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BMC Orders 2,000 Teachers for Election Duties, Sparking Concerns

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed 2,000 teachers to take on block level officer (BLO) duties for election-related work. As per the orders, teachers are expected to spend three days a week on BLO duty and the remaining three days in school. With the academic year in progress, many teachers have expressed concerns about their prolonged absence from schools, especially since first unit tests are currently underway. One teacher pointed out that being away for half of the week is unfair to students, as schools are already grappling with a shortage of teachers due to delays in hiring new staff. The orders, issued on August 15, specify that teachers should perform their BLO duties on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while attending school from Mondays to Wednesdays. All 2,000 teachers assigned to these duties were instructed to report to their designated localities by 3 pm on Friday. Teachers have sought support from Anil Bornare of the BJP Teachers’ Association. Bornare criticized the BMC’s decision, highlighting that other government staff are available for election duties. He added that the sudden orders result in significant academic disruption, urging the BMC to reconsider and withdraw them, as “2,000 teachers” is a considerable number to lose from the classroom.

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Revamp School Syllabus for Future Needs, Andhra CM Instructs Education Officials

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed education department officials to revamp the school syllabus to meet the demands of changing times and future requirements. In a review meeting at the secretariat, the CM emphasized the need for a curriculum that aligns with the necessities of the next 10 to 20 years, urging officials to consult with education experts and professionals to carry out the necessary updates. Naidu stressed the importance of imparting qualitative and value-based education, highlighting the state government’s commitment by pointing out the Rs 32,000 crore investment in government school education. He directed the officials to focus on achieving top results, emphasizing that the changes should lead to tangible improvements at the grassroots level. The CM also instructed that all children must attend school regularly, and he encouraged public schools to compete with private institutions in terms of the quality of education provided. He advocated for parent-teacher meetings in government schools, similar to those in private schools, and suggested that students’ academic progress should be tracked alongside their sports achievements. Naidu called for an action plan to achieve 100 percent enrollment in schools and to monitor students until they complete their graduate studies. He also emphasized the importance of channeling students’ energies into sports and other extracurricular activities to ensure their holistic development.

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Yogi Adityanath Calls for 50% Increase in Higher Education Enrollment

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to increase the state’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 50% over the next 10 years. During a review meeting on Sunday, Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in enhancing GER and improving the quality of education in universities and colleges. The GER measures the proportion of people enrolled in higher education relative to the population aged 18-23. The NEP 2020 sets a target to boost GER by 50% by 2035. Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh has already established one university per division and is now advancing towards the “One District-One University” model. Currently, the state’s GER in higher education stands at around 25%, with the goal of surpassing 50% in the next decade. Focus on Local Language Courses The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of offering courses in local languages, highlighting the need for linguistic proficiency among youth. He urged officials to ensure that students benefit from the Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and receive their stipends on time. Yogi Adityanath further outlined the state’s commitment to modernizing education, stating that the NEP aims to deliver quality, universal, and employment-oriented education through advanced technology in higher education institutions. He also called for the establishment of a research chair in honor of the renowned writer and thinker Rahul Sankrityayan at Maharaja Suheldev State University in Azamgarh, providing a platform for young scholars to study his life and work. Agricultural Education and Innovation The CM identified agricultural education, research, and innovation as promising career paths for young people, announcing the creation of incubation centers in all four agricultural universities and Centers of Excellence related to agriculture. He proposed the establishment of a regulatory institution similar to the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR) to oversee agricultural educational institutions. Enhancing Basic Education Yogi Adityanath also highlighted the need for collaboration between the Department of Women and Child Development and the Department of Basic Education to make “bal vatikas” effective learning centers that inspire a passion for learning in children. He instructed officials to regularly update school curriculums, focusing on engaging learning materials and teaching methods for young students. The CM urged the expedited construction of Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools and Mukhyamantri Model Composite Schools, which, along with Atal Residential Schools, are expected to significantly transform the state’s basic education system. He also emphasized the importance of completing annual exams by May 15 and ensuring that every school has a playground to promote physical education.

