Edition of InvokED: Global Dialogue on Education Leadership

/ Education Community

ShikshaLokam, an NGO based in Bengaluru, organized the third edition of InvokED, a Global Dialogue on Education Leadership, on March 1 and 2, 2024. The event brought together education leaders, practitioners, academicians, market players, teachers, and students from around the world. The focus of InvokED 3.0 was on collective leadership and efforts to drive India’s journey towards equity in education, aligning with the goal of establishing a world-class Indian education system. During the inaugural session, S.D. Shibulal, Co-Founder of Infosys and Founder of ShikshaLokam, stressed the crucial role of education leaders in enhancing public schools, ensuring every child’s access to quality education as a fundamental right. He emphasized the need for collective action to achieve this vision, highlighting ShikshaLokam’s nationwide efforts in over 27 Indian states and UTs, engaging more than 570,000 education leaders in improving over a million schools across the nation. Khushboo Awasthi, Co-founder of ShikshaLokam, highlighted the event’s objective of reimagining education leadership by fostering interactions, ideas, and actions that lead to development opportunities for individuals and institutions involved in K-12 education systems. She underscored the importance of participants coming together to devise solutions and strategies for driving sustainable change in their respective ecosystems, ultimately uplifting the entire education system. The second day of InvokED 3.0 featured the Shikshāgraha Utsav, celebrating innovation and micro-improvement stories in classrooms from across the country. This segment aimed to showcase initiatives driving positive changes at the grassroots level, contributing to the overall enhancement of the education landscape.

ShikshaLokam Hosts Third Edition of InvokED: Global Dialogue on Education Leadership Read More »

Delhi Budget 2024-25: Atishi Boosts Education, Women’s Welfare with Rs 16,400 Cr Allocation

/ Education Community

Delhi’s Finance Minister, Atishi, unveiled the Budget 2024-25 in the state Assembly, emphasizing significant allocations for education and women’s welfare. With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, Atishi allocated Rs 16,396 crore for the education sector, aiming to enhance educational infrastructure and accessibility. A key highlight of the budget was the introduction of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ offering Rs 1,000 monthly aid to women above 18 years old, effective from the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims to empower women economically and address gender disparities. Under the health sector, Atishi proposed a budget of Rs 8,685 crore, focusing on improving healthcare facilities, including funding for hospitals, mohalla clinics, and essential medicines. Additionally, the budget allocated Rs 6,216 crore for various social welfare schemes, emphasizing support for marginalized communities. The education budget prioritizes teacher training, school construction, and maintenance, with allocations of Rs 100 crore for teacher training, Rs 150 crore for school construction, and Rs 45 crore for classroom maintenance. Furthermore, Rs 42 crore was proposed for Schools of Specialised Excellence, enhancing educational opportunities for students. In addressing infrastructure needs, the budget allocated Rs 3,353 crore for the power sector, Rs 7,195 crore for the Delhi Jal Board, and Rs 1,768 crore for road and flyover projects. The housing and urban development sector received Rs 9,800 crores, while public transportation was allotted Rs 5,702 crore. Notably, Atishi emphasized the Delhi government’s commitment to local governance, allocating Rs 8,423 crore to the local body, prioritizing education, healthcare, and sanitation. This holistic approach aims to foster community development and ensure equitable access to essential services. Reflecting on Delhi’s progress, Atishi highlighted the significant growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income over the past decade. The budget underscores the government’s vision for inclusive growth and transformative change, aligning with the AAP’s principles of transparency and accountability. The budget presentation marks a milestone in Delhi’s journey towards socio-economic development, guided by a commitment to empowerment, education, and holistic welfare.

Delhi Budget 2024-25: Atishi Boosts Education, Women’s Welfare with Rs 16,400 Cr Allocation Read More »

Ministry Orders Closure of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, Stirring Controversy

1 Comment / / Education Community

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has stirred controversy with its decision to order the closure of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), a government-funded organization dedicated to promoting education among educationally disadvantaged sections of the Muslim community. The abrupt closure order, issued on February 7 by under-secretary Dhiraj Kumar, has raised questions as it lacks substantive rationale. According to sources familiar with the matter, the decision was prompted by a proposal from the Central Waqf Council (CWC), responsible for regulating educational initiatives for minorities in the country. However, senior officials within the ministry have labeled it as an “internal matter” not yet disclosed to the public. The order mandates the MAEF to propose an agenda for its legal closure and complete the dissolution process as per applicable laws. It also outlines plans to transfer the foundation’s funds totaling Rs. 1,073.26 crores to the Consolidated Funds of India (CFI) and liabilities amounting to Rs. 403.55 crores to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Established in 1989 on the birth centenary of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, the first education minister and freedom fighter, MAEF has played a crucial role in aiding education among marginalized Muslim communities. The decision to shutter the foundation comes amid past controversies, including the discontinuation of the Maulana Azad National Fellowship in 2022, which sparked widespread student protests. Experts and academics have expressed concern over the closure, emphasizing its adverse impact on Muslim students. A senior professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University stated, “The move will have an adverse impact on the Muslim students as the MAEF was the torchbearer for promoting education among the Muslim community in India.” The closure of MAEF raises broader questions about the government’s commitment to minority education and the future of educational initiatives aimed at marginalized communities.

