News

A Six-Point Plan By UNICEF To Protect Our Children

Global coordination is urgently needed to prevent the COVID-19 crisis from becoming a child-rights crisis.

Published

4 years ago

November 30, 2020

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, governments around the world have mobilized billions of dollars to save their economies. But there is another impending and devastating loss if we do not act: a lost generation of children.

Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is slipping backwards, and children continue to pay the steepest price. Without coordinated, global action to prevent, mitigate and respond to the effects of the pandemic, the consequences for children now, and for the future of our shared humanity, will be severe.

This six-point plan proposes a set of practical and concrete actions to reunite the world around a common cause: the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

To do so, decision-makers must start by listening to children and young people and including them in decision-making. It is they, especially girls; children facing poverty, exclusion, or violence; those with disabilities; children affected or displaced by a humanitarian crisis; and children without parental care, who will live with the impact of this pandemic for decades to come. UNICEF calls for global action to:

1. Ensure all children learn, including by closing the digital divide

At their peak, nationwide school closures disrupted the learning of 91 per cent of students worldwide. Marginalized children suffer the heaviest burden: some 463 million young people were not able to access remote learning during school shutdowns. What’s more, previous shutdowns demonstrate that children who are out of school for extended periods, especially girls, are less likely to return.

UNICEF asks governments and partners to:

Prioritize the reopening of schools: Take all measures possible to reopen schools safely and keep them open.
Increase education funding and ensure equal access to quality, violence-free education so every child learns. This will require a focus on the most marginalized children, including girls, children under attack and on the move, children with disabilities, and children living in rural communities or without access to the internet.
Close the digital divide by connecting all children and young people to the internet by 2030 and reaching 3.5 billion children and young people with safe, quality, accessible and equitable online learning.
Protect schools and places of learning from attack, and hold perpetrators of these attacks to account.

2. Guarantee access to health and nutrition services and make vaccines affordable and available to every child

A child survival crisis looms, with the children at greatest risk of hunger and disease now seeing their already-fragile health and food systems buckle under the strain of COVID-19. A fragmented and inequitable response to both treating and vaccinating against COVID-19 only risks prolonging the pandemic.

UNICEF asks governments and partners to:

Urgently ensure the continuity of key health and nutrition services for children and young people – especially routine immunization, prioritizing the hardest to reach.
Unite to fight the spread of misinformation and build back confidence in routine immunization.
Collect gender-, age- and disability-disaggregated data on children and young people, including for those who have contracted COVID-19, and invest in research to better understand its impact on their health and well-being.
Ensure every child and young person has equal and affordable access – regardless of where they live – to COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines as part of a comprehensive package of essential care.
Ensure any new funding expands access to other essential health services for children and young people, including by training and supporting health-care workers.

3. Support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect in childhood

The world is waking up to the extent – and lasting impacts – of child abuse and neglect. But the COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated violence, exploitation, and abuse as children are cut off from key support services while simultaneously suffering the additional stress placed on families in turmoil. Girls are particularly vulnerable, with child marriage and adolescent pregnancy already on the rise.

UNICEF asks governments and partners to:

Integrate sustainable child mental health and psychosocial support funding in all global humanitarian responses and commit to increased multi-year funding to better meet the protection needs of children in crisis.
Prioritize the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in global humanitarian action, increasing funding for gender-specific interventions.
Invest in gender-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support for children, young people and their caregivers:
1. Provide parenting support to all those who need it and strengthen child helplines and other child-focused reporting mechanisms.
2. Designate formal and informal social service workers and services – including for gender-based violence, child protection, and sexual and reproductive health services – as essential.
3. Invest in gender-sensitive mental health and psychosocial support services for children, adolescents and their caregivers, including through schools, social services and communities.

