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student support

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

CBSE to Open Sub-Regional Office in Tripura to Strengthen Educational Support and Address Performance Concerns

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced plans to establish a sub-regional office in Agartala. This decision follows public concern and debate surrounding the poor performance of state-run schools affiliated with CBSE in recent board examinations, a pressing issue that has prompted both state authorities and education stakeholders to seek effective solutions. The Tripura government has committed to allocating suitable land for the CBSE office, which will eventually provide a more accessible support system for schools in the state. For the time being, the sub-regional office will operate temporarily from the premises of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, according to Abhijit Samajpati, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Education Department. The Rise of CBSE in Tripura’s Education System Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victory in Tripura in 2018, the state government initiated an ambitious plan to improve the educational standards in the state by converting 125 state-run schools into Vidyajyoti Schools, where English became the medium of instruction under the CBSE’s curriculum. This marked a major shift, as these schools previously taught in Bengali and were affiliated with the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE). The decision aimed to give students greater access to a national-level curriculum and open doors for future educational and career opportunities. However, the transition has not been without its challenges. The latest board examination results indicate that only 61% of students from these schools cleared the CBSE Class 10 examinations, while 59% passed the Class 12 exams. This performance has sparked criticism, with opposition leaders alleging that students who were educated in Bengali until Class 8 found it difficult to adapt to the English-medium CBSE curriculum in higher classes, resulting in lower performance. Aims of the New CBSE Sub-Regional Office The establishment of the sub-regional office in Agartala is expected to provide direct support to CBSE-affiliated schools across Tripura. The office will offer services aimed at ensuring smooth operational support, better administrative assistance, and quicker responses to school and student needs. Specifically, the office will handle a range of services including admission guidance, student record updates, exam centre coordination, and mark sheet corrections. The new office will also play a role in grievance redressal, helping address concerns from both students and educators. One of the primary focuses of the CBSE office will be to facilitate teacher training programs and ensure that educators are well-equipped to support students in the CBSE curriculum. These initiatives are intended to bridge learning gaps and assist teachers in adapting to the demands of an English-medium, CBSE-based educational model. Samajpati emphasized the importance of collaboration between the CBSE office and state education bodies, saying, “The office will work closely with regional educational institutions and state education boards to ensure a supportive environment for examinations and student development activities. This initiative will foster a stronger educational ecosystem, thereby expanding learning opportunities for students throughout the state.” Addressing Community Concerns and Challenges The shift from Bengali to an English-medium curriculum has been a subject of considerable debate, with parents and opposition parties voicing concerns over the pace and implications of such a transition. The opposition has argued that many students who were educated in Bengali up to Class 8 were suddenly required to undertake board exams in English, a move they allege has “played with the future of thousands of students.” In response, state education officials have underscored the value of the English-medium curriculum, explaining that this alignment with the CBSE syllabus prepares students for more competitive national exams and widens their career prospects. The presence of a CBSE office in Tripura is expected to address the challenges that students and educators have faced in adapting to this new system. Looking Forward The establishment of the CBSE sub-regional office in Agartala is seen as a positive step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for students in Tripura. By providing resources directly within the state, the CBSE aims to ensure that both students and educators have access to the necessary support and guidance. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard  

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

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  

Dr. Malini Dutta, Principal, BGS National Public School, Emphasizes on Karnataka as an Education Hub

“The dynamic and ever-changing mindset of the people in Karnataka makes it an ideal environment for innovation and technological advancements,” says Dr. Malini Dutta, Principal, BGS National Public School, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Bengaluru? It is an excellent opportunity. When we see these leaders coming together, thanks to platforms like this, it brings together knowledge, thought processes, and the drive to create innovative changes in our schools and campuses. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s also about the amalgamation of knowledge, experience, and competency. This synergy is a boost for us to move forward. Thank you for organizing such events, and thanks to ArdorComm Media for making it happen. As you know, the theme of our event is New Normal Karnataka. What’s your take on this? There is no doubt that Karnataka serves as a hub for education and learning. It’s worth noting that Karnataka was among the first states to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP). Setting aside political agendas, the focus should be on how education policies, coupled with new technologies, innovations, and creativity, can positively impact our children. This impact should extend beyond academics to encompass co-scholastic fields. Karnataka stands at the forefront of educational innovation, largely due to its association with Silicon Valley and the influx of talent and companies from abroad. Notable organizations like De Facto, Aids London, and others have set up operations here, offering recognition and certifications to our students. These certifications, recognized by the government of the United Kingdom, provide our students with a competitive edge. Certificates that hold such value often become key factors in securing scholarships. Karnataka is a preferred destination for innovative organizations and digital technology-based companies. They recognize the state’s potential because of its diverse population and cosmopolitan cities where technology is readily embraced. The dynamic and ever-changing mindset of the people in Karnataka makes it an ideal environment for innovation and technological advancements. So, I think Karnataka is rocking and it will rock in the future as well How are you implementing technology in your school? Technology is integrated into every aspect of our school, from assemblies to classes and skill development. We have one of the highest numbers of technology implementations in our school in Bangalore. We have an Atal Tinkering Lab, and our students have been winning national-level projects for the past six to seven years. We have technology in design thinking, CD Labs, computer education, and even in issuing books through our ERP system. The content library allows students to access practice materials and clear doubts from the comfort of their homes. ArdorComm Media has recently completed two years of its existence, any message for us? Many congratulations! I hope and can see that you are exceeding your own expectations. I have a suggestion: create a separate segment where you exclusively promote schools and students. Highlight the marvellous achievements, innovations, and contributions of students. This encouragement and acknowledgment from media can boost the morale, enthusiasm, and energy of students. Media plays a pivotal role in our democracy, and it should extend its support to students and schools. I look forward to seeing ArdorComm Media more involved in the student and school segments.