attracting international students to India

The Ministry of Education is deliberating on measures to increase the number of international students coming to India for higher studies. In a review meeting of the Ministry’s Study in India Programme with partner institutions yesterday, Secretary Higher Education Shri Amit Khare said that the criteria for institutions partnering under the programme will soon be revised so that more institutions that have the necessary infrastructure and academic quality can join the programme. He also said that no distinction will be made between private and public institutions in matters of supporting internationalization.

Study in India is a programme of the Govt of India that aims to attract international students to higher education institutions in India . Select 117 institutions are partners under the programme that was launched in 2018. Admissions are merit based and done through a common portal. Around 7500 students from over 50 countries have come to Indian institutions so far under this programme.

The Government has also recognized the importance of creating a conducive, on- campus ecosystem for the international students, where they not only get quality academic inputs but can also feel safe, welcome, happy and hassle free. In this regard the Secretary called upon all partner institutions to set up world class hostels for international students. There is a provision for financial assistance for this under the Champion Services Sector Scheme that supports SII, which can be provided to some

institutions . In addition, there is an urgent requirement of setting up International Students’ Offices in every institution that takes in international students. This office should work as a single window support for anything that the international students may need, right from the day they get selected to join the institution. Besides this, avenues like networks of families, mentors etc should be developed, who can help the students to socialize so that they feel welcome in the country and have an enjoyable stay here, with memories that they can cherish, and positive experience to share with others.

In addition to this, the Ministry has also asked institutions that they should consider organizing orientation for international students when they join, as well as orientation for the faculty to sensitize them to teach using contexts that these students can relate to.

The Ministry is also looking towards enhanced academic collaborations between Indian and international institutions under Twinning, Joint and Dual degrees with credit transfer mechanism. UGC has already brought out draft regulations in this regard that have currently been put up for stakeholder consultation. There regulations will give a boost to student exchange programmes and short programmes of one or two semesters .

The Ministry has plans to take up the issue of allowing internship for international students with the concerned department of the Government. Many of the partner institutions pointed out that the absence of internship for international students was a big drawback for any programme of higher studies in India. The Ministry will iron out other issues of concern for international students, for example visa issues.

Learning with toys develop the creativity and sensitivity in students and give wings to their imagination

Learning with toys develop the creativity and sensitivity in students and give wings to their imagination said Dr Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education while addressing the valedictory session of the International Webinar on ‘Toys and Games to Play, Make and Learn’ organized by the NCERT under the agies of Ministry of Education with an objective to promote Toy Based Pedagogy in school education for joyful learning.

Shri Sarkar said that toys teach children from being possessive to sharing, co-operative to empathy, exploring toys to make one on their own, inculcates among them imagination, creativity, and much more. It is the need of hour that parents teach their children through the toys as it will make things comprehensible for the students.

The Minister highlighted that we have a rich heritage of traditional toys which has originated in the subcontinent several thousand years ago in the Indus Valley civilization. Indian toys not only entertain, but also teach us scientific theories such as ‘Lattu’ teaches us gravity and balance, ‘Gullel’ teaches us potential and kinetic energy, he added.

He expressed that the International webinar is an important step towards reinventing a timeless tradition of toys and games. He hoped that the webinar has provided a roadmap for the school education which has been envisaged by the National Education Policy of 2020 to be based on India’s rich heritage and knowledge systems and prepare our youth for the challenges of the 21st century.

On the 2nd day of the webinar today, there were two technical sessions on Toys and Games to Play, Make and Learn, and Toys to address different societal concerns, mainly to address the concerns of Children With Special Needs and 9 scholars presented their papers. There was a panel discussion on Innovative Toys and Technology, where innovators, educationists and entrepreneurs from different countries shared their views on the need for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in toy making. There were 7 presentations by the practitioners and case studies on toys, toy design and startups.

The Session started with Prof. Sridhar Srivastava, Director, NCERT welcoming the dignitaries present on the occasion and the participants who had joined from different locations of various countries. Prof. Anupam Ahuja, Head, Division of International Relations, NCERT and a member of the Organizing Committee of the Webinar presented the brief report of two days of deliberations. Smt. L. S. Changsag, Joint Secretary (Instt), Ministry of Education shared the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Education in regard to Toy Based Pedagogy and the way forward. Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE addressed the participants and enlightened them with his views.

Towards the closing of the 2 days deliberations of the International webinar, Prof. Jyotsna Tiwari, Head, Department of Gender Education, NCERT and the coordinator of the webinar proposed a vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, participants and invited audience.

*****

Agri-Food Techathon at IIT Kharagpur

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the Agri-Food Techathon 2021 today virtually. He also laid the foundation for Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABIC), which will incubate innovative ideas in the agriculture and food technology domain for creating ‘Agri-preneures.’ Prof. V.K. Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur, Mr. Dr. G.R. Chintala, Chairman, NABARD, and participants from across the country graced the occasion.

Addressing the inaugural event, Shri Pokhriyal congratulated IIT Kharagpur and NABARD for this unique initiative. He emphasized that the vision of incubating startups to create an ecosystem under the Agri-Food Techathon 2021 will bring together science and technology, and agriculture to support the farmers of our country. Such initiatives will help take the ‘Vocal for Local and Local for Global’ initiative to each corner of our country. Highlighting that the Agri-Food Techathon has immense possibilities, Shri Pokhriyal said this Techathon will lay the foundation of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and help India emerge as a Vishwaguru.

Stressing that New Education Policy 2020 (NEP) will make India a global leader, he was happy to note that IIT Kharagpur is taking progressive steps in furthering the vision of NEP. He called upon all the stakeholders to come to the forefront for the successful implementation of NEP.