4. Increase access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene and address environmental degradation and climate change

COVID-19 may not have been directly caused by climate change, but there are strong linkages pointing to environmental degradation as a common underlying risk factor. Unreliable access to safe water due to changes in climate also limits people’s ability to practise life-saving hygiene measures like handwashing. Our vulnerability to this pandemic has only underscored the risk of not taking immediate action to protect against environmental degradation and climate change.

UNICEF asks governments and partners to:

Guarantee universal access to clean water and handwashing for children and families through national policies, private sector cooperation, community engagement and behaviour-change initiatives.
Invest in climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in homes, schools, hospitals and public spaces to make communities better prepared for future pandemics and other shocks.
Integrate child rights into key national climate change and adaptation strategies, policies and planning documents, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), as well as COVID-19 response and recovery plans and budgets.
Continue to pursue, implement and monitor climate and environmentally focused targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
Teach children and young people about climate change, the environment and responsible and sustainable consumption and production.

5. Reverse the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all

The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 threatens to hit children the hardest, with the number of children living below their national poverty lines expected to soar by 140 million by the end of the year. Economic crises are often followed by cuts to government spending, including on programmes for children. If the world repeats this pattern in the wake of COVID-19, poverty and deprivation among children will continue to rise, even after the immediate crisis has waned. An inclusive recovery plan is imperative to prevent countless more children from reaching levels of poverty unseen for many years.

UNICEF asks governments to:

Marshal global resources to ensure an inclusive, gender-sensitive recovery, and support national fiscal responses that prioritize children and their families:

Maintain or increase overseas aid commitments, identifying context-specific new financing options and direct funding to those countries most affected and least able to take on new lending.
Act on debt relief, including extending current debt service suspension to middle-income countries. Ensure coordinated action covering all creditors to restructure and, where necessary, reduce debt.
Include investment in key services for children and young people as part of domestic stimulus packages and ring-fence existing spending on the most vulnerable children.

Expand resilient social protection programmes for the most vulnerable children and their families, including cash transfers for every child and child-friendly services like affordable, quality childcare.

6. Redouble efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster and displacement

Even before the pandemic, 2020 was set to see more people than ever in need of humanitarian assistance. COVID-19 has compounded the vulnerabilities of migrant, displaced, and refugee children, as well as those living in crisis-affected countries. And whether the result of active conflict or new pandemic restrictions, it is becoming harder to reach the most vulnerable children with essential and life-saving services. COVID-19 must not become an excuse to divert attention from these children.

UNICEF asks governments to:

Increase and maintain funding for emergencies to prevent multiple, catastrophic and protracted crises and to save children’s lives, alleviate their suffering and preserve their dignity. In all humanitarian responses, prioritize child rights and child protection, in line with the Core Commitments for Children.
Ensure immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access.
End attacks on children and on civilian infrastructure critical for their survival, such as water, sanitation, and health-care facilities and personnel. Hold the perpetrators of these attacks to account.
Include internally displaced, refugee and migrant children in national systems, policies and plans – starting with COVID-19 recovery and response efforts.
Fight the virus, not each other. Implement and uphold the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire.

What is UNICEF doing to support children during COVID-19?

Our response to the coronavirus disease must reimagine a world fit for every child. History has shown that UNICEF, together with partners, has the experience and reach to improve the lives of millions of children and their families. We were there for the post-World War II refugee crisis – and have responded to every natural disaster, armed conflict, famine and disease since.

And we are here now, in 192 countries and territories, working with communities, governments and partners to slow the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the social and economic impacts on children and their families. We are:

