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Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024 Enters Into Force, Promising Major Higher Education Reforms

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The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024 officially came into effect across the state on April 12, following the assent of Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati. The Act, passed in the Odisha Assembly on April 2 after thorough deliberations, marks a turning point in the state’s higher education landscape. Odisha’s Minister of Higher Education, Suryabanshi Suraj, hailed the Act as a “new dawn” for universities in the state. He highlighted its potential to address long-standing issues, ensure academic autonomy, and uplift educational standards across institutions. One of the most significant changes introduced is the decentralization of faculty recruitment. Universities will now form their own expert committees to handle hiring, moving away from reliance on the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). This is expected to expedite the process and ensure subject-specific teacher appointments. The process of appointing Vice-Chancellors has also been revised. A three-member committee of renowned educationists will now oversee selections, with the eligible age extended to 70 years—enabling experienced leaders to helm academic institutions. Additionally, the Act revives the university Senate, a crucial advisory body comprising 68 members representing faculty, students, staff, and experts. Each university must hold at least two Senate meetings annually, fostering inclusive governance. To further strengthen the system, the government plans to improve the teacher-student ratio, introduce distance learning across all universities, and boost the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER). For financial oversight, each university will establish Finance and Construction Committees. All financial activities will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, with reports presented to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024 is expected to transform the educational ecosystem, making it more autonomous, efficient, and inclusive. Source: TOI

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Teachers Return to Class Despite Uncertainty After SC Verdict on Bengal Recruitment

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Amid uncertainty following the Supreme Court’s verdict on West Bengal school recruitments, many teachers and staff members facing potential termination have returned to classrooms, prioritizing students over personal concerns. Despite the looming threat of job loss, educators said they couldn’t abandon their responsibilities—especially during exam season. “Why should we be punished for an offence for which we are not responsible?” questioned one teacher. “I came to school because I have responsibilities I can’t ignore.” A biology teacher shared that she resumed classes out of concern for her newly promoted Class XII students. “When the principal requested me to take classes, I didn’t think twice,” she said. Subal Chandra Mandal, the only lab assistant at his school, also reported for duty when asked. “The headmaster called me, so I came. But I haven’t slept for the past two days,” he added, reflecting the emotional toll. School principals acknowledged that requesting the return of these educators was a difficult decision. One principal mentioned that the option of hiring part-time teachers would be considered in coordination with school management. Despite their uncertain futures, these educators are showing up for students—demonstrating a commitment to education that transcends administrative challenges.

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University of Leeds Offers £6,000 Scholarships for International Students

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The University of Leeds has announced the International Masters Regional Scholarships for the 2025 academic session, offering a £6,000 tuition fee reduction for international students, including those from India. This initiative aims to support talented students by easing financial burdens. The scholarship is available to students from selected countries, including India, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, USA, and Vietnam. Eligibility is limited to nationals of these countries, and mere domicile status does not qualify a student. To receive the scholarship, applicants must: Be classified as international fee-paying students. Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a taught Masters course at the University of Leeds in 2025. Be self-funding or partially funded. Register as a University of Leeds student by January 30, 2026. Accept their admission offer and, if required, pay a £2,000 tuition fee deposit by the specified deadline. The Leeds MBA program and fully online courses are excluded from this scholarship. Additionally, students applying through International Partner Agreements can only accept the highest-value scholarship if eligible for multiple awards. Unlike many competitive scholarships, the International Masters Regional Scholarship does not require a separate application. Eligible students will automatically receive the award and be notified via email. The £6,000 scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee reduction in the second semester, with students encouraged to opt for an installment payment plan. It can also be combined with other School or Faculty scholarships or external funding, provided the total funding does not exceed 100% of tuition fees. Source: Indian Express

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India and Nepal Sign MoUs for 10 Development Projects in Education, Health, and Culture

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India and Nepal have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for 10 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in the fields of education, health, and culture. The agreements were formalized between the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal’s Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, and various project implementing agencies. These projects, supported by India’s grant assistance of NPR 625 million, include the construction of schools, health posts, and cultural institutions across multiple provinces in Nepal. Among the initiatives are: Education: New buildings for Sanba Secondary School (Taplejung), Ninyukharka Secondary School (Gulmi), Naya Gaun Secondary School (Rupandehi), and Siddhanath Secondary School (Kailali). Healthcare: Health post buildings in Sindhupalchowk and a Nepal-Bharat Maitri Hospital in Humla. Culture: The Ngagyur Nyngma Palyul Dhongag Chholing Monastery in Solukhumbu and a Nepal-Bharat Maitri E-Library in Chitwan. The projects will be implemented through Nepal’s local government bodies, including metropolitan and rural municipalities. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu emphasized that these developments aim to enhance infrastructure and services at the grassroots level, benefiting Nepalese communities. Since 2003, India has undertaken 573 HICDPs in Nepal, with 495 already completed, spanning education, healthcare, infrastructure, irrigation, and electrification. These collaborations highlight the deep-rooted partnership between India and Nepal, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable development and mutual progress. Source: Hindustan

