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State Government

 Govt of India Rights Over Cantonment Lands to be Retained

Leave a Comment / By / Governance Community

The Government of India will retain ownership rights over lands within cantonment areas, according to a new order from the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE). This order, communicated by Southern Command Deputy Director Hemant Yadav on June 28, directs the chief executive officers of cantonment boards to ensure that these rights are maintained. The order outlines the broad guidelines for excising civilian areas from cantonments and merging them with adjoining municipalities. It specifies that proprietary rights over assets meant for civic amenities and municipal services in the excised areas will be transferred to the state government free of cost. Furthermore, the municipal cover over leased and old grant properties in the excised areas will also be transferred to state municipalities. Security concerns of the armed forces will remain a priority during the segregation process. “The CEOs are directed to liaise with state government officials and appraise the status mentioned in the minutes of the meeting and clarify doubts in consultation with the president of cantonment boards and Local Military Authorities,” Yadav said. The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has already proposed the excision of 246.8 acres of civilian area to be merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). PCB CEO Subrat Pal submitted a 45-page draft proposal report to the Maharashtra state chief secretary, Dr. Nitin Kareer, on March 6, detailing the precise excision of notified civilian areas from the original cantonment board jurisdiction.

Punjab Government Proposes ₹3,000 Crore Action Plan for Samagra Shiksha Program

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

The Punjab government has presented a comprehensive ₹3,000-crore action plan under the Samagra Shiksha program. This flagship centrally sponsored initiative for school education aims to address various facets, including quality education, access and retention, and vocational education. The proposed budget spans the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, with an annual allocation of ₹1,476 crore for each year. This marks a commendable 14% increase compared to the current year’s budget. The Samagra Shiksha program operates on a joint funding model, with the central and state governments contributing on a 60:40 sharing basis, emphasizing their commitment to transforming the education landscape. Outlined in the action plan are specific allocations for key areas of focus. An earmarked ₹503 crore is dedicated to initiatives and interventions related to quality education, emphasizing the importance of an enriched learning experience. Additionally, ₹225 crore has been allocated for measures addressing access and retention, ensuring that more students can benefit from an inclusive education system. Another significant chunk of ₹188 crore is set aside for the promotion and implementation of vocational education, equipping students with practical skills for the future. The proposed initiatives include the construction of new classrooms and toilets, improved drinking water facilities, the promotion of commerce and science education, teacher training, digital initiatives, strengthening school libraries, and the installation of solar panels. Furthermore, the plan envisions introducing vocational education in all high and senior secondary schools, reflecting a forward-looking approach to skill development. The Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board, led by Union school education and literacy secretary Sanjay Kumar, will review the budget proposals in the upcoming month. The central government’s share of ₹886 crore, coupled with the state government’s commitment of ₹590 crore, underscores the collaborative effort to create a robust educational framework.

Maharashtra Unveils ‘MAHASWAYAM’ Portal for Online Higher Education Courses

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community

The state government of Maharashtra is gearing up to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM,’ a dedicated portal for higher education courses. Drawing inspiration from the central government’s SWAYAM portal, ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to create a comprehensive platform for online courses, aligning with the evolving landscape of education. Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, chaired a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state. Professor Shailendra Deolankar, the Director of Higher Education, underscored the active involvement of state universities in offering online courses. To ensure inclusivity for all students, the decision was made to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM’ as a state-centric portal. Under the NEP, students now have the flexibility to pursue online courses for minor subjects, earning valuable credits towards their final scores. Addressing concerns related to academic calendars and fees on the existing SWAYAM portal, Deolankar emphasized that ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to provide a holistic solution for both students and administrators. “To implement this initiative, the state government has formed a consortium comprising Yashvantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, and Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Over the next three months, the consortium will collaboratively design the portal, focusing on courses related to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS),” said Deolankar. Minister Patil stressed the importance of leveraging social media for information dissemination, urging the department to comprehensively update the web portal in multiple languages. Additionally, he directed the creation of a dedicated Twitter handle for the Higher and Technical Education Department to ensure regular updates reach a wider audience. The imminent launch of ‘MAHASWAYAM’ is anticipated to reshape the higher education landscape in Maharashtra, offering students a versatile and accessible platform for online learning.