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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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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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Haryana Revises School Timings Amid Heatwave Alert; Announces Summer Vacation

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In response to a heatwave alert issued for several states, the Haryana government has announced revised school timings. Starting immediately, the first shift in all schools will run from 7 am to 12 pm, while the second shift will commence at 12:45 pm. This change applies to both government and private schools across the state. Additionally, the Haryana government has declared summer vacation for all schools, starting June 1 and lasting until June 30, 2024. This decision, based on a press release, aims to protect students from the extreme heat predicted by the Meteorological Department. According to weather forecasts, Haryana will experience intense heat waves in the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius. In light of these conditions, weather experts have issued yellow and orange alerts for various districts. The revised school timings are expected to provide some relief to students during this period of extreme heat. By adjusting the hours of operation, the government aims to reduce the exposure of children to the harshest parts of the day. Similar measures are being taken in neighboring regions. All government schools in Delhi were closed on May 11, while summer vacations in private schools are expected to start in May. In Uttar Pradesh, summer vacations are set to begin by May 25, 2024, across most schools. Additionally, schools in areas where Lok Sabha voting will take place will also be closed to facilitate the electoral process. These steps reflect a broader effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid extreme weather conditions. As temperatures continue to rise, the proactive measures taken by the Haryana government and other states aim to mitigate the risks associated with the heatwave.    

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Tripura Government to Implement E-Attendance System in Government Schools

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In an effort to enhance the quality of education and monitor the performance of teachers and students, the Tripura government has announced plans to introduce an e-attendance system in all 4,912 government schools. The move, to be implemented under the Vidya Samiksha Kendra initiative, aims to bring transparency to the academic system and improve the overall functioning of schools. The digital attendance system will cover both teachers and students, with the entire process expected to be completed within a two-year timeframe. Initially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat in 2022, the Vidya Samiksha Kendra initiative is designed to enhance educational outcomes by leveraging technology and providing real-time monitoring of educational initiatives. Following the implementation of the e-attendance system, a geo-tagging feature will also be introduced to facilitate online access to essential school-related information. Once the e-attendance system is fully operational, monitoring of teacher and school performance will be conducted by the Chief Minister, relevant ministers, and senior officials. Training sessions for headmasters and other stakeholders are already underway to familiarize them with the new digital system. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who oversees the Education Department, recently inaugurated the state’s first Vidya Samiksha Kendra in Agartala. This center aims to digitize educational data, provide real-time visibility into educational initiatives, and support decision-making through data analysis and AI. With over 37,000 teachers and nearly 700,000 students enrolled across various levels of school education, the introduction of the e-attendance system is expected to significantly improve accountability and transparency in Tripura’s education sector.  

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Early Summer Break Announced for Government Schools Due to Heatwave

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News on Education

In response to the prevailing heatwave, the school education department has issued a notice announcing an early start to the summer vacation in government and government-aided schools. Originally scheduled to commence on May 6, the summer break will now begin on April 22, Monday, with schools set to reopen on June 3. Key Points from the Notice: Exemption for Hill Areas: Schools in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will continue with their existing academic schedule and are exempted from the early summer break. Arrangements for Extra Classes: Teaching and non-teaching staff have been instructed to make necessary arrangements for extra classes after schools reopen to compensate for the lost time. Applicability to Staff: The early break applies to both teachers and non-teaching staff, who will remain on leave as a special case, subject to directions from election authorities due to the Lok Sabha polls. Communication with Affiliated Boards: The school education department has notified the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) regarding the early summer break and requested their cooperation. An education department official highlighted the prevailing heatwave conditions and emphasized the importance of prioritizing student safety by avoiding school attendance. In past years, private schools have been urged to align with government directives regarding summer breaks due to extreme heat. The department underscores the necessity of compensatory classes to ensure students are adequately prepared for summative examinations amidst the shortened academic calendar. The decision to extend the summer vacation reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding student well-being during periods of extreme weather.