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, in collaboration with NABARD, organised the ‘Agri-Food Techathon 2021’ (AFT 2021), a first-of-its-kind event to promote the participation of India’s youth in innovation and entrepreneurship in different domains of the Agri-Food sector.

For more information on AFT 2021 and ABIC, please visit:

https://kgpchronicle.iitkgp.ac.in/agri-food-techathon-aft-2021/

****

ASEAN-India Hackathon is well aligned with the vision of APASTI 2016-2025

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Union Minister of External Affairs Shri Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attended the award ceremony of ASEAN- India Hackathon 2021 along with Ministers and dignitaries from ASEAN countries. The Hackathon concluded with more than 300 students, mentors, and officials participating from 10 ASEAN countries and India.

Addressing the participants of Hackathon, Union Education Minister said, “I would like to first congratulate all, for successfully completing the first ASEAN-India Hackathon. I am very thankful to all ASEAN countries for participating in this first-of-its-kind initiative. For the last 3 days, all 54 teams have worked really very hard on 11 problem statements and I was informed by juries and mentors that they are very happy with the quality of work done by participants during this Hackathon. The ASEAN – India Hackathon is well aligned with the vision of ASEAN – plan of action on science, technology and innovation (APASTI) 2016-2025”.

Shri Pokhriyal applauded the focus of the Budget on innovation and entrepreneurship and stressed on boosting the research ecosystem through the Prime Minister Research Fellowship, SPARC, STRIDE, IMPRINT and other research schemes.

Shri Pokhriyal said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the bond between India and ASEAN countries in the field of education, science and technology has strengthened. One of the main objectives of this hackathon has been to encourage working for sustainable development while creating employment to make our nations Atma Nirbhar. Today India and ASEAN countries have become perfect examples of energy, synergy and international collaboration for other countries to emulate. If the human resources and natural resources of India and ASEAN countries are properly utilized, then a new dimension will open for the betterment of humanity and the world, he added.

The Minister of External Affairs Shri Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that “ASEAN India Hackathon offers a unique platform for our youngsters to put their minds and energies together. It is an excellent means to inculcate cooperative spirit among the participants and also exposes them to diverse viewpoints, cultures and work ethics. cutting across national boundaries.”

Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman AICTE said, “It is a moment of pride for us to successfully conclude the first-ever edition of ASEAN-India Hackathon. In the last four days, we have seen how students developed solutions to address the challenges in the ‘Blue economy’ and the education sector. Students meticulously designed innovative solutions in the field of Blue Economy with the help of Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, AIS Data and Real-Time Data monitoring.”

The program concluded with the announcement of Prizes for the winning teams, runner ups and encouragement awards for other participating teams.

The following dignitaries from ASEAN countries also attended the award ceremony of ASEAN- India Hackathon.

⮚ H.E Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Minister of Education, Brunei.

⮚ H.E. Mr. CHEA Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Cambodia.

⮚ Her Excellency, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia.

⮚ H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Minister of Education, Singapore.

⮚ H.E. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister, Ministry Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, Thailand.

⮚ H.E. Prof. Ir. Nizam, Director General of Higher Education of Ministry of Education and Culture, Indonesia.

⮚ H.E. Dr. Phout SIMMALAVONG, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education and Sports, Lao PDR

⮚ H.E. Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam.

⮚ H.E. Gregorio B. Honasan II, Secretary, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Philippines.

“I congratulate the government of India for organizing an event that gave youngsters a platform to come together and to showcase their talent in these hard times” said Her Excellency, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad from Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia.

His Excellency Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Minister of Education from Brunei expressed in his address that “India and ASEAN countries have established a longstanding partnership in many areas including Human Resource Development, Person to Person contact and Education”

“Today’s world faces problems that are on a different level altogether. Facing these problems requires equally novel technological solutions. We are living through a time of rapid change. With the increasing complexity of global relations and ever-changing global economy, we need new approaches to solve our problems.” Said H.E. Gregorio B. Honasan II, Secretary, Department of Information and Communication Technology (Minister rank), Philippines.

The Minister of Education from Singapore H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong expressed that “At some point, this pandemic will be over. But the problems we face do not end there. Climate change remains a matter of concern for the world and especially for the ASEAN countries. We need to come together in the same spirit, as we did to fight against Covid 19”

The participating students from ASEAN and India were very happy with the opportunity provided by Indian Ministry of Education.

Syahshiyah Rohidah, a student participant from Indonesia said that “It was really an adventurous ride since past few days, I am getting to know new people and collaborating with them. His team proposed a solution on “Quantification of Marine Litter using Image Processing”

SEUN Siuphinga student from Cambodia said that “This hackathon has been a first of its kind experience for her”

Đinh Thanh Hiền, a student participant from Vietnam “I enjoyed this hackathon process and looking forward for more chances to participate in such international events”.

Clarisse Johanna Solis, a student participant from Philippines “The process was rigorous time consuming but interesting, It was truly a great and worthwhile experience” She expressed that wish to visit India when borders resume.

The ASEAN-India Hackathon-2021 aims at enhancing the cooperation between India and ASEAN countries in science, tech and education. All the ASEAN countries participated in this unique initiative of providing innovative solutions to overcome the challenges under two broad themes of Blue Economy and Education. Student teams from all the 10 ASEAN countries as well as India participated in this ASEAN-INDIA Hackathon. These teams comprised of 330 students and 90 mentors. The students were divided in 54 cross-country teams, where each team consists of six students and two mentors. These diverse teams competed on developing the best solution for 11 problem statements provided by various reputed organisations and government bodies.

The Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell and the All India Council for Technical Education in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and ASEAN countries organized the first ASEAN-India Hackathon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Hackathon was conducted online using a digital platform, indigenously developed by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell.

*****

Residential schools/hostels funded under Samagra Shiksha named as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose residential schools/hostels

In a befitting honour to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Ministry of Education has decided to name residential schools/ hostels funded under Samagra Shiksha of MoE, as “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose residential schools/hostels”. The association of these schools with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose will act as an inspiration to the children and also motivate the teachers, staff and administration to enable them to achieve high standards of excellence. This will also help create awareness about the facility of these Residential Schools and Hostels in difficult areas and inspire these schools to achieve high standards of quality education.

The Ministry of Education under Samagra Shiksha provides financial assistance to states and UTs for opening and running of Residential Schools and Hostels in hilly terrain, small and sparsely populated areas for children who are in need of shelter and care, in addition to the provision of regular schools. The objective is to ensure universal enrolment and provide schooling facilities in areas which are sparsely populated (mostly tribal areas) where opening of schools may not be viable and for children in urban areas who are in need of care and protection.

The residential facilities are also provided to child labour rescued, migrant children who belong to poor landless families, children without adult protection, separated from their families, internally displaced persons, and children from the areas of social and armed conflict and natural calamities. Preference is given to EBBs, LWE affected districts, SFDs and the Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog.

In these residential schools and hostels, in addition to regular school curriculum, interventions for all round development of children such as provision of Specific Skill Training, physical self-defense, medical care, community participation, monthly stipend are also made available to children. A total of 1063 residential facilities (383 residential Schools and 680 Hostels) have been sanctioned to States and UTs so far.

Residential Schools and Hostels Approved under Samagra Shiksha (Cumulative )
S. No	STATE NAME	Residential Schools	Hostels
1	ANDHRA PRADESH	3	14
2	ARUNACHAL PRADESH	155	54
3	ASSAM	3	1
4	BIHAR	6	9
5	CHHATTISGARH	67	39
6	DELHI	0	3
7	HARYANA	4	3
8	JHARKHAND	25	16
9	KARNATAKA	5	0
10	KERALA	0	6
11	LADAKH	0	2
12	MADHYA PRADESH	11	390
13	MAHARASHTRA	3	8
14	MANIPUR	9	8
15	MIZORAM	4	11
16	NAGALAND	7	11
17	ODISHA	3	18
18	PUNJAB	0	5
19	RAJASTHAN	7	34
20	SIKKIM	0	1
21	TAMIL NADU	13	0
22	TELANGANA	33	8
23	TRIPURA	4	14
24	UTTAR PRADESH	9	0
25	UTTARAKHAND	0	6
26	WEST BENGAL	12	19
Total		383	680
Generated as on Thursday, December 03, 2020

*************

Recognition of children with intellectual disabilities

Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L) runs SamagraShiksha Scheme from Class I to XII. It has a component called Inclusive Education (IE) for Children with Special Needs(CWSN). Under this Component, children with special needs are mainstreamed in regular schools in an inclusive manner. The CWSN being addressed under IE component covers all 21 categories of disabilities prescribed under RPwD Act-2016 which includes intellectual disability, Down syndrome and developmental delay. Under IE component, the support for CWSN is provided at two levels:

Activities under Student Oriented Component (SoC)
Resource Support (Special Educators)

Under Student Oriented Component, all States and UTs are provided financial assistance to Government and Government aided schools for various categories which includes development of teaching aids, teaching learning materials(TLMs), aids and appliances, Braille stationery materials, identification and assessment camps, assistive devices, aids and equipments, corrective surgeries, environment building programme, transportation, escorts, scribers, sports events and exposure visits etc.

In order to ensure quality of education of CWSN, qualified and trained special educators are provided who work in an iterant mode and provide services in all the schools alongwith the general teachers to address the diverse and specific need of Children with Special Needs(CWSN). These provisions have also been included in the National Education policy 2020.

Education of children with disabilities

The Department of School Education & Literacy supports inclusive education of children with disabilities. Under the Centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha, various provisions for educational needs of children with disabilities have been made including, barrier free infrastructure through ramps with handrails and disabled friendly toilets in schools.

As per UDISE+ 2018-19 (prov.), there are 8,33,703ramps with handrails and 1,49,501 disabled friendly toilets for children with disabilities in government and government aided schools for classes I to XII.

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020advocates full equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of education to ensure that all students are able to thrive in the education system. It also underscores within its framework, education of children with disabilities in order to ensure equitable quality schooling.

The policy specifies recommendations for quality home based education for children with severe or multiple disabilities through the support of resource centres and special educators. The NEP further specifies that,children under home-based education must betreated as equal to any other child in the general system.After the approval and announcement of NEP 2020, the States and UTs have been asked to prepare implementation plan based on the recommendations of the policy, including recommendations and provisions for access to school education for children with severe & multiple disabilities, in line with the RPwD Act, 2016.

Major boost to education sector

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ lauded the Union Budget 2021-22 and expressed his gratitude to Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman for giving a major boost to education.

ShriPokhriyal highlighted that the Budget allocation for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), has been substantially increased from Rs. 175 Cr to Rs. 500 Cr in next FY 2021-22 for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering.He also said that an outlay of Rs. 50,000 Cr over next 5 years for National Research Foundation (NRF) will give a major boost to Innovation and R&D.

The Minister said in a big boost to education sector allocation of KVS has increased by Rs 362.32 crore and allocation of NVS increased to Rs. 320 crore w.r.t. RE 2020-21. The budget allocation of NCERT increased to Rs.110.08 crore from RE 2020-21.

