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Odisha Launches PM-USHA Programme to Boost Higher Education

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The Odisha government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s higher education sector. The programme was introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state and the Union Education Ministry, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan, and State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in attendance. Under PM-USHA, the central government will contribute Rs 500 crore towards the development and infrastructure of higher education institutions across Odisha. Union Minister Pradhan described the launch as a landmark moment for Odisha’s educational landscape, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the National Education Policy, 2020. Key Aspects of PM-USHA PM-USHA aims to ensure access, equity, and excellence in higher education across Odisha. The funding model includes 60 percent from the central government and 40 percent from the state, focusing on transforming state universities into world-class institutions equipped with 21st-century skills. Chief Minister Charan highlighted the initiative’s goal of upskilling one crore students and making Odisha a knowledge hub. Plans also include granting autonomy to state universities, revamping curricula, improving teacher training, and enhancing infrastructure and employability. The initiative promises to foster regional equity and sustainable development, aligning with the BJP’s election manifesto. Source: India today  

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Rajasthan Education Minister: Akbar Will No Longer Be Taught as ‘Great’ in Schools

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Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced that Mughal emperor Akbar would no longer be taught as a great figure in the state’s school curriculum. Speaking at the 28th state-level “Bhama Shah Samman Samaroh” at Udaipur’s Sukhadia University, Dilawar criticized Akbar, accusing him of plundering the country for years, and declared that praising him as a ‘great personality’ would not be allowed in the future. The minister expressed disappointment that historical figures like Maharana Pratap, who fought valiantly for Mewar’s honour, were not given due recognition. He emphasized the importance of education and assured that funds contributed by Bhama Shahs for educational purposes would be used appropriately. Earlier, in January, Dilawar referred to Akbar as “a rapist” and called for the removal of any references to him as a “great personality” in school textbooks. He criticized the existing curriculum for containing misleading information about Indian historical figures, including Veer Savarkar and Shivaji. Dilawar also condemned the portrayal of Shivaji as ‘Pahadi Chuha’ (Mountain Rat) and highlighted the need to properly honour Maharana Pratap’s legacy. Dilawar praised Rajasthan’s tradition of Bhama Shahs, crediting former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat for initiating cooperation from Bhama Shahs in 1997. He highlighted Rajasthan’s legacy of sacrifice, valour, and heroism, recalling how Bhama Shah donated his entire wealth to Maharana Pratap during his exile in the forests. The minister concluded by celebrating Rajasthan as a land of great men, acknowledging the inspirational legacies of Maharana Pratap, Bhama Shah, and tribal leader Govind Guru. Source: News 18  

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Delhi Govt Mandates Private Schools to Support Students Who Lost Parents Post-2020

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The Delhi Education Department has issued a directive to private schools, urging them to extend support to students who lost one or both parents after March 2020. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted education for these vulnerable students through provisions like free ship or classification under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) or Disadvantaged Group categories. The circular emphasizes that private unaided and aided recognized schools must provide the necessary educational support to orphans and children who have lost a parent, whether due to COVID-19 or other circumstances. Schools operating on land allotted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) or government are required to immediately place these students under the free ship category, ensuring that their education continues without financial burden. District Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) have been instructed to monitor and facilitate this process, ensuring no delays at the school, zonal, or district level. The directive mandates that all eligible students be enrolled under the EWS category, allowing them access to the necessary educational resources and support systems. Private schools are entitled to claim reimbursement for these students’ fees up to the elementary level from the Directorate of Education, Delhi. For students who have completed Class 8, the circular advises that they should be guided towards admission into government schools, ensuring a smooth transition and continued access to education. This measure is part of the Delhi government’s broader strategy to provide educational support to children affected by the pandemic and its aftermath. The Delhi government’s initiative underscores a commitment to safeguarding the educational rights of children who have experienced significant personal loss, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their future opportunities. Source: India Today  

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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  

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‘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.  

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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

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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.

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