Working with governments, authorities and global health partners to ensure vital supplies and protective equipment reach the most vulnerable communities.
Prioritizing the delivery of life-saving medicines, nutrition and vaccines, and working closely with governments and logistics networks to mitigate the impact of travel restrictions on the delivery of these supplies – including by supporting the COVAX initiative and preparing for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Working with partners to urgently distribute water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to the most vulnerable communities.
Ensuring the continuity of key health and nutrition services – including routine immunization – focusing on the most vulnerable children.
Distributing vital public health messaging and advice to slow the transmission of the virus and minimize mortality.
Supporting governments to prioritize schools in their reopening plans and take all possible measures to reopen safely.
Providing advice and support to parents, caregivers and educators to support home and remote learning, where schools remain closed, and working with partners to design innovative education solutions.
Working with partners to bridge the digital divide and bring internet connectivity to 3.5 billion children and young people by 2030.
Providing guidance to employers on how best to support working parents, and designing new social protection solutions that ensure the poorest households can access critical funding.
Providing peer-to-peer learning and information sharing between children, adolescents and young people to support their mental health and combat stigma, xenophobia and discrimination.
Working with governments, authorities and other partners to ensure child rights and child protection measures are embedded in the immediate COVID-19 response and longer-term recovery planning.
Stepping up the work with refugee and migrant children and those affected by conflict to ensure they are protected from COVID-19.
Supporting meaningful child participation in the development and implementation of programmes responding to COVID-19.

This article was first published on UNICEF.org

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Renowned Educationist Shomie Das Passes Away

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Team ScooNews

Shomie Das, a renowned figure in Indian education, passed away at 10:30 pm last night in a Hyderabad hospital. Das had been in a coma following brain surgery and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Shomie Das, an eminent figure in Indian education, has a distinguished academic and professional background. He graduated from St. Xavier’s College at the University of Calcutta and subsequently from the University of Cambridge. Early in his career, Das taught at Gordonstoun School, where his students included Prince Charles. He served as the principal of Mayo College from 1969 to 1974, before taking on the role of headmaster at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, a position he held until 1988. He then became the headmaster of The Doon School, where he left a significant mark on the educational landscape. His tenure in education was marked by a commitment to fostering curiosity, self-discovery, and critical thinking. Notably, Mr. Das’s grandfather, SR Das, was the founder of The Doon School, linking him to a deep legacy in educational excellence.

Shomie Das’s association with Naga Prasad Tumalla of People Combine led to the establishment of Oakridge International School, which was eventually acquired by Nord Anglia Education. Just two weeks ago, Mr. Das attended the launch of a book titled ‘Shomie Das – The Man Who Saw Tomorrow.’ Authored by Naga Tumalla, the book delves into how their collaboration founded a school that encourages students to think beyond traditional educational boundaries.

As we mourn the loss of Mr. Das, we celebrate the legacy of a visionary who viewed education as a transformational journey rather than a transactional process. His profound impact on education will continue to influence countless lives, instilling a passion for genuine learning. We are profoundly grateful for his commitment and the indelible mark he has left on Indian education. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Thank you, Mr. Shomie Das, for your unwavering dedication to the transformative power of education.

Education

CBSE Mandates ‘Composite Skill Labs’ in Schools to Enhance Skill-Based Education

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

Team ScooNews

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive requiring all affiliated schools to establish ‘Composite Skill Labs’ to strengthen skill-based education in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE). These labs are intended to provide students with practical learning opportunities, better equipping them for various career paths and entrepreneurial ventures.

As per the directive, schools must set up either a single Composite Skill Lab of 600 sq ft for classes 6-12 or two separate labs of 400 sq ft each—one dedicated to classes 6-10 and the other to classes 11-12. This facility is now a compulsory requirement for schools seeking new CBSE affiliation or renewing their existing affiliation. Schools that are already affiliated with CBSE must comply with this mandate and establish these labs within three years.

The NCF-SE underscores the importance of offering students hands-on learning experiences and projects that align with their chosen skills. The development of well-equipped skill labs and vocational training centres is crucial to fostering an environment that supports practical learning and the development of essential skills.

Image Source- www.cbse.gov.in

CBSE’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the diverse opportunities that lie ahead. The establishment of these Composite Skill Labs is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving these educational goals.

Education

University of Southampton Receives Licence to Establish Campus in India

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- India Today

The University of Southampton has been granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in India, marking a significant milestone in the internationalisation of education. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the university’s plans to offer high-quality education, research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise within the country.