Highlights of Budget 2021-22 –Department of Higher Education

1. In this FY 2020-21, the BE was Rs. 39466.52 Cr, which has been rationalised to Rs. 32900 Cr, due to Covid-19. BE for the next year 2021-22 has been kept at Rs. 38350.65 Cr, which is more than 5450.65 Cr more than the current year RE.

2. Out of the Total BE of Rs. 38350.65 Cr, Provisions for Establishment, Autonomous Bodies(ABs), and Schemes are as below:

(i)Establishment: Rs. 247.44 Cr

(ii)Autonomous Bodies(ABs): 29023.78 Cr

(iii) Schemes Total: Rs. 9069.43 Cr

(a)Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Rs. 3000 Cr [RUSA]

(b)Central Sector Schemes: Rs. 6069.43 Cr

3. In our flagship scheme RashtriyaUchchatarShikshaAbhiyan (RUSA), a budget provision of Rs. 3000 Cr has been kept for the next FY 2021-22, in comparison to Rs. 300 Cr in current year.

4. Budget allocation for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), has been substantially increased from Rs. 175 Cr to Rs. 500 Cr in next FY 2021-22 for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering.

5. Some New Initiatives like- Opening of BhartiyaBhasa University & Institute of Translation, Indian Knowledge System, Academic Bank of Credit, PM e-Vidya, Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) shall be implemented in line with the NEP recommendations, after approval of the competent authority. At present a Token Provision has been kept in the BE of FY 2021-22 for all the above initiatives.

Budget Announcements:

1. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) -an Umbrella Body, which will have 4 verticals- Accreditation, Standard Setting, Regulation, and Funding. Legislation for HECI will be introduced this year.

2. In 9 cities where there are number of institutions supported by the GoI (like- Hyderabad etc.) we will create a formal umbrella structure– for better synergy, while retaining their internal autonomy.

3. A new Central University(CU) will be set up in Leh.

4. We will realign the existing scheme of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering. Over Rs. 3,000 crores will be provided for this in next 5 years.

5. For promotion of Innovation and R&D, an outlay of Rs. 50,000 Cr over next 5 years has been kept for National Research Foundation (NRF). Its major beneficiaries will be Higher Education Institutions including CFTIs like- IITs/IISc/IISERs/NITs etc.

Highlights of Budget 2021-22 – Department of School Education & Literacy

1. Budget allocation for BE 2020-21 was Rs 59845 crore which was rationalized to Rs 52189.07 crore in RE 2020-21 post covid-19 situation. This has now increased to Rs 54873 crore in BE2021-22.

2. There has been an overall increase of Rs. 2684.59 crore (5.14%) in Budget allocation of Department of School Education & Literacy in BE 2021-22 from RE 2020-21.

3. The overall Budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs. 54873.66 crore out of which scheme allocation is 43648.66 crore and non-scheme allocation is Rs. 11225.00 crore. The scheme allocation has been increased by Rs 1895.08 crore and non-scheme allocation by Rs. 789.51 crore as compared to RE 2020-21.

4. Budget allocation in the Flagship scheme of SamagraShikhsa has been increased to Rs. 31050.16 crore in BE 2021-22 from Rs. 27957.32 crore in RE 2020-21 by Rs. 3092.84 crore i.e. increased by 11.06% in comparison to RE 2020-21).

5. The budget allocation in PadhnaLikhnaAbhiyan (PLA) is also increased from Rs. 95.25 crore (RE 2020-21) to Rs. 250 crore in BE 2021-22 (an increase of Rs. 154.75 crore) i.e. by 162.47%.

6. Rs. 485 crore is also provisioned in the new created Centrally Sponsored Scheme of STARS.

7. Allocation of KVS is increased by Rs 362.32 crore and allocation of NVS increased to Rs. 320 crore w.r.t. RE 2020-21. Budget allocation of NCERT was also increase to Rs. 110.08 crore from RE 2020-21.

Initiatives on Education as part of NEP

· Standards will be developed for all school teachers in the form of National Professional Standards for Teachers- NPST. This will enhance the capabilities of teachers and will be followed by all 92 lakh teachers of public and private school system in the country.

· Toys are both an expression of entertainment and learning. A unique indigenous toy-based learning – pedagogy for all levels of school education will be developed. This will transform classroom transactions from mundane and rote learning to an engaging and joyful experience.

· A National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR) will be set up within the context of a Digital First Mindset where the Digital Architecture will not only support teaching and learning activities but also educational planning, governance and administrative activities of the Centre and the States/ Union Territories. It will provide a diverse education eco-system architecture for development of digital infrastructure, a federated but inter operable system that will ensure autonomy of all stakeholders, specially States and UTs.

· For children with hearing impairments, the Government will work on standardization of Indian Sign language across the country, and develop National and State Curriculum materials for use by them.

· There are a number of senior and retired teachers. They will be used for individual mentoring of school teachers and educators through constant online/offline support on subjects, themes and pedagogy.

· Students have so far been evaluated on uni-dimensional parameters. There will be a complete shift from using assessments to not only judge the cognitive levels of the learner but also using it as an opportunity to identify the unique strengths and the potential of the child. To this effect, a holistic progress card is envisaged to provide students with valuable information on their strengths, areas of interest, needed areas of focus and thereby helping them in making optimal career choices.

· To enable increased access of resources, online modules covering the entire gamut of adult education will be introduced.

