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Maharashtra Educators Honored: Kolhapur’s Dance Champion and Gadchiroli’s Tribal Advocate Win National Award

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Two distinguished educators from Maharashtra, Sagar Bagade of Sou SM Lohia High School and Junior College, Kolhapur, and Mantaiah Bedke of Zilla Parishad Upper Primary Digital School, Jajavandi, Gadchiroli, are among the 50 recipients of the National Teachers’ Award 2024, as announced by the Union Ministry of Education. Sagar Bagade, a 57-year-old Art teacher from Kolhapur with over 30 years of experience, has earned accolades, including two Asia Pacific Book of World Records for folk dance performances with his students. “I wasn’t sure Art teachers were considered for this award, but I remained hopeful after making it to the finals,” said Bagade, who is set to retire next year. He believes in a unique approach to education, focusing on careers in the arts for students who may struggle academically. Post-retirement, he plans to extend his educational philosophy to children in remote areas of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Mantaiah Bedke, a 42-year-old primary school teacher in Etapalli, Gadchiroli, has been working with students from the Madiya Aadiwasi community since 2010. Starting with just seven students in classes 1 to 4, the school now boasts 138 students up to class 7, with Bedke playing a pivotal role in expanding the faculty and resources, including the addition of a projector and smart TV through community support. Despite these advancements, secondary education remains a challenge, as students must travel to Etapalli. Both educators will be honored on September 5, Teachers’ Day. Last year, Maharashtra’s Mrunal Ganjale from Pimpalgaon Mahalunge ZP school in Pune’s Ambegaon received the same award for her contributions to technological advancements in the classroom. Source: Indian express  

Maharashtra Educators Honored: Kolhapur’s Dance Champion and Gadchiroli’s Tribal Advocate Win National Award Read More »

‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: Education Ministry Directs States to Enforce Student Safety Guidelines

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The Ministry of Education has instructed all states and union territories to implement the “Guidelines on School Safety and Security-2021” to enhance the protection of children in educational institutions. These directives follow the Supreme Court’s orders in response to Writ Petitions (Criminal) No. 136 of 2017 and (Civil) No. 874 of 2017 filed with the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL). The guidelines, which are aligned with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, are designed to ensure clear accountability among school management across government, government-aided, and private schools. They cover critical areas such as preventive education, reporting processes, legal provisions, support services, and the creation of a safe learning environment. States and union territories have been requested to update the ministry on the status of these guidelines’ notification within their jurisdictions. Initially issued on October 1, 2021, the guidelines allow states flexibility to adapt them according to local needs. The focus remains on a ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards any negligence regarding child safety. The official notice emphasizes that any failure by individuals or school management to ensure student safety will not be tolerated. The guidelines aim to foster a collaborative approach among students, parents, teachers, and school management in creating a secure environment conducive to holistic child development. Additionally, they raise awareness among all stakeholders about existing acts, policies, and procedures related to physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and disaster safety in schools. The guidelines also clarify the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in enforcing safety protocols. In private and unaided schools, accountability is placed on school management, principals, and teachers. In government and government-aided schools, this responsibility lies with the head of the institution, teachers, and educational administrators, covering all aspects of a child’s school experience, including transportation to and from school.  

‘Zero Tolerance Policy’: Education Ministry Directs States to Enforce Student Safety Guidelines Read More »

IIT Kanpur Introduces SATHEE ICAR for ICAR UG Exam Preparation

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has launched SATHEE ICAR, a new initiative to support students preparing for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) UG entrance exams. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to provide free, accessible exam preparation resources for students across India. SATHEE ICAR offers a comprehensive learning platform, including recorded lectures by IIT professors, live interactive classes with experts, topic-based practice questions, and AI-powered analytics that help identify areas for improvement. Additionally, it provides personalized study plans and mock tests to allow students to assess their performance against peers nationwide. Students interested in SATHEE ICAR can register through the official website—icar.iitk.ac.in—or download the SATHEE app from the App Store or Google Play. The ICAR entrance exams are gateways for admission into undergraduate programs in agriculture and allied sciences at over 70 prestigious institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), and Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE). The programs open up career opportunities in agronomy, horticulture, veterinary sciences, agricultural engineering, and other fields within research, academia, agribusiness, and government sectors. Source: Indian express  

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Educational Institutions Reopen in Bangladesh After Month-Long Closure

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Bangladesh reopened all educational institutions, including universities, secondary schools, and colleges, on Sunday after more than a month of closure due to the student-led protests that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The institutions were initially closed on July 17 to ensure the safety of students amidst violent clashes during protests demanding job quota reforms. The Ministry of Education issued a directive to reopen all institutions under its jurisdiction on Thursday. Following this, classes resumed on August 18 after the prolonged closure. A notification signed by Deputy Secretary Mosammat Rahima Akhtar confirmed the reopening, following instructions from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. On Sunday morning, students in uniform were seen heading to their schools, many accompanied by guardians, as reported by the Daily Star. The reopening caused severe traffic congestion in many parts of Dhaka. The closure had disrupted academic schedules. Classes were initially expected to resume on August 4 in government primary schools, except for those in city corporations and Narsingdi municipality, but this was postponed. The postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will now begin on September 11, with completion scheduled for October 23. Classes at public universities had been suspended since July 1 due to teachers protesting against a new pension scheme. Although educational institutions were officially declared open on August 7 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, low student attendance initially delayed the full resumption of academic activities. Source: NDTV

Educational Institutions Reopen in Bangladesh After Month-Long Closure Read More »

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.

BMC Orders 2,000 Teachers for Election Duties, Sparking Concerns Read More »

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.

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

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.

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

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 »