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Delhi High Court Criticizes Poor Conditions in North-East District Government Schools, Calls for Urgent Action

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The Delhi High Court has issued scathing criticisms of the deplorable conditions observed in government schools within the city’s north-east district. Highlighting issues such as broken desks, classroom shortages, and a lack of essential materials like books, the court has emphasized the urgent need for accountability among education officials and swift measures to rectify the situation. In response to a damning report presented by lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who documented the discrepancies firsthand, the court expressed dismay at the state of affairs and demanded immediate action. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, admonished education department officials, urging them to take proactive steps beyond mere announcements in newspapers. The bench highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting overcrowded classrooms with up to 144 children per room and schools being run from tin buildings. Such conditions, the court argued, not only impede learning but also endanger the well-being of students, particularly in extreme temperatures. Emphasizing the fundamental importance of education and its impact on young lives, the bench underscored the need for officials to prioritize ground-level inspections and interventions. It pointed out the lack of senior functionaries’ children attending these schools as symptomatic of systemic neglect and called for urgent corrective action. Acknowledging the NGO Social Jurist’s public interest litigation, represented by Agarwal, the court emphasized the violation of students’ fundamental right to education. It directed the education secretary to file a detailed affidavit, outlining steps to address the reported deficiencies and assigning responsibility to negligent officials. Furthermore, the court ordered the relocation of students from schools housed in inadequate tin buildings and mandated the provision of essential resources, including desks, books, and writing materials, to all students without delay. With the matter scheduled for further hearing on April 23, the court’s firm stance reflects its commitment to ensuring quality education for all, holding officials accountable, and safeguarding the constitutional rights of students.  

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Chandigarh Education Department Sells E-Waste from Schools, Allocates Funds for New Computers

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The Chandigarh education department has initiated the sale of e-waste from government schools, generating revenue of ₹36 lakh through the government e-marketplace (GeM) portal. This move, aimed at disposing of obsolete electronic items, aligns with the Swachhata Abhiyan launched by the prime minister. The e-waste sale includes a variety of items such as computers, monitors, CPUs, keyboards, typewriters, UPS, batteries, among others, totaling 87 categories. These items, currently stored in the basement of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 10, will be recycled following the end of the academic year. The disposal process adheres to guidelines issued by the UT administration in 2014, categorizing items based on their lifespan and usability. E-waste, once declared obsolete, is disposed of in accordance with the e-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011, through registered e-waste collectors/recyclers. Director School Education Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar expressed satisfaction with the clearance of obsolete waste, noting that space can now be effectively utilized. Additionally, the education department has allocated funds to purchase around 1,000 new computers for government schools, meeting the requirement of 40 working computers per school mandated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The tender for new computers has been awarded to Dell, featuring specialized units with the CPU integrated behind the monitor, at a cost of ₹40,000 per computer. Through these initiatives, the Chandigarh education department aims to modernize school infrastructure, ensure compliance with CBSE standards, and contribute to environmental sustainability by responsibly managing e-waste.

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Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools, Shares his views on Vision 2030 for Education Sector

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“My request is that every progressive private school should handhold one budget school, one government school, or one school in a rural area to help uplift them and bring their education level up to par with children in more privileged schools,” says Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, Sanfort Group of Schools, in an Interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media Group at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSANewDelhi #ELSAGurugram How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Delhi? Thank you so much for inviting me. I’d like to share that when Chandan and Ashish were planning their first event two years ago, they met me. I’ve known them for many years, and they explained their plan to start their own venture. I’m delighted to see the remarkable growth that your company have achieved in just two short years. Today’s event is much better than the first one, which was the first physical event post-COVID in the industry. I must say it’s a significant achievement, and I look forward to an even bigger event with a larger audience next year. The theme of our event is India Vision 2030. What do you think should be the vision for the school education sector? The vision for the school education sector shouldn’t be limited to any particular group or individual; it should be a vision for the entire country. Our Prime Minister has introduced the National Education Policy, which prioritizes Early Childhood Education for the first time in our education system. When it comes to private schools, many have good infrastructure and budgets for investment. However, it’s crucial to remember that a significant portion of our population attends government schools, budget schools, or schools in rural areas, and these children come from less privileged backgrounds. My request is that every progressive private school should handhold one budget school, one government school, or one school in a rural area to help uplift them and bring their education level up to par with children in more privileged schools. Only then can the National Education Policy truly become a reality on the ground. The government cannot do it all; it’s the duty of every educator and private institution to support government schools and underprivileged children. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing a fantastic job, and I believe you will experience multi-fold growth in the next couple of years. I wish you to become the premier organization for education conferences and seminars in the country.

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