· During the year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we have trained more than 30 lakh elementary school teachers digitally, covering the whole gamut of education. Taking this further, in 2021-22, we will enable the training of 56 lakh school teachers through the National Initiative for School Heads and Teachers for Holistic Advancement (NISTHA).

· For the past few years our Prime Minister has been engaging with students every year before their Board Exams to help them overcome anxiety and stress. In this direction, we will introduce CBSE Board Exam reforms in a phased manner to be effective from the 2022-23 academic session. Exams will move away from rote-learning and students shall be tested on their conceptual clarity, analytical skills and application of knowledge to real life situations.

· To promote enhanced academic collaboration with foreign higher educational institutions, it is proposed to put in place a regulatory mechanism to permit dual degrees, joint degrees, twinning arrangements and other such mechanisms.

*****

A Webinar organized to create awareness on newly notified CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021

A webinar was organized for all the Pensioners’ Associations under the chairmanship of Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary (P&PW) with the objective to create awareness on newly notified CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 and generation of Digital Life Certificates using Face Authentication Technology. Central Government Pensioners Associations from all parts of the country participated in the meeting. Presentations were given on CCS Pension Rules 2021 and on DLC generation through Face Authentication followed by a Question Answer session after each presentation.

Secretary (P&PW) expressed his happiness to meet such a large group of 52 participants from the various Associations and to have a constructive interaction. He appreciated the intensity of the discussion and the various queries raised, given the release of CCS Pension Rules 2021 on 25th December 2021 and the recent launch of DLC generation through face authentication. The curiosity among pensioners was very understandable and such interactions would continue with a view to stay in touch and ensure that every association reached out to. He also requested each Association to have regular interactions with their membership.

He reiterated that the objective of the meeting was to enhance interaction between the department and the pensioners’ associations, especially at his level so that he could know each one personally and the associations could be assured that the Secretary would be in a position to understand and listen to areas where concern exists. He informed that since the pension department is a very legalistic and policy based department, it is important to understand where reforms are necessary and constant updations and amendments in law may be required to ensure greater benefits given to pensioners and that will be the objective of the entire exercise. He expressed hope that membership of each association is more than 300 and they are interacting regularly with the members.

Self reliance in Energy sector is must for achieving the goal

Union Education Minister rode the Energy Swaraj Yatra Bus from his residence to his office today. The bus is fitted with solar energy and equipped to be a complete work cum residential unit. The Minister accompanied by Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki, a professor from IIT Bombay, who has conceptualised and built the Bus.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Pokhriyal said that the New Education Policy has in-built framework under which life skills to use solar energy can be given at schools and colleges. Shri Pokhriyal said that climate change awareness is essential to attain sustainability. He further said that self reliance in Energy sector is integral in achieving the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Minister was happy to learn that in the wake of serious and catastrophic climate change, the Energy Swaraj Yatra is designed with purpose to create public movement towards adoption of 100% solar energy. The Minister appreciated Professor Solanki for this unique initiative.

Deeply committed to the mission of creating public movement towards adoption solar energy, Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki has pledged not to go home until 2030 and live & travel in the solar bus. The bus has facilities to go through all daily activities including sleeping, working, cooking, bathing, meeting, training, etc. The bus is fitted with 3.2 kW solar panels and 6 kWh of battery storage.

The Energy Swaraj Yatra began in year 2020 and will continue till 2030. Professor Solanki has been recently conferred with the Brand Ambassador of Solar Energy of Madhya Pradesh by Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

*****

Enhance voting and credibility of election process

Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today urged the Election Commission and the citizens to ensure a voter turnout of 75% in the next general elections to make electoral democracy more inclusive and also sought consensus on simultaneous polls to sustain the tempo of development.

In a message on the occasion of the 12th National Voters Day today, Shri Naidu stressed that no voter should be left behind and urged the citizens to judge the contestants in the elections on merit. As Shri Naidu is in home isolation in Hyderabad after testing corona positive, his address was read out at the event in New Delhi.

Referring to the increase in voter turnout from 44.87% in the first general elections to Lok Sabha during 1951-52 to the highest ever 67.40% for the 17th Lok Sabha in 2019, marking an increase of 50% in voting, Shri Naidu complimented all stakeholders for the same. Alluding to the sustained efforts of the Election Commission of India in this regard striving for excellence during the 70 years of the country’s electoral journey, Shri Naidu hailed the Commission as a credible, responsive and forward looking institution every votary of democracy can legitimately be proud of.

Shri Naidu noted that the challenge before the Election Commission is to ensure a steady increase in voting in every election to make our electoral democracy more inclusive by addressing the barriers to voter participation.

The Vice President urged: “In the 75th year of our Independence, let us resolve to leave no voter behind and aim to increase the voter turnout to at least 75% in the next general elections. Let each one realize that vote is not only a right but a responsibility. We, as a nation, must think and arrive at a consensus to have simultaneous polls to all the three tiers of federal set up and move towards better governance by focusing our attention on all round development of our people”.

Shri Naidu referred to the substantial 8% increase in voter turnout from 58.21% in 2009 general elections to 66.44% in 2014, suggesting that it is feasible to reach 75% voter turnout target from 67.40% in 2019. He complimented the SVEEP(Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation) initiative of the Election Commission launched in 2009 for improving voter participation.

Shri Naidu expressed delight over women voting more than men in the 2019 general elections by a margin of 0.17%, for the first time in 70 years, ending the gender gap in the country. (In 1962 general elections, men voter turnout was 16.71% more than that of women)

Shri Naidu stressed on the need for more swift resolution of election disputes and creation of a more informed citizenry empowered to judge the merits of each candidate in the elections. He urged the Commission to further explore innovative ways in which technology can enhance the credibility and accessibility of the voting process. He also referred to high voter turnout in the range of 74% to 84% in the elections to five State Assembly held under covid protocol last year.

