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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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’

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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 »

Over 40 Lakh New Students Enroll in Government Schools: Yogi Adityanath

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that more than 40 lakh new students have enrolled in government schools, signaling a significant milestone in the state’s education sector. Adityanath attributed this surge in enrollment to the concerted efforts of the government to enhance educational infrastructure and promote equality in education across Uttar Pradesh. During the Question Hour in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging social inequality through improved access to quality education. He highlighted the substantial progress made in elevating the standard of education in the state over the past seven years. Under the Kayakalp Abhiyan, Adityanath noted that extensive efforts have been directed towards enhancing infrastructure in 1,32,000 schools under the Basic Education Council. This initiative has facilitated a conducive learning environment for students, contributing to the significant increase in enrollment. Furthermore, Adityanath underscored the government’s initiatives to support students, including the provision of essential items such as bags, books, shoes, socks, and sweaters. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement the NCERT syllabus in a phased manner across Uttar Pradesh Board schools, ensuring uniformity in educational standards. Adityanath highlighted the success of the ‘School Chalo’ campaign, which is conducted in April and July, in further encouraging enrollment. The surge of over 40 lakh new students in government schools reflects the tangible outcomes of the government’s initiatives and signifies progress towards fulfilling the objectives of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.  

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Malaysia’s Lincoln University College Makes Historic Move to Establish Campus in India

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Malaysia’s Lincoln University College has emerged as the trailblazer among foreign universities seeking to establish a presence in India, becoming the first institution to apply through the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) dedicated application portal. The move marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of Indian higher education. The UGC has formed a five-member standing committee tasked with evaluating Lincoln University College’s application, indicating that a decision is imminent. This development comes in the wake of the UGC’s recent notification of regulations governing the establishment and operation of campuses by Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs) in India. According to Union Education Minister of State Subhas Sarkar, Lincoln University College has expressed interest in establishing a campus in Telangana, showcasing the growing appeal of Indian academia on the global stage. Sarkar’s statement in the Lok Sabha underscores the proactive steps taken by the Indian government to attract foreign investment and expertise in the education sector. While other foreign universities have shown interest by accessing the UGC portal to explore application requirements, Lincoln University College stands as the sole applicant thus far. Renowned for its academic prowess, the university holds respectable positions in prestigious global rankings, reflecting its commitment to excellence. The UGC’s regulations aim to facilitate the seamless operation of FHEIs in India, granting them autonomy in degree-granting, admission processes, and fee structures. The move is poised to enhance educational opportunities for Indian students and foster collaboration between domestic and international institutions. Responding to queries regarding the affordability of FHEIs for Indian students, Sarkar emphasized the potential for scholarships and tuition fee concessions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, stringent measures have been put in place to prevent misuse of philanthropic resources and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Malaysia’s Lincoln University College Makes Historic Move to Establish Campus in India Read More »