Yogi Adityanath Calls for 50% Increase in Higher Education Enrollment Read More »

Assam to Create New Graduate Teacher Posts in Schools, Says Himanta Sarma

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On Friday, the Assam cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the creation of 1,766 new graduate teacher positions for mathematics in state schools. This decision was made during a state cabinet meeting held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati. In addition to the new teacher positions, the cabinet also approved the recruitment of 221 third and fourth-grade positions in 11 polytechnics and two engineering colleges across the state. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the recruitment for these posts would be conducted by the governing bodies of the institutions, with salaries funded directly from the state budget, eliminating the need for outsourcing. The Assam cabinet also approved an increase in the number of constituencies for the Moran and Matak Autonomous Councils. The number of constituencies for both councils will be expanded from 22 to 27. Additionally, the cabinet approved the inclusion of 16 Bodo community-dominated villages from the Sonitpur and Biswanath districts into the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

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Centre Urges Four States to Implement RTE, Reserve 25% Seats in Private Unaided Schools

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The Centre has urged state governments to enforce the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates reserving 25% of seats in private unaided schools for children from economically weaker sections. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha that states like Punjab, Kerala, Telangana, and West Bengal have not yet implemented this provision. During the Question Hour, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that education, being a concurrent subject, requires joint efforts from both the Centre and states to ensure school education up to class 12 for all children. He noted that while there is nearly 100% enrollment in class 1 due to collective efforts, the number of students decreases in higher classes, which depends on the proactive measures taken by state governments. Pradhan highlighted that the RTE Act, along with the National Education Policy (NEP), aims to ensure inclusive education for all children until class 12. He acknowledged the previous government for framing the RTE, which includes a significant provision for reserving 25% of seats for underprivileged kids. He appealed to the non-compliant states to implement this provision to achieve universal education. AAP’s Vikramjit Singh Sahney inquired about the number of children covered under RTE and the government’s actions to regulate higher education fees. Chaudhary responded that the RTE, passed in 2009, prioritizes inclusive education for children from poor families and has provisions for reintegrating those who missed formal education. He noted that the Punjab government, under AAP, cited a sufficient number of government schools as a reason for not implementing the 25% quota. Sahney also raised concerns about the high cost of education from kindergarten to postgraduate levels. Chaudhary pointed out that while education is a concurrent subject, states have a significant role in fee regulation. He mentioned that several states have formulated policies to regulate fees and that investments in education have increased, with the Centre’s budget for education doubling over the last decade. AAP’s Swati Maliwal highlighted the exploitation by private schools forcing parents to buy expensive uniforms and books. Pradhan reiterated that education is primarily a state subject, and state governments should take stringent actions against such profiteering, with the Centre’s support.

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Empty Desks at This Over ₹12 Crore Worth Govt Polytechnic in Nagaland

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Nagaland has nine government polytechnics offering a range of trade-specific diploma courses, but one institution, Government Polytechnic Peren (GPP), has had zero enrollment for three consecutive years. Established in 2021, GPP offers short-term certificate and diploma programs in interior design, but there have been no takers since its inception. Despite having all necessary facilities, including faculty and staff, the institution struggles with student enrollment. GPP consists of four blocks, including a boys’ hostel, academic block, principal’s quarters, and two staff quarters. However, the lack of a girls’ hostel and poor road conditions from nearby Jalukie town hinder accessibility. An anonymous source revealed that the institution faces issues such as inadequate water supply, poor electricity connectivity until recently, and lack of internet services. The staff, about 15 including the principal and faculty, often visit the campus on a rotational basis for meetings and maintenance. This year, three students were selected through the diploma entrance exam for the interior designing program, but none enrolled. Officials attribute the lack of interest to the institution’s location and inadequate prior survey of the course’s demand. GPP was established with central financial assistance to state governments for setting up new polytechnics in unserved and underserved districts under the scheme of sub-mission on polytechnics. The scheme provided ₹12.3 crore per polytechnic for capital costs, with the state government responsible for providing the land and bearing recurring expenses. Despite the challenges, professional interior designers see potential for growth in the field in Nagaland. Asen Ao, a Dimapur-based interior designer, and Soren Odyuo, a Kohima-based interior and landscape designer, believe the scope for interior design is expanding in the state and encourage young aspirants to pursue it as a viable career alternative. GPP is situated in New Peren, around 15 km from Jalukie town and 30 km from Old Peren town, with the nearest airport and railway station in Dimapur, a two-hour drive away.

Empty Desks at This Over ₹12 Crore Worth Govt Polytechnic in Nagaland Read More »

IIT Roorkee Awards Degrees to 2,513 Students at 24th Convocation

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IIT Roorkee celebrated its 24th convocation, awarding degrees to 2,513 students—1,931 male and 582 female—in various disciplines. The convocation highlighted a significant increase in the proportion of graduating female students, rising from 18.84% in 2022 to 23.16% in 2024, demonstrating IIT Roorkee’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. A total of 1,277 students received undergraduate degrees, 704 were awarded postgraduate degrees, and 442 students earned doctoral degrees. The institute also recognized outstanding achievements with the President’s Gold Medal and the Director’s Gold Medal. Achintya Nath, a BTech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, received the President’s Gold Medal for achieving the highest CGPA among undergraduate students admitted through JEE Advanced. Parth Sarthi Mishra, a BTech graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering, was awarded the Director’s Gold Medal for his exceptional all-round performance among undergraduate students. The convocation was attended by Debjani Ghosh, President of NASSCOM, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by BVR Mohan Reddy, Chairperson of the Board of Governors.