The 12th National Voters Day is being organized on the theme “Making our Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative”. January 25th is being so celebrated as the Election Commission was set up on January 25, 1950, a day before the country became a Republic with the Constitution coming into force from January 26, 1950.

Following is the full text of the Vice President’s message (It was read at 12th National Voters’ Day celebrations organized by Election Commission of India today) –

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioners, senior officials from the Union and State Governments, distinguished invitees and friends from the media !

At the outset, I extend my hearty felicitations and greetings to all of you and all fellow citizens on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day tomorrow. We are meeting at the confluence of 70 years of elections in our country, the 73rd Republic Day and the 75th year of our hard fought Independence.

Looking back at the past seven decades, we can legitimately be proud of our achievements in various fields. However, what is most remarkable is our continuous endeavour to strengthen our democratic structures to transform India, the world’s largest democracy, into a vibrant, inclusive, participative and progressive democracy where each citizen has a voice that is heard and each citizen contributes to the governance and development of the nation.

We not only took the bold step of introducing universal suffrage right from the time we became independent but established a credible institutional framework to conduct elections to ensure that the voting right of every citizen is protected.

I compliment the Chief Election Commissioner, the Election Commissioners, the staff of the Election Commission and the Chief Electoral Officers in the states as well as every functionary engaged in conducting elections right up to the polling station level for continuously enriching our democracy. You are, indeed, the proud inheritors of an illustrious legacy that your predecessors have left behind.

We have come a long way from the first General Elections of 1952 when only 44.87% of the eligible voters turned out to vote. In the last general elections in 2019, 67.40% or more than two-third of the eligible voters exercised their franchise. It is heartening to note that today, we are among the highest voting nations in the world with a substantial increase of 50% in voter turnout in 70 years.

All this calls for a celebration of the remarkable foresight of our constitution makers, the indefatigable efforts of countless dedicated officials, the media, civil society partners and the active involvement of people and the political parties as well as their implicit faith in the Election Commission.

This is what we are doing today as we look back at the 70 years of our country’s electoral history and the ceaseless quest for excellence that has made the Election Commission of India a credible, responsive and forward-looking institution every votary of democracy can legitimately be proud of.

The theme of today’s 12th National Voters Day is ‘Making our Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’.

The challenge before the Election Commission and the country is to ensure a steady increase in the voter turnout in every election to make our electoral democracy more inclusive by addressing the barriers to voting. This year’s theme of inclusive, accessible and participative elections is, hence, very apt.

I am pleased to note the consistent efforts of the Election Commission of India to improve voter turnout and also enhance the integrity of the election process.

Thanks to initiatives like Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), voter turnout has increased by 8% from 58.21% in 2009 to 66.44% in 2014. I am delighted that in the last general elections in 2019 and for the first time, women voter turn was more than that of men by a margin of 0.17%. Elections to five State Assemblies last year held under Covid protocol formulated by the Commission has witnessed huge voter turnout in the range of 74% to 84%.

Voter registration process is now considerably simpler with the Election Laws Amendment Act, 2021 enabling voters to register four times in a year. The Election Commission has ensured access to voters in remote areas like the Spiti valley located at 15,256 feet above sea level and has been making sustained efforts to curb electoral malpractices. However, there is much more to be done including a swifter resolution of election disputes and creation of a more informed citizenry empowered to judge the merits of each candidate. The Commission can further explore innovative ways in which technology can enhance the credibility and accessibility of the voting process.

In the 75th year of our Independence, let us resolve to leave no voter behind and aim to increase the voter turnout to at least 75% in the next general elections. Let each one realise that vote is not only a right but a responsibility. We, as a nation, must think and arrive at a consensus to have simultaneous elections to all the three tiers of federal set up and move towards better governance by focusing our attention on all round development of our people.

I compliment the awardees being recognized today for their commendable performance in the last elections.

I extend my greetings to the Election Commission and all the officials, to the enlightened leaders of political parties, to the media, civil society partners and most importantly, every citizen of our country who are making democracy work and are continuously contributing to a robust, well-functioning democracy.

*****

demand for Grants for Education

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal‘Nishank’ replied to the discussion on the demand for Grants of Ministry of Education for Year 2021-22, in LokSabha on 16th March, 2021.

Speaking on National Education Policy 2020, Union Minister said NEP will build strong foundations for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and help India claim its status as a Vishwaguru.ShriPokhriyal emphasized that NEP was formulated after holding broadbase and wider consultations with every stakeholders including teachers, students, academicians, parents and students among others.

The Minister said that NEP is national, international, impactful, interactive, innovative and inclusive and is based on firm foundations of equity, quality and accessibility. He spoke about features of NEP 2020 which includes imparting vocational education from class 6 onwards, Progress Card in place of report card, 5+3+3+4 structure, multidisciplinary education with easy entry/exit options and academic bank of credit.ShriPokhriyal also added that several countries have acknowledged NEP as the biggest reform of the world.

Speaking on the Budget allocation for Education for year 2021-22, ShriPokhriyal said that for Department of School Education and literacy, total budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs 54873.66 crore, which is an increase of Rs 2,684.59 crore as compared to RE Budget allocation in 2020-21. For Department of Higher Education, the total Budget allocation in BE 2021-22 is Rs. 38350.65crore, which is an increase of Rs. 5450.65 crore as compared to RE Budget allocation for the year 2020-21. Speaking about Government’s impetus to boosting research and innovation, Minister mentioned about National Research Foundation. He also said that there is a shift from package culture to patent culture among students now.