This forthcoming campus aims to produce world-class, work-ready graduates equipped with both specialised and transferable skills. It will engage in research and knowledge exchange in collaboration with local universities, industries, and government bodies, applying these insights to generate tangible social and economic benefits. The university’s focus is on fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in India, as highlighted in their official press release.

Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, commented, “In the 21st century, no university can truly be global without engaging with India. Our goal is to establish a campus that contributes to both India and the University of Southampton by merging our world-class expertise in education, research, and knowledge exchange with the immense talent of this rising global superpower.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement, added, “University of Southampton Delhi NCR will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. It will promote academic collaboration and introduce an international perspective to the Indian higher education system, offering students the opportunity to earn a top 100 global degree within the country.”

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The new University of Southampton campus will be a hub of world-class education and innovation. This collaboration will not only enhance educational excellence but also allow more British students to experience living and studying in India, further strengthening the unique bond between our two nations.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India at the British Council, remarked, “The University of Southampton’s decision to establish a campus in India reflects the strong educational partnership between India and the UK. This development aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and underscores the power of education in building cross-cultural understanding and a brighter future for young people.”

Education

Odisha Launches PM-USHA Programme to Boost Higher Education

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Team ScooNews

Source- pmusha.education.gov.in/

Odisha has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a significant initiative aimed at elevating the state’s higher education sector. The programme was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state and the Union Education Ministry, in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan, and state Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

This initiative will see the central government contribute Rs 500 crore towards the development and infrastructure of higher education institutions across Odisha. Minister Pradhan hailed August 31 as a momentous day for Odisha’s educational landscape, underscoring the programme’s alignment with the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the National Education Policy, 2020.

Key Aspects of PM-USHA

PM-USHA is designed to ensure access, equity, and excellence in higher education throughout Odisha. The Centre will provide 60 percent of the grants, with the remaining 40 percent covered by the state. This transformative initiative aims to enhance Odisha’s state universities into world-class institutions, equipped with the tools to impart 21st-century skills.

Chief Minister Charan emphasised the programme’s goal of upskilling one crore students and making Odisha a beacon of knowledge. Plans to grant autonomy to state universities were also announced, focusing on curriculum improvements, teacher training, and infrastructure development.

Education

EDUCATION vs. SEX OFFENDERS: Ending the Culture of Violence Through Learning

Published

4 weeks ago

August 22, 2024

Sanvi Agarwal

Image Source- Envato Elements

In light of the recent reports about sex-related crimes, it’s natural to ask, “How much worse can it get?” But, “How can we make it better?” is perhaps a better question. This article explores solutions that schools, educators, society, and we as individuals can implement. Ultimately, we have a choice: either remain trapped in a vicious cycle that fosters sex offenders or teach lessons of equality, empathy, and equity to shape a safer future for our country.

Rapists are not born, they are made. They emerge when seemingly normal actions subtly elevate men above the basic principles of humanity. For example, when boys are asked to sit with girls in schools as a “punishment,” when boys are not encouraged to form healthy friendships with girls, or when girls are told to dress a certain way, concealing their individuality and their skin, these experiences serve the dual purpose of making girls feel inferior and leading boys to believe that everything wrong with society is somehow related to women. If such harmful beliefs can be taught, then lessons of empathy, respect, and equality should be even easier to instil. Proper sex education, paired with eradicating the long-standing practice of asking only girls to adapt, can help dismantle these erroneous beliefs by promoting gender equality and mutual respect.

Gender-based stereotypes that focus on what a student ‘should’ do rather than what they ‘can’ do also create an implicit obligation to follow a set path, whether towards family, profession, or society. The human mind is a pattern recogniser—we see things and assume them to be the rule. Thus, when children see their parents taking responsibility for certain tasks at home, they assume this is what happens in every household, in every place. Parents need to constantly challenge gender stereotypes to prevent their children from learning them. By dividing kitchen duties, having both parents buy essentials, both making payments, and both participating in home repairs, parents can demonstrate that duties or jobs are not assigned by gender, thereby teaching gender equality.