Ministry Orders Closure of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, Stirring Controversy Read More »

Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks

/ Education Community

The education sector in Maharashtra has witnessed a notable 9.8% increase in budget allocation for the interim period of 2024-25, with figures rising from Rs 87,314 crore to Rs 95,875 crore compared to the previous year. However, despite this surge, concerns have emerged over the distribution of allocations and cutbacks in flagship schemes. While both school and higher education departments have experienced a boost in funding, a significant portion of the hike is attributed to routine expenditures, particularly salaries for teachers and staff. Notably, expenditure on some key education schemes has been reduced, raising apprehensions about the state’s educational development trajectory. Of particular concern is the reduction in budgetary provisions for reimbursing private schools for admitting socio-economically disadvantaged students. This allocation has dwindled from Rs 200 crore to Rs 173 crore, aggravating grievances from schools claiming outstanding dues amounting to Rs 2,400 crore. Moreover, reductions in the state’s contributions to centrally sponsored schemes like midday meals and Samagra Shiksha have been recorded, despite recent initiatives such as introducing eggs in school meals. However, the budget does allocate Rs 81 crore towards the PM SHRI scheme aimed at upgrading schools in alignment with the New Education Policy. Finance Minister Ajit Pawar’s budget speech outlined plans for youth skill development initiatives, including the establishment of international skill development centers and various training programs. However, actual allocations for these schemes were notably absent from the budget document, raising questions about their implementation. Despite these concerns, there are pockets of positive developments, such as the increased subsidy for the Dr. Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernization Scheme, aimed at integrating minority students into the mainstream education system. Additionally, measures to address uniformity in scholarships and fellowships for marginalized communities have been articulated, addressing previous criticisms regarding fellowship provisions for doctoral pursuits.  

Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks Read More »

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Highlights State’s Education Success

/ Education Community

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced on Sunday that the state’s literacy rate has surged to over 88%, marking a significant rise from eight percent at the time of Independence, making it the second-highest in the country. Thakur attributed the remarkable progress in education to the high standards and excellence of the state’s government schools. He highlighted that even prominent figures like Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and the state’s first Chief Minister Y.S. Parmar received education from government-run institutions. Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the ‘Mere Shehar Ke 100 Ratan’ scholarship by Crack Academy across all 68 constituencies of the state, Thakur emphasized the government’s commitment to education. The initiative aims to provide scholarships to 100 students per constituency, with the scholarship test scheduled for May 1. Thakur lauded the achievements of government school graduates, noting their successful careers in top institutions and various fields, not only in Himachal but also across India and the world. He highlighted that the education structure in the state has contributed to the high ratio of Indian Administrative Officers from Himachal per capita, making it one of the best in the country. Additionally, he mentioned that Himachal Pradesh boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation.

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Highlights State’s Education Success Read More »

Kerala CM Advocates Achieving Global Research Standards in Higher Education

/ Education Community

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of attaining global standards in research within the state’s higher education institutions during an address on Sunday. Highlighting the significant investments made by the government in the research sector over the past three years, he emphasized that these expenditures are viewed as investments for the future rather than mere expenses. Vijayan underscored Kerala’s status as the state with the highest expenditure on scholarships for students and expressed concern over the state’s inability to achieve world-class standards in research. He called for serious introspection and the formulation of effective solutions to address this challenge, urging stakeholders to prioritize in-house excellence. The Chief Minister outlined various initiatives undertaken by the Left government in the higher education sector, emphasizing a commitment to comprehensive reforms aligned with evolving trends. He highlighted the upcoming introduction of a four-year degree course, aimed at enhancing efficiency and prioritizing student-centric approaches in arts and science colleges. Recognizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in higher education globally, Vijayan affirmed the government’s efforts to equip the youth with skills necessary to tackle future challenges. He shared his vision of Kerala becoming a recognized hub of higher education nationally and internationally. The event, held at Malabar Christian College, included an interaction with select college students and was presided over by Higher Education Minister R Bindhu. The Chief Minister’s address underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for research and academic excellence in Kerala’s higher education landscape.

Kerala CM Advocates Achieving Global Research Standards in Higher Education Read More »

Union Education Minister Inaugurates National Conference on ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card’

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a national conference aimed at commemorating the creation of 25 crore ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card.’ The APAAR ID is designed to link a student’s academic bank of credits (ABC), storing all academic learnings, certificates, and credentials, including formal or informal credits from various sources such as skilling, sports, or social work, digitally verified by the awarding agencies. Pradhan emphasized that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ was outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The conference aims to foster a seamless educational landscape, promote academic mobility, and ensure data security and privacy for students. “The introduction of APAAR IDs addresses the necessity for a singular, unified identity to streamline interactions throughout a student’s academic journey,” stated Pradhan. He further elaborated that the platform will showcase academic records in a consolidated manner, enabling students to monitor their academic journey and access personalized study plans and real-time performance analytics. Highlighting the significance of digital public infrastructure (DPIs) in the country, Pradhan mentioned the development of 53 DPIs in 16 countries, with 19 of them situated in India. The conference aims to explore strategies to embed the credit system across educational institutions, enhance industry collaboration, and emphasize the link between academic credits, job profiles, and student employability. A senior education ministry official noted that discussions during the event will focus on APAAR’s impact, strategies for credit system integration, and awareness creation among industry partners. The APAAR ID’s role in aligning education with labor market demands will also be underscored, with plans outlined for broader integration and industry engagement.

Union Education Minister Inaugurates National Conference on ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card’ Read More »