Knowledge
The HRD ministry reveals the recommendations by Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy.
The HRD ministry revealed the recommendations of the Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy. The report covered wide reaching measures like on-demand board exams, revised ranking scale for higher education institutes, instituting a think tank and many more
The HRD Ministry made public the recommendations of the Committee for Evolution of the New Education Policy. With the kind of scope and coverage of the committee it surely seems that the committee left no stone unturned in coming out with proposals to change the education system for the better.
Here is a quick rundown through the recommendations at a macro level. The committee proposed on-demand board exams; 2-tier Class X Board Examination in Mathematics and Science and a single unified national entrance Test to allow Class XII pass outs to seek admission to various courses. Other recommendations include a 1-8 ranking scale for higher education institutes, a new higher education Act and 100 new centres of excellence.
Key recommendations at school level:
1. Class X Board Examination for Mathematics and Science in 2 levels: Part A at higher level and Part B at a lower level. Students wishing to complete their studies at Class X need, by choice, to appear in Part B only. Those who plan to take up future courses involving higher mathematics will have to take Part A. On-demand board exams to offer flexibility and reduce year end stress of students.
2. A National Level Test that will be open to every student who has passed class XII from any School Board. Candidates successful at this test will become eligible for admission to various courses without appearing in a number of entrance tests.
3. The committee report says that the no-detention policy should be discontinued after class V. Detention provision to be restored but unlike its previous avatar with provision of remedial coaching and at least 2 extra chances to each student to move to a higher class. Also an amendment to the RTE Act to bring minority institutions back into the fold.
4. School education to be imparted in mother tongue till Class V, choice of second language at primary level and third language at secondary level rests with the states.
5. Schools with low enrolment numbers and inadequate infrastructure should be, wherever possible, converted to composite schools for better infrastructure, teacher availability and efficient re-deployment.
6. Independent teacher: Recruitment commissions to ensure transparent, merit-based norms for selection. For elementary schools recruitment should be done at district level.
7. Top Class XII performers to be offered an additional choice of admission in a 5-year integrated teaching course leading to specialisation in specific subject areas and include an emphasis on developing teaching and research skills. Selected candidates should receive full scholarship from public funds.
8. States should convert existing two-year B.Ed. program to a 4-year integrated course which should offer preferential employment to its graduates.
9. The Mid-day meal scheme (MDMS) to be extended to secondary schools too.
10. A special national examination at class X and class XII level for School dropouts; Students who opted for vocational stream but would like to move back to main academic stream and those who wish to study abroad and need certification.
11. An independent board that will oversee implementation of schemes for children with special needs.
Recommendations for Higher Education
1. JNU effect: The report clearly warns against allowing educational institutions to become "political arenas to settle national rivalries." Says, essential to find the right balance between free speech and the primary purpose for which the universities have been established. It also underlines on the need to restrict period of stay of students on campus saying many of these many not be to pursue learning but "to follow a political agenda."
2. One unified national level examination for admission to each type of specified professional course for admission to any institution across the country.
3. Each institution should be evaluated at least once in 5 years on a scale of 1-7 with 7 representing the highest score. Those in the top 2 of the scale to be given full operational autonomy; while those on the bottom of the scale in category I would be put on notice for immediate closure. Those in category II would be given a warning that they are under close watch, and could be considered for closure unless they move up the scale.
4. The Academic Promotion Index (API) must be replaced by more scientific procedures.
5. National Fellowship Fund to support tuition fees, learning material and living expenses for about 10 lakh students every year from economically weaker sections. Students to be selected through a separate examination for a national talent scholarship scheme after class XII.
6. A National Higher Education Promotion and Management Act to be brought in to subsume all existing legislations. Recognition of all new universities and colleges will be done by an autonomous statutory Council of Higher Education to be set up by each State.
Recommendations at the Institution level
1. Set up a high quality think tank -a Standing Education Commission to study emerging challenges, evaluate policies and programmes, and provide guidance to the Ministry.
2. Set up Administrative Tribunals attached to the MHRD to deal with litigation in a time-bound approach.
3. A Council for Excellence in Higher Education to create policies to foster the establishment of Centres for Excellence, both in the public and private sectors.
This post is based on an article originally published here.