Sex education is also seen as a crucial solution. We’ve discussed its importance, read about its significance, and debated its benefits. Yet, we’ve failed to give it the academic and societal attention it truly deserves. With children now having unprecedented access to technology, and experiencing both the wonders and horrors of the world, addressing this issue has become even more crucial.

While efforts have been made to make sex education a mandatory course for adolescents, many states have opposed the idea, altering the course content to suit their preferences. Some schools have even gone to the extent of substituting the word “sex” with “adolescent” in the curriculum. The lack of proper sex education only exacerbates unhealthy attitudes towards sex, allowing non-consensual encounters and gender-based violence to persist. A study conducted on American students found a 56% reduction in the likelihood of sexual assault among those who received comprehensive sex education compared to those who did not. (This study, along with many others, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, highlights the benefits of sex education, including a better understanding of consent, a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and STIs, and a reduction in sexual violence and marital rape.)

We have always waited for the government, society, and the elites to recognise problems and take action, but we often fail to realise that we are the ones who shape the government, society, and elites. When we unlearn these problematic ideologies, we create a society that doesn’t victim blame, takes serious action against heinous crimes, and welcomes people into workplaces based on their talents and merit, not on the sex they were assigned at birth. Education can either build or break the future citizens of a country. When we make these changes on our own level, we shape the future law-makers, law enforcers, and law-abiding citizens. The future is indeed in our hands.

This article is authored by Sanvi Agarwal, a Law Aspirant, passionate about women rights, gender equality, and social justice

Education

Ministry of Education Celebrates 4th Anniversary of NEP 2020 with “Shiksha Saptah” Campaign

Published

2 months ago

July 29, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- PIB

The Ministry of Education is commemorating the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020 with a week-long campaign titled “Shiksha Saptah.” On the final day, schools nationwide are focusing on enhancing community involvement in education through the Vidyanjali and Tithi Bhojan initiatives.

Vidyanjali: Strengthening Schools through Community Involvement

Vidyanjali, a school volunteer management program run by the Department of School Education & Literacy, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th September 2021. This initiative aims to improve the quality of education by involving the community, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the private sector.

As part of the Shiksha Saptah campaign, the Department of School Education & Literacy has suggested various activities for schools. These include onboarding schools to the Vidyanjali portal and identifying local volunteers. Schools will feature active volunteers on a “Wall of Fame” and encourage principals, teachers, and students to write letters of gratitude to these volunteers.

Community awareness activities such as rallies, street plays, poster-making, and chart-making about volunteer activities are being organised. State- and district-level officials are actively participating to ensure the campaign’s success. These efforts align with the NEP 2020’s goal of increasing community participation in education.

The activities aim to build a strong support system for students and teachers, creating a better learning environment by bringing together schools, volunteers, and the community through the Vidyanjali portal (https://vidyanjali.education.gov.in/).

Education

Youth Ideathon 2024: CBSE Launches India’s Biggest Entrepreneurship Competition for School Students

Published

2 months ago

July 25, 2024

Team ScooNews

ThinkStartup, India’s leading entrepreneurship education platform, in association with the Management Entrepreneurship Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), announced the launch of the 4th edition of Youth Ideathon (YI24). This prestigious Innovation and Entrepreneurship festival aims to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young minds across India.

The theme for this year’s Youth Ideathon is “iStartup a Good Thing for India.” The competition will be held in five stages, initially online, and is open to all school students in India, divided into Junior (Class 4 to Class 8) and Senior (Class 9 to Class 12) categories. Students will compete in teams of 3 to 5 members from the same school. The grand finale is set for October 6, 2024. Last year, the Ideathon attracted over 1.5 lakh students from more than 8,000 schools, and this year aims to see participation from over 2 lakh students across 10,000 schools.

