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Education Reform

Trump Advisers Consider Plan to Dismantle the Education Department

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing executive actions to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, a move aligned with broader efforts by billionaire Elon Musk and other allies to reduce the federal government’s size and influence. According to sources familiar with the matter, administration officials are exploring the possibility of shutting down functions of the agency that are not explicitly mandated by law or redistributing key responsibilities to other federal departments. Potential Executive Order and Legislative Proposal Officials have discussed an executive order that would eliminate certain operations within the department while simultaneously directing the administration to develop a legislative proposal to fully abolish the agency. While no final decision has been made, the debate within Trump’s inner circle revolves around the extent of the department’s dismantling and the ideal timing for such a move. This consideration aligns with long-standing Republican efforts to reduce federal oversight in education and return greater control to state and local governments. Conservatives have often criticized the Department of Education, arguing that it adds bureaucratic inefficiencies and interferes with decisions that should be handled at the state level. Impact on Education Policy and Federal Oversight If the executive order moves forward, it could fundamentally alter the federal government’s role in education, shifting responsibilities such as student loan management, federal education funding, and enforcement of civil rights protections to other agencies or state governments. Some experts warn that such a move could create disruptions in school funding, particularly for disadvantaged students who rely on federal programs. Critics argue that abolishing or significantly reducing the department’s role could weaken protections for marginalized student groups and diminish federal oversight in areas such as special education, Title IX compliance, and school safety regulations. However, supporters believe it would cut bureaucratic red tape and empower local communities to make education decisions tailored to their needs. A Political and Strategic Decision The debate over dismantling the Education Department is not new. Trump and other conservatives, including former President Ronald Reagan, have previously expressed support for eliminating the agency. However, such a drastic move would likely face significant legal and political challenges, particularly in Congress. The discussions are part of a larger strategy by some in Trump’s orbit to reduce the federal workforce and shift more responsibilities to the states. Musk, a vocal advocate for government downsizing, has publicly criticized the Education Department and similar federal agencies, arguing that they stifle innovation and economic growth. Source: wsj

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Himachal CM Sukhu Announces Rs. 1000 for Girl Students, Focuses on Education Reform on Balika Diwas

Dharamshala, January 25: Marking the occasion of Balika Diwas, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala and announced a financial incentive of Rs. 1000 for each of the 351 girl students enrolled at the school. The move underscores the state government’s commitment to empowering girls and enhancing the education system. Addressing the students, CM Sukhu shared his personal experience as a government school student and acknowledged the confidence gap often faced by students from such institutions. He assured that the government is working diligently to bridge this gap, promising that no child in the state would be deprived of quality education. He also announced that the government has taken several measures, including filling vacant teaching posts, promoting deputy directors to address long-pending issues, and organizing exposure visits for both teachers and students. Furthermore, 50 meritorious students will soon be sent abroad as part of an initiative to motivate young minds and broaden their perspectives. Education Minister Rohit Thakur reiterated the government’s dedication to improving education quality across the state. Other dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Professor Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, and Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, were present during the event. The Chief Minister also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala to review available facilities and address the needs of the students. This initiative reflects the state’s mission to empower young girls and reform the education sector, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for future generations. Source: ANI

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Arvind Kejriwal Launches The Delhi Model: A Blueprint of AAP’s Governance Philosophy

Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi, unveiled a book titled The Delhi Model, which highlights the transformative governance strategies implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Kejriwal described the book as a testament to AAP’s innovative approach to politics and governance, emphasizing its role in addressing fundamental issues affecting ordinary citizens. A Vision for Transformation The book, authored by AAP member Jasmine Shah, combines data, narratives, and policy insights to explore the systemic reforms introduced under the AAP government. Kejriwal underscored that the book embodies both the Delhi governance model and AAP’s political ideology of Vyavastha Parivartan (systemic transformation). Tackling Everyday Challenges Kejriwal stressed the party’s focus on solving basic problems, ensuring access to: Quality education for children Affordable healthcare Relief during inflationary pressures Free electricity and water for households He highlighted how the government prioritized public welfare over privatization narratives. Criticizing earlier proposals for school privatization, he alleged that such plans were part of a broader land scam, targeting the prime locations of government schools for commercial use. Redefining Political Norms Kejriwal also addressed the AAP’s candidate selection process, noting that the party moved away from caste- and religion-based considerations. Instead, they focused on candidates’ performance and ability to deliver results, marking a shift in political dynamics. Author’s Perspective Expressing excitement about his first book, Jasmine Shah reflected on its significance: “This is a very special occasion: the launch of my first book. After writing just one, I can tell you — you need a really good reason to write a book.” Shah emphasized that the book serves as a reflection of the AAP’s governance philosophy and its mission to address critical issues affecting Delhi’s citizens. Education Reform and Land Use The book delves into broader discussions around education reform, particularly the potential misuse of land allocated for government schools. Kejriwal pointed out concerns over replacing schools with commercial structures, highlighting the party’s commitment to improving public education instead of privatizing it. A Governance Guide and Ideological Manifesto The Delhi Model stands as both an exploration of AAP’s governance initiatives and a reflection of its political ideology. Through the book, Kejriwal and Shah aim to offer insights into how AAP addressed fundamental issues, presenting a framework for governance that prioritizes the needs of citizens above all else. Source: oneindia Photo Credit: oneindia

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

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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Manipur Introduces Grading System for Class 10 Board Exams, Bihar Board Class 12 Results Expected Soon

The Manipur government has announced the implementation of a grading system for the class 10 board examination starting from this year. According to Joint Secretary Elangbam Sonia of the Education Department, students will now be evaluated based on a grading system for the high school leaving certificate examination (class 10). The new system aims to reduce stress among students by eliminating divisions or ranks, with only pass/fail status indicated on the documents. Under the new grading system, students will receive grades such as A1 for scores ranging from 91 to 100, A2 for scores between 81 to 90, and E1 for marks from 21 to 30, denoted as fail along with E2. The government emphasized the importance of reducing competition-related stress among students while promoting a conducive learning environment. Approximately 37,715 students, including 18,628 female students, are expected to appear for the matriculation examination, scheduled from March 15 to April 8 across 154 examination centers. BSEB Likely to Release Bihar Board Class 12 Results in March Meanwhile, the Bihar School Examinations Board (BSEB) is anticipated to unveil the results of the Bihar Board Class 12 Exams 2024 soon. While an official announcement is pending, historical trends suggest that the results are typically released within 50 days of the exams. Therefore, students can expect the results to be announced sometime in the second or third week of March 2024. Students eagerly awaiting their Bihar Intermediate Results 2024 can access them online via the official BSEB website at biharboardonline.biihar.gov.in once they are published. With these developments, both Manipur and Bihar are taking steps to streamline their examination systems and provide students with fair and transparent evaluation methods.  

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