Enumerating initiative and efforts taken by the government to ensure continuity of education during challenging times of covid, ShriPokhriyal said education was provided via Online and Digital mediums throughSwayam, SwayamPrabha, E Pathshala, DIKSHA. He also mentioned that Manodarpan Portal was launched to provide 24*7 counselling services to the students.Board Exams and competitive exams (JEE and NEET) were conducted successfully, he added.

Minister also highlighted that in year 2019-20, 8.19 lakh students were being provided education through IGNOU, while the figure was 3.98 lakh students in year 2013-14. Number of Research Scholars in Higher Education in the year 2019-20 stood at 2.02 lakhs while it was 1.07 lakh in year 2013-14, he added.

Bhavika

https://track2training.net/2022/01/17/best-app-for-online-education-zoom/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/17/%e2%9a%ab-topic-top-4-loud-music-player-for-android/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/17/%e2%9a%abrise-of-covid-19-cases-day-by-day/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/%e2%ad%95teachers-day%e2%ad%95/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/what-is-journalism-and-mass-communication/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/apj-abdul-kalam-the-missile-man-of-india/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/pandit-jawahar-lal-nehru-the-first-prime-minister-of-india/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/indira-gandhi-first-woman-prime-minister-of-india/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/personality-development/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/%e2%ad%95interpersonal-communication-%e2%ad%95/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/18/beti-bachao-beti-padhao/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/19/%e2%ad%95clean-india-%e2%ad%95/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/19/%e2%9a%abrepublic-day%e2%9a%ab/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/19/%f0%9f%94%98sports-can-boost-learning-effectiveness-%f0%9f%94%98/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/19/doing-your-best-is-better-than-being-the-best/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/19/health-is-wealth/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/entrepreneurship/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/what-is-controllingimportance-of-controlling-in-management/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/what-is-the-role-of-youth-in-present-india/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/why-is-self-care-important/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/unemployment/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/career-planning/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/%f0%9f%94%98depression-%f0%9f%94%98/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/20/drug-addiction/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/woman-enpowerment/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/child-marriage/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/women-molestation-and-sexual-assault/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/tryst-with-destiny/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/family%e2%9d%a4/

https://track2training.net/2022/01/21/women-should-also-be-financially-independent/

National War Memorial

Wrestler Anshu Malik, who recently etched her name in history books by becoming the first Indian woman to win Silver in the World Championships, visited the National War Memorial at New Delhi.

The 20-year-old Indian wrestler took a tour around the national monument which is designed in a circular form, with ramps leading down into a large amphitheatre-like circular space, in the centre of which stands an obelisk. At the base of this, burns the eternal flame ‘Amar Chakra’ in the memory of all the soldiers who laid their lives during the armed conflicts of Independent India.

“Visiting this monument of great national importance, I feel that it has so much knowledge to offer about the glorious war history of our country. Seeing the names of around 26,500 fallen soldiers carved in the bricks of the Tyag Chakra made me feel as that each soldier is like another strong brick in the nation’s defensive wall”, said Anshu.

“Like the eternal flame in the Amar Chakra, all of these martyrs as well as their act of valour will always remain immortal in the heart of every Indian,” she added.

Meanwhile, Anshu paid tribute to Capt. Pawan Kumar from Dogra Regiment who also hailed from her native town, Jind in Haryana. “It was a great experience visiting the National War Memorial. I urge every Indian to visit this Memorial and witness an important part of India’s history.”

“When a common citizen or any other public figure shows interest in visiting and knowing the war history of the country, we as a soldier feel very encouraged and honoured about belonging to the Armed Forces,” said an Army Official who guided the athlete in understanding all the sections of the memorial.

*******

National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day is celebrated in the country on January 24 every year with an objective to provide support and opportunities to the girls of India. It aims towards promoting awareness about the rights of the girl child and to increase awareness on the importance of girl education, and their health and nutrition and also to promote the girls position in the society to make their living better among the society. Gender discrimination is a major problem that girls or women face throughout their life. National Girl Child Day was first initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Objectives of National Girl Child Day

The objective of National Girl Child Day is to create awareness about the rights a girl owns and to give girls the opportunities like everyone else, also to support the girl child of the nation and remove gender-based biases. Another objective of celebrating this day is to promote awareness about the inequalities that a girl child faces and educate people about girl’s education. Basically to value them and to respect them like everybody else and give a new perspective towards girl child and to decrease discrimination. The main focus is on changing society’s attitude towards girls, decrease female feticide and create awareness about the decreasing sex ratio.

Steps Taken by the Government

Government of India has taken several steps over the years to improve the conditions of girls. Government has started several campaigns and programmes some of them are :

Save the Girl Child,
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
CBSE Udaan Scheme
Free or subsidized education for girl child,
Reservation for women in colleges and universities

g. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education

Background of BBBP

Census 2011 data was a call for urgent action, because it highlighted that the girl child is increasingly being excluded from life itself. The unabated decline in Child Sex Ratio (CSR) since 1961 (from 976 in 1961 to 927 in 2001 and 918 in 2011) was a matter of grave concern as it reflected the low status of women in our society and indicates her disempowerment over a life-cycle continuum. Declining CSR is also indicative of pre-birth discrimination manifested through gender biased sex selection and post birth discrimination against girls (in terms of health care, nutrition and educational opportunities).