Dr Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education & Training), CBSE, remarked, “Entrepreneurship is an essential pillar of the New Education Policy 2020, and the Youth Ideathon platform allows students to think bravely and showcase their talents.”

Mamta Kumari, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI, added, “Initiatives like Youth Ideathon 2024 nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among young minds, creating over 200 internships for school students in fields such as technology and digital marketing.”

Shivani Singh-Kapoor, Co-founder of ThinkStartup, emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Youth Ideathon empowers the next generation by nurturing high-potential student ideas with incubation support.”

The competition is supported by industry leaders such as Esri India and MediaTek. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, noted, “Youth Ideathon channels the creativity of young minds towards addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.”

Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek India, echoed this sentiment, saying, “By supporting platforms like Youth Ideathon, we aim to generate more startups, create jobs, and cultivate groundbreaking ideas.”

Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of Youth Ideathon, highlighted the new frugal startup challenge, offering Rs. 1000 cash to the top 500 teams to build a prototype or small venture.

Youth Ideathon 2024 also receives support from SheAtWork and BRICS CCI WE. Ruby Sinha, Founder of SheAtWork, stated, “Youth Ideathon addresses both SDG 4 and SDG 5 goals of quality education and gender equality.”

Participants will receive certificates, with top teams competing for incubation grants up to Rs. 100,000. Special recognition will be given to teachers, mentors, and schools with high participation rates.

Education

Internships in Top 500 Companies, Rs 5k Stipend for Youth: Key Highlights from the Education Budget 2024

Published

2 months ago

July 24, 2024

Team ScooNews

The image is generated using AI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2024 yesterday, marking the first budget of the BJP-led NDA after Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third term. The budget introduced significant allocations aimed at bolstering education, employment, and skilling, with a notable allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for these sectors.

Education Budget 2024: Rs 1.48 Lakh Crore Allocated

A new scheme offering internship opportunities at 500 top companies for 1 crore students over the next five years was one of the major highlights. Each student will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 and a one-time assistance payment of Rs 6,000. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing practical experience to young learners.

“The government’s initiative to provide financial support for higher education loans up to Rs 10 lakh is commendable. This move will enhance accessibility to quality education,” said Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. “The allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore for employment and skilling initiatives is also a positive step towards addressing youth unemployment.”

Major Employment and Skilling Schemes

The Finance Minister announced a substantial PM Package consisting of five programmes aimed at boosting employment and skilling, with a total allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore. Among these, Rs 1.48 lakh crore has been specifically allocated for education, employment, and skilling. The initiatives will skill 20 lakh youth over a five-year period, significantly contributing to the nation’s workforce by equipping young individuals with necessary skills to thrive in various industries.

25,000 Students to Avail Loan Benefits Every Year

The budget also introduced model skill loans. “Skilling loans – model skill loans schemes for up to 7 lakh rupees will benefit 25,000 students every year,” stated Finance Minister Sitharaman. This initiative aims to support students financially in acquiring necessary skills, thus enhancing their employability and career prospects.

“This year’s budget strikes a fine balance between fiscal discipline and drivers of economic and social growth. Enhanced initiatives on women empowerment and education underscore the focus on welfare schemes,” noted Dr Rakesh K Singh, Professor and Associate Dean – Academics at IMT Ghaziabad. “Structural reforms propose new policies to foster innovation and skill development in emerging areas such as AI and renewable energy.”

Comparison with Previous Budget

In the Union Budget 2023, the central government’s allocation for the education sector was Rs 1,12,898.97 crore, the highest allocation granted to the Ministry of Education at the time. The Union Budget 2024 reflects a strong focus on education, employment, and skilling, with significant investments aimed at creating a more skilled and educated workforce. The announced programmes and allocations are expected to drive improvements in educational infrastructure, job creation, and skill development across the nation.