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Bihar Board 10th Exam: Farmer’s Daughter Anshu Kumari Tops, Aspires to Crack NEET

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Anshu Kumari, the daughter of a farmer, has topped the Bihar Board 10th exam with an impressive 98% marks and now aims to crack the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. “It is the happiest day of my life. I want to become a doctor by cracking the NEET exam. My elder sister helped me a lot during my studies, and my parents always encouraged me,” said Anshu, speaking to the media from her home in West Champaran. Anshu secured 489 out of 500 marks, making her one of the top scorers in the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) Class 10 exam. The results, announced on Saturday, saw an overall pass percentage of 82.11%. Along with Anshu, Sakshi Kumari from Samastipur and Ranjan Verma from Bhojpur also topped the exam, each scoring 97.80% marks. Sakshi, the daughter of a carpenter, expressed her happiness and ambition to achieve a significant position in life. A total of 15,58,077 students appeared for the exam, with 4,52,302 passing with first division, 5,24,965 in second division, and 3,80,732 in third division. The exams were conducted across 1,677 centers from February 17 to 25. Increased Prize Money for Toppers BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor announced that the prize money for top-ranking students has been doubled. The first-rank holder will now receive ₹2 lakh, the second ₹1.5 lakh, and the third ₹1 lakh. Students securing ranks four to ten will be awarded ₹20,000 each. Additionally, all toppers will receive a laptop, certificate, and medal. CM Nitish Kumar Congratulates Students Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended his congratulations to all students, particularly commending the achievements of girl students. “The confidence of girls has increased, and they are making continuous progress in every field. I wish them a bright future,” he said. He also praised the Education Department and BSEB for publishing the results promptly, allowing students ample time for further enrollment. Source: the hindu

Bihar Board 10th Exam: Farmer’s Daughter Anshu Kumari Tops, Aspires to Crack NEET Read More »

61.6% of India’s Schools Follow Three-Language Policy; Gujarat & Punjab Lead, TN & Arunachal Lag

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The Union Education Ministry has revealed that 61.6% of schools in India follow the three-language formula, covering 74.7% of students nationwide. Gujarat and Punjab lead in implementation, while Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tamil Nadu rank among the lowest. The data, presented in Parliament on Monday in response to DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi’s query, highlights the ongoing conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led government opposes the three-language policy, calling it a move toward “Hindi imposition.” Key Insights from the Report: Schools Offering Three Languages: 906,225 (61.6%) Schools Offering Two Languages: 416,601 (28.3%) Schools Offering One Language: 149,065 (10.1%) Students Studying Three Languages: 185.3M (74.7%) Students Studying Two Languages: 41.6M Students Studying One Language: 21M Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that no language would be imposed on any state, and flexibility would be provided to choose languages. However, analysis shows that Hindi-speaking states predominantly offer Sanskrit as the third language, while non-Hindi states often include Hindi. Meanwhile, private schools are increasingly offering foreign languages due to rising demand. The debate over language education remains heated, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, where linguistic identity plays a central role in politics. The data highlights the diverse linguistic landscape of India’s education system and the ongoing policy challenges in balancing national and regional priorities.

61.6% of India’s Schools Follow Three-Language Policy; Gujarat & Punjab Lead, TN & Arunachal Lag Read More »

Only 6.26% of Schools Complete SQAAF Evaluation Amidst SSC-HSC Exam Rush

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Amidst the ongoing SSC and HSC board exams, only 6.26% of schools in the state have completed the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) evaluation. The low completion rate is attributed to the heavy workload of teachers, who are engaged in exams, paper inspections, and capacity-building training. The evaluation, conducted by the State School Standards Authority Cell (SSSAC) under the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), requires schools to self-assess their performance based on 128 standards. Schools must upload comprehensive information, add photos of activities, and create individual Google links for each standard. Initially, SCERT had set a deadline of February 28 in a circular issued on February 3. However, due to teacher complaints regarding the complexity and time-consuming nature of the process, an extension was granted. As of March 17, out of 1,08,530 schools, 99,457 have begun the process, but only 6,796 have completed it. Former State Principals’ Association vice-president Mahendra Ganpule noted that teachers have been preoccupied with planning and training, which has delayed the evaluation. He suggested that scheduling SQAAF assessments at the start of the academic year would have improved completion rates. A principal, speaking anonymously, highlighted the logistical challenges, stating that schools must retrieve photos from past activities without state-provided devices or data packs. Additionally, creating 128 separate Google links has added to the workload. Attempts to reach SCERT Director Rahul Rekhawar for comments were unsuccessful. Source: punemirror