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IGNOU Launches BA in Micro Small & Medium Enterprises Programme

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The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced the introduction of a new Bachelor of Arts in Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (BAMSME) programme. This programme, offered through the School of Vocational Education and Training (SOVET), is now open for applications for the July 2024 session. Interested candidates can apply through the official IGNOU website at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The BAMSME programme is designed for individuals who have completed their 10+2 education. It aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge required to start and manage new business ventures. Offered via open and distance learning (ODL), the programme is accessible to a wide audience. It is structured to provide flexibility, with a minimum duration of three years, divided into six semesters, and a maximum duration of six years. Students are required to complete a total of 120 credits, earning 20 credits per semester. The medium of instruction is English, and the programme fee is set at Rs 5,100 per year, totaling Rs. 15,300 for the entire three-year course. According to an IGNOU statement, the primary objectives of the BAMSME programme are to facilitate the successful and profitable operation of business enterprises, enhance managerial skills, and offer an innovative, competency-based approach to entrepreneurship education. The curriculum covers crucial aspects of business operations, including finance and marketing, and aims to develop leadership qualities essential for both self-empowerment and the empowerment of others.

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Education Ministry greenlights IIM-Guwahati courses starting next academic year, says Assam CM

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Guwahati will commence courses from the next academic year after receiving consent from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sarma held high-level discussions with several Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S. Jaishankar, to address various issues related to education, environment, power, and finance in the state. Key outcomes of the meetings include assurances on royalty settlements from hydrocarbon industries, support for Assam’s Teacher Training Institute, and measures to augment technical education in the state. The ministers also discussed climate change mitigation efforts, enhancing Assam’s energy security, developing urban wetlands, and leveraging central schemes to boost the state’s infrastructure and economic resilience. The decision to commence courses at IIM-Guwahati from the next academic year is a significant milestone for the state’s higher education landscape. The institute is expected to attract top talent and contribute to the development of skilled professionals in Assam and the region.

Education Ministry greenlights IIM-Guwahati courses starting next academic year, says Assam CM Read More »

Didn’t have the Courage to Sit for IIT Entrance’: ISRO Chief S Somanath Earns PhD from IIT-Madras

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S Somanath, the 60-year-old chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), received his PhD from IIT-Madras on Friday. Despite being the topper in the state for science, Somanath revealed, “I did not have the courage to write an entrance for IIT.” Speaking at the 61st convocation ceremony of IIT-Madras, Somanath, who was born in a village in Kerala, received his PhD degree for a thesis titled “Vibration Response Studies on Modified Hyper Elastic Material Models for Application in Aerospace Systems.” He expressed his deep connection to the topic, stating, “It is related to vibration isolators, which I started as an engineer in ISRO years ago. But this remained with me.” Somanath began his doctoral studies while working on the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) project. However, the demands of his work at ISRO forced him to put his studies on hold. He shared, “Since I was immersed in that work then, I couldn’t take forward my PhD. It is a real good fortune that I could complete it after having assumed the office of chairman of ISRO. It is really a great honour.” Under Somanath’s leadership, ISRO achieved significant milestones, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to land near the south pole of the Moon, and the launch of India’s first solar observatory, Aditya-L1. The degree was awarded to him by IIT-M Director Prof V Kamakoti and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT-M. The convocation ceremony at IIT-Madras was attended by 2,636 graduates, their families, and guests. Among the graduates were 764 B.Tech students, 277 Dual Degree B.Tech and M.Tech students, and 481 M.Tech students. The event also featured a speech by Mechanical Engineering student Dhananjay Balakrishnan, who highlighted the ethical responsibilities of engineers in the context of global conflicts. “There is a mass genocide going on in Palestine. People are dying in large numbers and there is no end in sight. Why should we bother by this, you may ask? Because STEM as a field in itself has historically been used to advance the ulterior motives of the imperial powers such as Israel,” he said.

Didn’t have the Courage to Sit for IIT Entrance’: ISRO Chief S Somanath Earns PhD from IIT-Madras Read More »