“The government will also offer internships in 500 of India’s top companies. The companies can employ these interns through their CSR funds. As a support to employers, reimbursement of up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee will be provided,” stated Balkishan Sharma, Chairman & Founder at FVEG. “These new schemes aim to create new jobs and provide employment to well-educated youth.”

A Step Towards a Skilled Workforce

“The proposed comprehensive internship programme for one crore youth is a commendable initiative,” added Gangaramani. “These measures, if implemented effectively, can significantly boost India’s human capital development and contribute to a more skilled and employable workforce.”

The Budget 2024, with its focus on education, employment, and skilling, aligns with the nation’s developmental goals and is a welcome step forward in building a robust and future-ready workforce.

Education

Higher Education Enrollment Jumps To Nearly 4.33 Crore In FY22, Up 26.5% From FY15

Published

2 months ago

July 22, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- TESS India

The higher education sector in India has seen a substantial increase in enrolment and rising equity over the past eight years, as revealed by the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22. The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted that total enrolment in higher education surged to nearly 4.33 crore in FY22, up from 4.14 crore in FY21 and 3.42 crore in FY15—a remarkable 26.5% increase since FY15.

This growth has been driven significantly by underprivileged sections, including SC, ST, and OBC communities, with a notable increase in female enrolment across these groups. Female enrolment in higher education jumped to 2.07 crore in FY22 from 1.57 crore in FY15, reflecting a 31.6% rise. This growing equity in higher education is expected to translate into better employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged sections of society.

India’s educational landscape is vast, with 26.52 crore students in schools, 4.33 crore in higher education, and over 11 crore learners in skilling institutions. The National Credit Framework (NCrF), announced under the National Education Policy 2020 in April 2023, serves as the foundation of a regulatory structure that promotes lifelong learning.

The Economic Survey underscores the importance of mission-mode and cost-effective implementation of educational programmes, especially at the primary level. Effective public spending on education should focus on pedagogy and governance, including monitoring teaching quality, recognising teacher performance, and employing local volunteers to ensure students are taught at the appropriate level.

India is making significant strides in research and development. The number of patents granted in FY24 nearly quadrupled from FY20, reaching almost 1,00,000. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India had the highest growth in patent filings in 2022 at 31.6%. The country has improved its rank in the Global Innovation Index from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023.

Ph.D. enrolment has also surged, with an 81.2% increase from FY15 to FY22. Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has more than doubled since FY11. The newly established National Research Foundation, ‘Anusandhan’, aims to bolster India’s R&D ecosystem with a significant financial commitment from the government.

India’s ascent in high-quality research is marked by its rise to 9th place in the Nature Index 2023, surpassing Australia and Switzerland. The government’s commitment to research and innovation is encapsulated in the interim budget of FY25, which includes a Rs. 1 lakh crore corpus for research, adopting the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”.

Education

UNESCO Report Highlights Need for Boost in India’s Upper Secondary Education

Published

2 months ago

July 18, 2024

Team ScooNews

The recent UNESCO report, “SDG 4 Scorecard Progress Report on National Benchmarks: Focus on Teachers,” reveals that while India is excelling in primary education, the upper secondary education sector requires significant improvements. The report, published by UNESCO, shows that India’s primary education completion rate is at an impressive 94%, nearing its 2025 benchmark of 99%. However, the upper secondary completion rate lags at 51%, against the 2025 benchmark of 84%.

India’s performance in pre-primary participation is also notable, scoring 91%, close to its target of 95%. Conversely, the country struggles with out-of-school rates and lacks sufficient data to assess minimum learning proficiency accurately.

In terms of school internet connectivity, India is making average progress across all educational levels, indicating room for enhancement. The country performs well in the pre-primary teacher training sector, meeting its 2025 benchmark of 95%.

Overall, while India’s primary education sector is performing well, the secondary education sector, especially the upper secondary level, needs focused attention to meet the set benchmarks. The report highlights that 79% of countries have submitted national targets for SDG 4 indicators, with India making strides in some areas but still requiring significant efforts in others.