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Tripura CM Manik Saha Highlights Nursing Education Expansion, Praises Students Heading to Japan

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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government will explore ways to enhance nursing education in Tripura, following the success of students securing nursing jobs in Japan under the Specified Skill Workers Scheme. Speaking at an event at TIFT, CM Saha felicitated six candidates who have been trained under the Mukhya Mantri Dakhyata Unnayan Prakalpa and will soon begin their careers in Japan’s healthcare sector. Global Opportunities for Tripura’s Nursing Graduates CM Saha emphasized that ANM, GNM, and B.Sc Nursing graduates from the state have gained international job placements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Japan. He also highlighted that many students have already migrated to Japan and that the government will continue sending more candidates. “These students are joining the nursing profession in Japan after receiving specialized training. To work there, they must learn Japanese, for which they are sent to Noida for a nine-month language training course. More students will be given this opportunity in the future,” said CM Saha. Pride for Tripura & India Calling it a “moment of great pride”, CM Saha urged students to represent Tripura and India with excellence in Japan. “Why should we just wait for jobs here? Our students are now going abroad, which is a very happy occasion. Nursing is a service profession, and as a medical faculty myself, I believe there is no greater field than this. They will serve people and uphold India’s reputation,” he added. Future Scope & Salary Prospects CM Saha further assured that the government is working on enhancing the quality of nursing education to create more global job opportunities for students. He also stated that those working in Japan will receive salaries exceeding ₹1 lakh per month. Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and State Government Secretary Kiran Gitte were among the dignitaries present at the event. Source: Business Standard  

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Indian Student Outflow Drops by 15% Amid Diplomatic Tensions and Visa Restrictions

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The number of Indian students going abroad for higher studies has fallen by 15%, from 892,989 in 2023 to 759,064 in 2024. This marks only the second decline since 2019, apart from the pandemic-hit 2020. Canada Sees Major Drop Amid Diplomatic Tensions One of the most significant declines has been in Indian students opting for Canada, coinciding with rising diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and Delhi. The situation worsened after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023. In response, India withdrew security protections for Canadian diplomats, prompting Canada to recall 41 diplomats. This diplomatic strain was followed by stricter student visa rules from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), granting authorities greater power to revoke study and work permits under specific conditions. UK Visa Rules Discourage Indian Students The UK government’s new immigration policies, effective January 2024, prohibit international students (except those in postgraduate research or government-funded programs) from bringing family members. This has resulted in a 27% drop in Indian student enrollments in the UK. Rise of Alternative Study Destinations As traditional destinations impose stricter policies, new countries are emerging as preferred choices for Indian students: Germany saw an increase of 34,702 Indian students in 2024. Uzbekistan and Bangladesh recorded 9,915 and 8,864 more students, respectively. Russia experienced a 34% surge in Indian student enrollments, thanks to affordable education, relaxed visa policies, and expanding academic partnerships. With visa regulations, diplomatic relations, and economic factors influencing student migration, whether the numbers rebound in 2025 remains to be seen. Source: India Today

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Lack of Physical Education at Khalsa College, Ludhiana, Disappoints Students

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The students of Gujranwala Guru Nanak (GGN) Khalsa College for Boys, Ludhiana, have expressed disappointment over the absence of physical education as an academic subject, highlighting a critical gap in the curriculum. With an enrolment of over 1,400 students, the aided institute does not offer physical education in its undergraduate courses, leaving students with no choice but to opt for alternative subjects. Key Concerns: Sanctioned post for a physical education teacher remains vacant Lack of structured sports training affects students’ participation Some students choose other colleges where physical education is offered A student, speaking anonymously, said, “The absence of a qualified instructor has hindered sports activities. We are deprived of proper training and opportunities to excel.” A faculty member revealed that in the absence of a physical education teacher, sports activities are overseen by teachers from other subjects. While the college still has athletics and a cricket team competing in inter-college tournaments, other sports teams have declined due to a lack of proper guidance. Many students, passionate about sports, have chosen different colleges where physical education is available as a subject. “Without proper guidance or a formal course, students are left with limited opportunities,” said another student. College’s Stand: College Principal Arvinder Singh Bhalla acknowledged the issue, confirming that the college does not plan to introduce physical education in the next session. However, he did not elaborate on the reasons for this decision. With sports playing a crucial role in holistic education, students remain hopeful that the institution will address the gap and restore structured sports training and academic options in physical education. Source: Hindustan Times

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