Year	1961	1971	1981	1991	2001	2011
Child Sex Ratio	976	964	962	945	927	918

CSR continued declining in spite of a strong legal and policy framework and various Government initiatives. The sharp decline is associated with an intersection of various factors such as the increasing spread and misuse of technology for prenatal sex selective elimination, changing aspirations of urban and rural societies, changes in family structures and reproductive decision making, favoring a smaller family size. This has accentuated the son preference, associated with the low status of women in society, patriarchal social norms and the disturbing pattern of gender based violence faced by girls and women across the life cycle.

Despite various policy and programmatic provisions, addressing adverse and steeply declining CSR remains a critical challenge. Efforts are needed to ensure survival, protection and education of girl child to help realize her full potential. In this regard, the Hon’ble President of India, in his address to the Joint Session of the Parliament on June 9, 2014 had stated that “With a commitment of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, my government will launch a mass campaign for saving the girl child and enabling her education. Further the Finance Minister in Budget speech 2014-15 also reiterated Government of India’s commitment by setting aside Rs. 100 Cr. Hon’ble Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the decline in CSR in his Independence Day address.

In this background, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 22nd January, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana to address the issue of decline in CSR and related issues of empowerment of girls and women over a life cycle continuum.

The Scheme was initially launched in 100 districts in 2014-15 (Phase-1), and was expanded to 61 additional districts in 2015-16 (Phase-2). Following initial success of the scheme, the initiative has been expanded to 640 districts of the Country (as per Census 2011) on 8th March 2018.

The Overall Goal of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme is to celebrate the girl child, enable her education.

Objectives and target groups:

The Scheme is being implemented with a goal to celebrate the girl child and enable her education. The objectives of the Scheme are as under:

1. To prevent gender biased sex selective elimination
2. To ensure survival and protection of the girl child
3. To ensure education and participation of the girl child

Implementation Status and acheivement:

Scheme has stirred up collective consciousness towards changing the mindset of the public to acknowledge the rights of the girl child. The scheme has resulted in increased awareness and sensitization of the masses. It has raised concerns around the issue of declining CSR in India. As a result of collective consciousness of the people supporting the campaign BBBP has found its place in public discourse.

Increase in 19 points in Sex Ratio at Birth at National level from 918 (2014-15) to 937 (2020-21). (Source: HMIS data, MoHFW (April-March, 2014-15 & 2020-21)
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Enrollment of Girls in secondary education increased from 77.45% in 2014-15 to 81.32% in 2018-19. (Source: U-DISE, Mo Education (2018-19 data is provisional)
Under Five Child Mortality (Female) has reduced from 45 in 2014 to 36 in 2018. (Source: SRS census india.gov.in)
Percentage of 1st Trimester ANC Registration has shown improvement from 61% in 2014-15 to 73.9% in 2020-21. (Source: HMIS data, MoHFW (April-March, 2014-15 & 2020-21)
Percentage of Institutional Deliveries has also shown an improvement from 87% in 2014-15 to 94.8% in 2020-21. (Source: HMIS data, MoHFW (April-March, 2014-15 & 2020-21)

NATIONAL GIRL CHILD DAY-2022

In view of COVID 19 situation in the country, it has been decided that all programs should be organised on virtual/ online mode and all kinds of physical interactions should be avoided.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar-2022

On the occasion of National Girl Child Day on 24th January and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a virtual function would be held to recognise the exemplary achievements of children by facilitating PMRBP awardees of 2022. Hon’ble Prime Minister would interact virtually with winners of PMRBP-2022. The children along with their parents and concerned District Magistrate of their respective district would join the event from their district Head Quarters.

During the function, Hon’ble Prime Minister would give digital certificates to winners of PMRBP. The certificates would also be given to winners of PMRBP 2021, who could not be given the certificates last year due to COVID situation. The cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- to be given to the awardees of PMRBP 2022 would also be transferred to the respective account of winners during the programme.

Webinars to be held on 24.1.2022

The Minister, MoWCD, Smt Smriti Zubin Irani will interact with children from few marginalised identities from across the country in an online event ‘Kanya Mahotsav’- #LadkiyanJahanKhushiyanwahan organised by UNICEF as part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav. The program will be livestreamed.

The Minister, Ministry of Textile, Commerce and Industries, Consumer Affairs and food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal will hold a virtual interactive session with young girls who have made noteworthy innovations in different areas that is pioneering.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shri Jitendra Singh will also interact with young women entrepreneurs who have made noteworthy achievements in the fields of science and technology on a virtual platform.

These interactions with the Ministers will act as a catalyst and inspire such other million girls to have conviction in their ideas and to follow their heart on the path towards economic independence.

National Commission of Women is organizing a virtual discussion through which their speakers will contribute to raise awareness about the rights of girls and on the importance of girl education.

NIPCCD will be organising a webinar on “Addressing Comprehensive Needs of Adolescent Girls in India” #Ladkiyanjahankhusiyanwahan. The talking points of the Webinar will be Healthy eating during adolescence · Challenges of Adolescent Girls with reference to Education & Way forward · Need and importance of Psychosocial Development among Adolescent Girls

NCPCR will be holding a webinar on the topic,’ Legislative Rights of the Girl Child’. Hon’ble Justice Shri Kalpesh Satyendra Jhaveri, former Chief Justice of Orissa High Court will be the main speaker for the webinar.

All the States/UTs s and 405 multi – sectoral districts under BBBP to organize online programmes such as Gram Sabha/Mahila Sabha on CSR, programme with schools on value of girl child, Posters/Slogan-writing/ Drawing/ Painting competition among school on STEM related topics, and run stories in local media about BBBP local champions etc.

********

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

g. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education

Background of BBBP

Objectives and target groups:

Implementation Status and acheivement:

Rate this: