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Year End Review 2019 – Department of School Education
In pursuance Prime Minister’s vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अच्छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education).
In pursuance Prime Minister's vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अच्छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education).
In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. MHRD has launched Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge and also launched NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme. Beside this, MHRD launched several new schemes in Higher Education Department to boost research & Innovation culture in the country. Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh andPARAMARSHare other major schemes of Department of Higher Education launched in 2019.
In the year of 2019, Ministry of HRD has actively participated in various nationwide campaigns like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), Fit India Campaign, 70th anniversary of Constitution Day, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi among others. In order to preserve environment some campaigns have been initiated by MHRD. Save water and One Student One Tree are major successful campaigns of MHRD.
Major Achievements of Department of School Education & Literacy :
NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement :
A National Mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme called NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement has been launched on 21st August, 2019. This integrated programme aims to build the capacities of around 42 lakh teachers and Heads of Schools, faculty members of SCERTs and DIETs and Block Resource Coordinators and Cluster Resource Coordinators.
This training programme has been included as one of the two transformative ideas from Department for the 100 days programme of the Government. The initiative is first of its kind wherein standardized training modules are developed at national level for all States and UTs. However, States and UTs can contextualize the training modules and use their own material and resource persons also, keeping in view the core topics and expected outcomes of NISHTHA.
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu gave the DHRUV batches to all the 60 students selected under DHRUV programmehave been broadly chosen from classes 9 to 12, from all schools including government and private.
The students will both shine through their achievements and light a path for others to follow.
Union HRD Minister launches Integrated Online junction for School Education ‘Shagun’ :
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched one of world’s largest Integrated Online Junction for – School Education ‘Shagun’ in New Delhi on 28th August 2019. School Education Shagun (URL: htpp://shagun.govt.in/) is an over-arching initiative to improve school education system by creating a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Government of India and all States and Union Territories.
1200 KendriyaVidyalayas, 600 NavodayaVidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE among others are integrated with Shagun. Report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the newly created junction. The portal seeks to connect approximately 92 lakh teachers and 26 crore students.The website provides a very robust feedback mechanism. Common people can directly give their feedback about schools which will further increase the public participation and will ensure accountability and transparency.
President presents National Awards to 46 teachers from across the country for their exceptional contribution :
The purpose of National Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honor those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
This year the online self nomination process followed by 3 tier selection process at District, State and National level has been completed. The Independent National Jury recommended name of 46 teachers. The award carries a Silver Medal, Certificate and Rs. 50,000/- as award money.
PM interacts with students, teachers and parents at “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0” :
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, interacted with students, teachers and parents, as part of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 29th January 2019. The interaction, which lasted for over ninety minutes, saw students, teachers and parents relax, laugh, and repeatedly applaud the Prime Minister’s observations, which included a touch of humour and wit.Students from across the country, and also Indian students residing abroad, participated in the event.
National Workshop of HRD Ministry on Social Media Outreach & Communication :
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the 'Social Media Outreach & Communication: National Workshop on Management and Best Practices'organised by Ministry of HRD for various educational institutions and organisations in New Delhi on 27th December.Nearly 200 Social Media Champions from various Centrally funded educational institutions participated in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to bring the social media communication and outreach of various institutions under one umbrella and to open a channel for day to day communication and dialogue with these institutions.
Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) :
To ensure quality, credibility and timely availability of information from all the schools in the country, the revamped UDISE + has been launched by the Department. The GIS based mapping portal gives information about location of more than 15 lakh schools in the country along with some salient highlights. The Data Analytics portal gives percent information about the aggregate position of the school.
Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) 2.0 :
Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 for providing digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with teacher community. This initiative has been taken forward to enhance coverage and improve the quality of e-content for teachers…All States and UTs and also KVs and NVs have been asked to involve proactively in curating contents for DIKSHA. NCERT, CBSE are also actively involved in taking the DIKSHA initiative forward. Till date, more than 67000 of content pieces have been hosted on DIKSHA and more than 10.5 crore scans have been affected.
Performance Grading Index (PGI) :
To objectively evaluate the performance of the school education system in the States/UTs, MHRD has designed a 70 indicators based matrix called Performance Grading Index (PGI) to grade the States and UTs.
Operation Digital Board (ODB) :
The aim is to provide by March 2023, two smart classrooms for every Secondary/Senior Secondary schools in1,01,967 Government and 42,917 Aided schools in all States/UTs and 1704 KVs and NVs making a total of 1,46,588 schools. One-time amount of Rs.2.40 lakhs will be required to procure hardware, including accessories and a recurring cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs (for 5 years) for electricity charges, internet connection etc. The total budgetary requirement will be Rs. 8782.55 crore (Rs. 5671.50 crore required by the DoSEL, MHRD and rest Rs. 3111.05 crore by States) spread over a period from April 2020-21 to March 2026-27. Broad features of this project have been finalized and draft EFC note will soon be uploaded as per prescribed procedure (after ‘in principal’ approval of D/o Expenditure).
Scheme for Financial Assistance for Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) :
The Centrally Sponsored restructured scheme of ‘Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) Scheme’ has been launched for the remaining period of current FY 2019-20 i.e. from October, 2019 to March, 2020 for appointment and training of Hindi teachers in North Eastern States and the Urdu Teachers in States/UTs. A proposal is being prepared to extend this scheme.
Mid-Day Meal (MDM) :
The National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools, popularly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is an on-going Centrally-Sponsored Scheme which covers all school children studying in Classes I-VIII of Government, Government-Aided, Special Training Centres including Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. During 2018-19, 11.98 crore children studying in 11.34 lakh institutions have been enrolled under the Scheme. A total of 24.95 lakh cook-cum-helpers have been engaged by the States/UTs under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and more than 90% are women. Out of 24.95 lakh cooks, 21% SCs, 15% STs, 42% OBCs and 7% are from Minorities.
** Releases as on date i.e. 23.12.2019
School Nutrition Gardens (SNG) :
A guideline on School Nutrition Gardens has been issued to all states and UTs. It is a place where herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown in the school premises for use in preparation of Mid-Day Meal.
Samagra Shiksha :
First time introduction of Library Grant and promotion of reading :
- The Central Government has launched the Integrated scheme for school education named as SamagraShikshaw.e.f 2018-19. Under the Samagra Shiksha, for the first time, Library grant at school level has been introduced.
- States/UTs have also been advised to set up Readers’ Club in schools in a phased manner with the help of National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL), is a wing of National Book Trust (NBT) to promote the habit of reading.
- In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 71164.78 lakh has been approved under library grant for 1009357 schools of different categories.
Sports and Physical Education :
- In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 800.40 crore has been approved under sports grant for 1002558 government schools of different categories.
- The fresh guidelines for sports and physical education are being prepared.
- NCERT organized Yoga Olympiad across the country at various levels, schools from states and UTs, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools participated in the Yoga Olympiad, culminating in the National Yoga Olympiad on 18th to 20th June, 2019 at NCERT, New Delhi.
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made Health and Physical Education compulsory in all classes from I-XII. It has been advised to schools that Health and Physical Education includes three areas i.e. Health Education, Physical Education and Yoga and all three areas are essential to achieve holistic health (physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual).
Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalaya :
- There are Four Types of KGBVs under Samagra Shiksha which are as under:
- Type-I: Existing KGBVs for classes VI to VIII.
- Type-II: KGBVs for classes VI to X.
- Type-III: KGBVs for classes VI to XII.
- Type-IV: Existing Girls’Hostel for IX to XII.
- Under Samagra Shiksha, total 5930 KGBVs have been sanctioned in the country out of which 4881 KGBVs are operational enrolling 6.18 lakh girls as on 30.09.2019.
- In the year 2019-20, Rs. 424750.05 lakh has been sanctioned for all KGBVs in the country.
Safety and Security of School Children :
- The Department of School Education and Literacy has issued a letter on 18.10.2019 to all States and UTs for display of ‘School Safety Pledge’ on a board or painted on wall at prominent places in all Schools. Under Samagra Shiksha, a provision of Rs. 500/- per school has been made in this regard. This Department is framing the guidelines for safety and security of school children. In this regard, consultations have been held with various stakeholders including students, teachers, Counsellors, Principals and School Managements.
Self Defence Training for Girls :
- Self defence training is being imparted to girls of class VI to XII belonging to Government Schools under Samagra Shiksha. Fund for this purpose is provided for three months @ Rs. 3000/- per school per month.
- Self defence training is also being given in Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas.
- Under Samagra Shiksha, an amount of Rs. 15346.257 lakh has been estimated for 180160 Elementary Schools and Rs. 6656.358 lakh has been estimated for 81800 Secondary Schools for self defence training for the year 2019-20.
Equity :
- Bridging gender and social category gaps at all levels of school education is one of the major objectives of Samagra Shiksha. The Scheme attempts to reach out to girls, and children belonging to SC, ST, Minority communities and transgender.
- State specific interventions: Special state specific projects for varied interventions under equity are emphasized for enhancing access, retention and quality by promoting enrolment drives, retention and motivation camps, gender sensitization modules etc.
- State specific projects for varied interventions are sanctioned by the Project Approval Board as per the Annual Work Plans proposed by the State/UT concerned. A total of Rs. 21486.35 lakh at elementary level and Rs. 16083.22869 lakh at secondary level have been approved for various State specific projects for the year 2019-20.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) :
- Scholarship to the 34493 students involving an amount of Rs. 40.71 crore has been sanctioned.
- Approx 1,33,460 successful application have been received on NSP.
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) :
- Incentive amount of Rs. 8.56 crore to the 28547 beneficiaries girls have been sanctioned.
PARTICIPATION IN NATIONWIDE INITIATIVES :
1. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) :
- HRD Ministry is the nodal ministry for this flagship campaign of Government of India.An illustrative list of suggested activities has been drawn up by the Department of School Education & Literacy. The Department has shared detailed guidelines including calendar of activities with all the States and UTs and concerned organizations for carrying out all the activities in all the schools.
- These activities include Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Utsav, Talking Hour in morning assembly for news and information on partnering State, Student’s State Project Notebook, learning of alphabets and of folk songs, translation of proverbs and 100 sentences of partnering State, inclusion of few pages in course book in the language of partnering State, Know your Partnering State, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat School Report, Themed Display Board and Wall Magazine, State Day celebration of partnering States, Cultural Competition on partnering State, Essay competition, Drama (on culture, history & tradition), Optional Classes on language of partnering State, Literary Fest, Pledge on Important National Campaigns in the language of partnering State and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat annual report.
- The schools are to organize these activities as per the calendar shared by the Department or in coordination with partnering States/UTs, keeping in view the academic calendar. The schools are required to maintain a report on activities conducted under “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” in the form of quarterly and annual school report. The State/UTs have been requested to upload/send action taken report, videos and photographs of the activities at [email protected].
2. Fit India Campaign :
- The Fit India Movement was launched by the Prime Minister on 29th August, 2019 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
- Department of School Education and Literacy in co-ordination with Department of Sports, organised the Fitness Pledge on 29th August, 2019 in States and UTs, KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan (KVS), NavodayaVidyalayas Samiti (NVS), Central Board of Secondary Education. Nearly, thirteen lakh schools and eleven crore students all over the country took the fitness pledge.
- Further, guidelines on Fit India Plogging Run prepared by Department of Sports were issued by Department of School Education and Literacy to States, UTs, KVS, NVS and CBSE to organize Fit India Plogging Run on 2nd October, 2019. Awareness on ‘No to Single Use Plastic’ and Collection of plastic garbage from homes, streets and open spaces was the main focus of the event.
- Department of Sports has prepared a ranking system of Fit India Schools to make Fit India a people’s movement. This department has written to all Principal Secretaries/Secretaries, School Education Department of States/UTs regarding “Fit India Movement-Fit India School” and to attain Fit India 3 or 5 Star.
- Following the recommendations of the reviewing Committee of Fit India Movement , the school education department has advised the States and UTs to organise daily fitness classes in all schools and all sports facilities available in States and UTs should be made available to the school students.
3. Constitution Day :
- Celebration of Constitution Day on 26th November, 2019 and yearlong activities are to be organised in all schools up to the 26th November, 2020. Accordingly, a calendar of activities was prepared and States and UTs were advised to carry out the following activities:
- Pledge taking ceremony to mark the occasion by reading of the Preamble to the constitution in a special assembly in the school
- Debates, essay competitions, cultural programs, quiz competitions, seminars and lectures etc. may be held at State, District and school levels.
- State level essay, debate and quiz competitions on fundamental duties and themes related to constitution may be organized across the State, the winners at State level may be suitably rewarded.
- Reading of Preamble and Fundamental Duties.
- Organizing Mock Parliament.
- Public messages on Fundamental Duties for dissemination among students and staff during the celebrations. Brochures, pamphlets and e-posters on Fundamental Duties may be prepared in Hindi, English and regional languages and distributed in schools among students.
- Effective utilization of Government/Organisation websites and MyGov platform to encourage citizen centric activities on the prescribed theme. Students may be encouraged to participate in online quiz/ Olympiad competitions being organized by MyGov.
- Invite eminent personalities from different walks of life to disseminate the message of Fundamental Duties.
- Talks by eminent lawyers and legal scholars on Fundamental Duties and related themes may be organised in schools.
About 9.63 lakh schools and 10.96 crore students participated in the reading of Preamble and other activities across the country on 26th November, 2019.
4. 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi :
- 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being commemorated for a period of two years from 2nd October, 2018 to 2nd October, 2020 throughout the nation as well as at international level. The Department of School Education & Literacy is conducting nationwide activities for the same. The following activities have been completed by Dept. of School Education & Literacy:
- CBSE organised Expression Series on Mahatma Gandhi from 19th August to 3rd September, 2019. Approximately 4.5 lakh students participated across the country. 4314 shortlisted entries were uploaded by schools on CBSE Expression Series App out of which 18 selected as best entries. The Expression Series was based on the life, vision and philosophy of the father of the nation. The series was meant to provide a creative outlet to children and provide them with a platform to express themselves on various themes. The winners of the series were felicitated by HRM on 1st October, 2019 in the programme organized to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- A large National Level Function was organised on lst October, 2019 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi
- Swachh Bharat Diwas (Shramdan: Plastic Waste Collection) was organized on 2nd October 2019 and 6,70,33,153 students of 7,73,050 schools participated in Shramdaan for Plastic Waste Collection on 2nd October 2019.
- Intensive programmes and activities on Mahatma Gandhi were organized in schools during the week from 23rd September, 2019 to 2nd October, 2019.
Kala Utsav :
- Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education & Literacy to recognize the importance of aesthetics and artistic experiences for school students, which play a major role in creating awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity. The National level Kala Utsav is scheduled to be held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh form 2nd -5th January, 2020. Competitions will be held in the four themes of Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance and Painting at District and State levels and the winning teams thereafter will participate at the national level competition. The Students of Classes IX to XII of any Government, Government –aided and Private schools may participate in Kala Utsav. A total of 38 teams (36 State/UTs +KVS+NVS) are likely to participate at the National level.
Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEMU :
- Project Approval Meeting of the SPQEM was held on 16th September,2019 wherein Rs. 8788.00 lakh for General States and UTs with Legislature has been approved. Whereas an amount of Rs. 950.00 lakh and 2.00 lakh were approved for NER states and UTs without Legislature respectively.
- Till date, Rs. 5912.808 lakh has been released to States under SPQEM. File of Rs.806.10 lakh has been processed/under submission.
Infrastructure Development of Private Aided/Unaided Minority Institutes (IDMI) :
- Project Approval Meeting of the IDMI was held on 27th November, 2019 wherein Rs. 2000.00 lakh for General States and Rs. 250 lakh for NER States have been approved.
- An amount of Rs. 303.63 lakh under IDMI scheme has been processed to release.
Snapshot of Coverage of Children with Special Needs -CwSN (2019-20) :
- More than 20 lakh CWSN enrolled in schools or receiving home based education.
- Rs. 136375.31 lakh estimated for various interventions of Inclusive Education for CWSN for the year 2019-20.
- Braille textbooks are being provided to 40,311 children with visual impairment at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay of Rs. 123.25 lakh.
- Large print books are being provided to 91,254 children with low vision at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay ofRs.289.00 lakh.
- Outlay of Rs. 619.09 lakh has been estimated for in-service training of 26,817 special educators.
- 5.96 lakh girls with special needs receiving stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- More than 2.32 lakh CWSN using aids and appliances through scheme/s like ADIP etc.
- Total outlay of Rs. 1911.05 lakh has been estimated for conducting 17,734 sports events and exposure visits thus promoting social inclusion.
- Approximately 64.24% of schools at elementary level and 58.28% at secondary level are equipped with ramps with handrails and approximately 19.59% of schools at elementary level and 24.40% at secondary level have disabled friendly toilets (DFT) to enhance retention of CWSN in regular schools.
- An outlay of Rs. 1995.93 lakh has been estimated for 58,392 assistive devices, equipmentsand teaching learning materials (TLM).
- Engagement of 28,285 resource persons and special educators have been estimated to cater to the diverse & unique needs of CWSN from elementary to higher secondary level.
Initiatives by autonomous organizations for CwSN :
- Books in Accessible Format on e-Pathshala Portal for CwSN has been developed by NCERT, the ePathshala mobile app supports Text to Speech to help children with visual impairment.
- Audio books have been developed by NCERT, in which textbooks are presented in audio form, to help the visually challenged learners
- NCERT has developed Tactile Map Books with 25 maps and diagrams, with Braille and English text to encourage collaborative learning.
- CBSE’s provision for CwSN: Exemptions/ Concessions Rules Applicable for Both Class X & XII Board Exam Facility of Scribe and compensatory time: Candidates with disabilities as defined in The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 are permitted to use a Scribe or allowed Compensatory time etc.
CONSTRUCTION OF JNV BUILDINGS :
- As per 100 days action plan, newly constructed building of 10 JNVs i.e. Kanshiram Nagar(UP), Malkangiri-II (Odisha), Sitapur-II (UP), Dang (Gujarat), Navsari (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha), Palwal (Haryana), Bhandara (Maharashtra), Jhabua-II (MP), Ahemdabad (Gujarat) were inaugurated.
- As a part of 100 days agenda foundation laying done in respect of 10 JNVs and construction work begun viz. SefaiJala (Tripura), South Tripura (Tripura), South West Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri (W.B.) Kalaburgi-I (Karnataka) & Kolar (Karnataka) Jhabua (MP) &Mahisagar (Gujarat).
- · Construction of additional dormitory has been completed in JNV Srikakulam, JNV Vishakhapatnam, JNV Vijayanagaram, JNV Kodagu & JNV Mandya.
- · Infrastructure for implementation of Rooftop grid connected Solar power has been completed on 176 sites. Generation of power has also been started on 12 sites. On other JNVs, net metering is awaited.
RECRUITMENT :
- Process for engagement of 01 male and 01 female counsellor in all functional JNVs has been completed. Recruitment for filling up 2370 posts advertised on 9th July, 2019 is at advance stage of completion.
- Offers of appointment to 218 PGTs have been issued. Joining status is awaited.
It eliminates the prevailing manual system of service processes followed in the organization & to improve access to real-time data for decision support and to enhance efficiency and transparency of school operations, development of “ShaalaDarpan” project is has been developed with the help of C-DAC, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE of NVS Students :
ADMISSION IN IITS, NITS AND MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NVS STUDENTS : 2019
|
JEE |
NEET |
|||
|
Appeared in JEE Main |
11733
|
Appeared in NEET |
16156 |
|
|
Qualified in JEE Main |
4451 |
Qualified in NEET
|
12654 |
|
|
Qualified in JEE Advanced -First list |
966 |
|||
TREE PLANTATION :
All field units of NVS have been instructed to implement “One Student One Tree Campaign”. It aims at involving school students in raising plant nurseries to bring them closer to natural environment, help them understand the natural processes of germination and feel the joy of watching saplings grow. Students are involved in activities right from sowing the seed to transplanting, watering, weeding etc. so that students can learn the process also. More than 2.40 lakhs saplings were planted by the of students of JNVs in 2019-20.
SHAALA DARPAN :
ShaalaDarpan portal of NVS has been launched on 06.11.2019 at National Museum Auditorium, New Delhi by Shri Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State for HRD.
Digital initiatives :
Process of application for the Class VI examination has been made online leading to better access for the rural population to the application process. Faceless admission process has resulted in more transparency and least corruption.
- Process of transfer has been made online which has resulted in increased transparency and timely completion of the process.
- Recruitment process has been made online and faceless till appointment. The appointment letters are also downloaded by candidates using their login password.
Achievements-2019
- Inauguration of new constructed school buildings: 17 newly constructed school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas were inaugurated .
- Foundation Stone laying of school buildings : Minister of HRD has laid the foundation stone of 7 school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas.
- Opening of New KendriyaVidyalayas : During last 6 months 25 KendriyaVidyalayas have been opened.
- Filling up of vacancies:The details of posting of staff in the last 6 months in various KendriyaVidyalyaas / Regional Offices / KVS (Hqrs.) are as under :
|
S.No. |
Name of Post
|
Pay level |
No. of offer of appointment issued |
|
|
PRT |
06 |
3000 |
|
|
TGT (English, Hindi, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Sanskrit) |
07
|
3473 |
|
|
Assistant Section Officer |
06 |
31 |
|
|
Senior Secretariat Assistant |
04 |
218
|
|
|
Junior Secretariat Assistant |
02 |
684 |
|
|
Steno. Grade II |
04 |
37 |
|
Total
|
7443 |
||
Click here for more details on KVS achievements.
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE)
Achievement-2019
CBSE has taken up several initiatives like formation of Hubs of Learning programme, training school teaches, process of recruitment of teachers, a new Vidya-Daanprogramme, preparation of students for PISA 2021, celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi, AryabhatGanit Challenge , handbooks on Artificial Intelligence for school children, and participation in national Campaigns like Fit India, Swachchtha, EBSB among others.
Click here for details of activities of CBSE.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHER EDUCATION :
Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) :
NCTE has invited applications form the institutions seeking recognition for 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). The institutions have submitted online applications which will be processed as per the provisions stipulated in the relevant Regulations. Applications were invited between 03.06.2019 and 31.07.2019.
Launching of online Performance Appraisal Report system (PAR) :
One of the conditions of recognition by NCTE is to direct the filing of a Performance Appraisal Report annually, which includes annual statement of accounts duly audited by a Chartered Accountant
The Online Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) system was formally launched on 23rd September 2019 and all recognized TEIs are required to fill up data on various regulatory parameters.
Launching of Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS) :
Some prospective employers prior to employing a person as a teacher require verification of recognition status from NCTE regarding degree/diploma/certificate in teacher education. In this regard, the NCTE has launched Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS) to facilitate candidates who have passed out of teacher education programmes from NCTE recognized institution (s). This programme was launched on 26.07.2019.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations :
The NCTE in its Silver Jubilee year organized an International Conference with the theme “Journey of Teacher Education: Local to Global on 17th and 18th August, 2019. The Conference highlighted the achievements of the Indian education system and facilitated dissemination of quality global practices in teacher education.
The NCTE intends to engage its resources towards launching “Project Lighthouse” by identifying 700 institutions, approximately one in each district of the country in the first phase. The partner Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) will be selected by NCTE through a transparent procedure and they shall be academically and administratively supported and mentored for running an emblematic 2-year B.Ed. programme from the academic session 2020-21 onwards. This programme is expected to prepare 70,000 exemplar teachers in the year 2020-22. The selection of the 700 TEIs shall be done for 5 consecutive years after which 3,500 model TEIs will be capacitated to prepare a total of 3,50,000 quality teachers trained at international levels of competence. The TEIs so selected will be supported with several specific interventions like a centralized entrance examination for admission of students, a revised and up-to-date curriculum, capacity building of the teacher educators, etc. It is also envisioned to arrange for international placement of some selected student-teachers of these TEIs.
- Instituting “Best Teacher Educator Award” to be given to 20 exemplary teacher-educators every year.
The NCTE has initiated a programme for awarding 20 meritorious teacher educators every year. The first instalment of awards will be given in 2020.
Language evolves at a rapid pace, and the younger generation—Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha—are taking it to new heights. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become hotbeds for linguistic innovation, where abbreviations, slang, and newly minted words emerge faster than ever before. Words like “brb,” “slay,” “sus,” and even Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024, “brain rot,” are part of their everyday vocabulary. But amidst this linguistic whirlwind, one question arises: Are teachers catching up?
A Gap in Communication
Imagine a classroom where a student says, “brb! Wanna use the washroom,” and the teacher pauses, unsure of the abbreviation. Such scenarios highlight a communication gap. Research consistently shows that effective communication between students and teachers fosters trust, engagement, and better learning outcomes. According to a 2022 study by Education Week, students who feel understood by their teachers are 45% more likely to excel academically and 30% less likely to skip classes.
However, understanding Gen Z’s and Gen Alpha’s linguistic trends isn’t just about learning a dictionary of slang—it’s about bridging a generational divide and fostering mutual respect.
Tackling the Language Gap
- Training Teachers on Evolving Language
One way to address the gap is to provide teachers with targeted training sessions that focus on the language trends of younger generations. These sessions could include decoding popular abbreviations, slang, and even cultural references that dominate social media. This approach can help teachers stay relevant and avoid miscommunication. However, with mounting academic and emotional responsibilities, many educators might find such training an added burden. - Building Relationships Through Interaction
A more organic solution lies in fostering better teacher-student relationships. By engaging in informal conversations with students, teachers can learn their language naturally. This approach not only helps teachers understand evolving slang but also humanises them in the eyes of their students, fostering trust and relatability. Interacting with students on their terms creates a classroom culture of mutual respect and understanding.
The Role of Language in Education
Language is more than just a tool for communication—it shapes relationships and builds cultural bridges. The words of the year like “manifest” and “brat” represent not only linguistic trends but also cultural shifts towards empowerment, individuality, and self-expression. Teachers who understand this language can better connect with their students, appreciating the unique values and pressures they face.
The Words of the Year 2024—‘brain rot’, ‘manifest’, ‘brat’, and ‘demure’—offer educators a glimpse into the psyche of today’s youth.
For example, ‘brain rot’ reflects Gen Z’s awareness of digital overconsumption, while ‘manifest’ underscores their optimism and drive for self-improvement. A teacher who grasps these nuances can integrate them into lessons and discussions, creating a more engaging learning experience.
Ultimately, understanding the language of younger generations is a two-way street. While teachers can make an effort to decode Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang, students too can adapt to bridge the gap. The key lies in fostering dialogue and mutual respect, ensuring that language differences become a point of connection rather than a barrier.
As language continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the classroom must remain a space where both students and teachers feel heard and understood. By embracing change and prioritising communication, education can keep up with the times while maintaining its core values.
Education
CBSE to Introduce Two-Level Structure for Science and Social Science in Classes 9 and 10 by 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a two-level structure for Science and Social Science subjects in Classes 9 and 10, starting from the 2026–2027 academic session. This move follows the successful implementation of two-level mathematics examinations—Standard and Basic—for Class 10 students in the 2019–2020 session.
The decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates offering subjects at varying difficulty levels to reduce academic pressure and counter the coaching culture. The proposed structure aims to give students the option to study some subjects at a higher level while taking others at a standard level.
Key Details of the Plan
According to Hindustan Times, the CBSE curriculum council has already approved the proposal, and final approval from the Board’s governing body is awaited. The initiative seeks to empower students who demonstrate an aptitude for Science and Social Science to study these subjects in greater depth before transitioning to Class 11.
For Mathematics, which currently offers two levels, the syllabus remains the same for both Standard and Basic levels, but the difficulty and format of the question papers differ. A similar approach is likely for Science and Social Science, although details are yet to be finalised. Advanced-level students may be provided with supplementary learning resources, alternative textbooks, or the same textbooks with additional challenges and problems.
Implementation Framework
The implementation of this two-tier system depends on the development of updated textbooks by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). As part of the ongoing curriculum reform under NEP 2020, the NCERT has already released new textbooks for Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6, with materials for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 expected in the 2025–2026 academic year. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has indicated that all updated textbooks are likely to be available by January 2026.
Students will likely have a window to choose between the standard and advanced levels and may be allowed to switch within a stipulated timeframe. The advanced level could include longer study hours and distinct question papers for Board examinations.
By offering this flexibility, the CBSE aims to provide students with opportunities tailored to their abilities, enabling them to excel academically without undue stress.
Education
Jaipur History Festival 2024: India’s Biggest History Festival Returns with a Unique Focus on Financial Literacy and Folk Arts
The Jaipur History Festival (JHF), an annual event organised by the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, is set to host its 2024 edition from 3rd to 6th December at the iconic City Palace in Jaipur. Established in 2017, the JHF has become a flagship event in India’s cultural calendar, earning widespread recognition from educational institutions, policymakers, and media alike. This year’s theme, “Financial Literacy Through Folk Arts,” promises an engaging blend of tradition and modernity, offering innovative learning experiences for over 10,000 students and educators.
A Groundbreaking Theme: Financial Literacy Through Folk Tales
The 2024 festival theme uniquely integrates financial literacy into education through the rich tradition of Indian and global folk tales. Stories from the Panchatantra, Jataka tales, Akbar-Birbal, Sheikh Chilli, Mulla Nasruddin, Tenali Rama, and Munshi Premchand’s literary classics will serve as mediums to impart essential financial skills. Lessons on budgeting, saving, and understanding the distinction between needs and wants will be creatively woven into folk art performances, ensuring that students grasp these critical concepts in an engaging, memorable way.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this initiative emphasises values-based education while nurturing practical skills like wealth management and fraud prevention. The programme targets primary and secondary school students, fostering early financial literacy to help shape a generation of financially savvy individuals.
Festival Highlights
The four-day festival will feature a diverse array of performances, workshops, and exhibitions, including:
- Plays based on Munshi Premchand’s works like Nirmala, Kafan, and Gaban.
- Traditional art forms such as Dastan-e-Goi, Kathak recitals, and Rajasthani folk dances.
- Live music performances in Hindi, Marwari, and English, focusing on financial literacy themes.
- Craft workshops and installations, including kites, puppets, Kalighat paintings, and paper mache models.
- Interactive exhibits, such as Rashmi Rath (E-Car), bioscopes, and Jantar Mantar sundial paper models.
- Workshops on modern educational tools like AI-powered graphic generation and business plan incubation.
Morning cultural programmes will be followed by exhibitions and craft workshops, creating a holistic learning environment for attendees.
National Reach and Global Aspirations
The Jaipur History Festival 2024 will welcome participation from over 120 schools nationwide. Following the grand success of previous editions, this year’s festival aims to expand its footprint by hosting sessions in prominent educational hubs like Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai, and Jammu.
The Legacy of JHF
Since its inception, the Jaipur History Festival has aimed to revolutionise traditional education through experiential learning and cultural immersion. Themes from previous years have ranged from Gandhi’s Rivers of India to “Phad Se Padh,” focusing on Rajasthan’s Phad paintings. In 2023, the festival celebrated the “International Year of Millets,” showcasing the intersection of cultural heritage and global sustainability efforts.
With its steadfast commitment to innovation and inclusivity, JHF 2024 promises to be a transformative experience, inspiring educators, students, and parents to rethink the way history and life skills are taught in schools.
Looking Ahead
As India’s largest history festival, JHF exemplifies how education can be both meaningful and engaging. By merging traditional folk arts with contemporary financial literacy, the festival not only preserves cultural heritage but also equips students with life skills essential for the modern world.
This year’s edition is poised to set a new benchmark in interdisciplinary education, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for India’s diverse cultural tapestry.
As political changes loom over the US education system, particularly with President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Education, questions arise about the ripple effects such reforms could have on global education, including in India and other parts of Asia. Historically, American education policies and practices have served as benchmarks for many countries, influencing curriculums, teaching methodologies, and educational reforms. This article explores how these proposed changes might shape the future of education worldwide.
Historical Impact of American Educational Practices
The influence of the United States on global education is well-documented. For instance, in the mid-20th century, the US pushed for science and mathematics education reforms after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. This emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) was mirrored in several nations, including India, which began integrating more technical education in schools. Similarly, the US-led push for standardised testing during the No Child Left Behind era inspired similar measures in Asia, where countries like China and India adopted rigorous assessment frameworks.
The idea of universal education access and inclusivity, championed in the US, has also resonated globally. The implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975 influenced India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and similar policies across Asia. Therefore, if the US dismantles its Department of Education, transferring responsibilities to states, the resulting decentralised model may have implications for nations seeking inspiration from American education.
Comparing Trump’s Proposals with NEP 2020
Trump’s Agenda47 proposes greater parental control, cutting funding for initiatives deemed ideologically inappropriate, and emphasising local governance of education. While these ideas are specific to American politics, some parallels can be drawn with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
NEP 2020 focuses on empowering schools and teachers to create tailored curriculums that meet local needs. Like Trump’s proposal to return control to states, NEP advocates for decentralisation, urging state boards and local authorities to implement flexible frameworks. However, the alignment ends here. NEP promotes inclusivity and modernisation, championing universal access to quality education and focusing on critical areas such as digital learning, skills-based education, and early childhood care.
In contrast, Trump’s proposals seem to focus more on limiting federal oversight and reducing regulations, which could result in inequitable access to resources—a stark difference from NEP’s vision of equity and inclusion. If the US adopts a more state-driven approach, India and other nations might evaluate its outcomes, particularly in balancing local autonomy with national educational standards.
A Roadmap for Global Education
The future of global education hinges on addressing universal challenges, including accessibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. Nations worldwide, including the US and India, are grappling with how best to integrate technology, emphasise STEM education, and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
A decentralised system, as envisioned by Trump, may encourage innovation and localised solutions but risks widening disparities. Conversely, global education roadmaps like UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) advocate for inclusive, equitable, and quality education as a shared responsibility. In this regard, NEP 2020 aligns more closely with global goals than Trump’s vision, which focuses on reducing federal intervention.
If the US moves forward with dismantling the Department of Education, it will be crucial to observe whether this decentralisation fosters innovation or exacerbates inequalities. For countries like India, which are already navigating local governance in education, the American experience could serve as both a cautionary tale and a potential source of inspiration.
Hence, the relationship between American education policy and global education is undeniable. As the US contemplates radical changes, the impact on its own students and the broader world remains uncertain. For countries like India, which have often looked to the US as an educational blueprint, these developments offer lessons in balancing local autonomy with equitable access to quality education.
This unfolding story raises essential questions about the shared vision for education in 2025 and beyond. The world will be watching to see whether the US remains a pioneer or takes a step back from its global leadership in education.
In a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem in education, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 November 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This collaboration aims to introduce and promote commerce-focused skill courses, particularly in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, to boost students’ employability and career readiness.
The ICAI, through its Committee on Career Counselling, will contribute its expertise in curriculum design, syllabus development, study materials, and training modules. Additionally, the organisation will play an active role in career guidance initiatives, participating in workshops and training programmes organised by CBSE.
Addressing the importance of the partnership, ICAI President CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal stated, “The signing of this MoU with the CBSE is a significant step towards enhancing the skill development ecosystem for students across the country. Through this collaboration, ICAI aims to promote commerce-based skill courses and ensure that students are equipped with relevant, industry-aligned competencies. This partnership reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements, and we are confident that it will open new avenues for students to pursue rewarding careers in accountancy and finance.”
The collaboration will also focus on raising awareness about career opportunities in accountancy and related fields, aligning educational frameworks with the evolving demands of the job market. CBSE and ICAI plan to conduct awareness programmes for principals, teachers, and school management teams in CBSE-affiliated schools across India. These programmes will highlight the importance of BFSI-related skill courses and their potential to enhance students’ career trajectories.
As part of this initiative, CBSE will organise capacity-building initiatives to upskill teachers in commerce-related subjects, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver specialised courses effectively.
ICAI has already established similar collaborations with 85 universities, colleges, and educational institutions to promote academic excellence, research, and knowledge exchange. According to The Indian Express, these initiatives aim to create a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a modern, dynamic economy.
This partnership underscores a growing commitment to aligning education with industry needs, preparing students for thriving careers in commerce and finance.
Khan Academy, the global nonprofit dedicated to providing free, world-class education, has launched its AI-powered tool, Khanmigo, free for all teachers in India. Starting this Children’s Day, educators can access this innovative teaching assistant at no cost, in both English and Hindi, through Khan Academy’s platform.
Khanmigo, designed to enhance both teacher productivity and student engagement, functions as an AI-powered teaching assistant and student tutor. By streamlining tasks like lesson preparation, generating curriculum-aligned assessments, and creating concise chapter summaries, Khanmigo allows teachers to focus on personalised learning experiences for their students.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Swati Vasudevan, Managing Director of Khan Academy India, shared:
“On this special occasion of Children’s Day, we’re thrilled to make Khanmigo available to all teachers across India at no cost. At Khan Academy, we believe teachers are the key to unlocking each child’s potential. By providing Khanmigo, we’re empowering educators to create impactful and tailored learning experiences. Our aim is to break down barriers to technology access, enabling teachers to inspire and support India’s children in achieving their full potential.”
Supported by Microsoft’s investment, Khanmigo is part of Khan Academy’s global rollout, now available in over 40 countries. Indian teachers can create an account on the Khan Academy platform to access this resource and benefit from its features, including interactive student tutoring and classroom management tools.
Khan Academy also emphasises that the implementation of Khanmigo remains a work in progress. Teachers and students are encouraged to engage with the tool thoughtfully, fostering digital literacy, critical thinking, and responsible AI use.
This launch marks a significant milestone in Khan Academy’s mission to expand educational opportunities through technology, making quality resources accessible to educators and students across India.
The Guthli Ad Fest 2024 launched in spectacular fashion at the iconic St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Day 1 was filled with high-energy sessions, insightful discussions, and inspiring interactions. Kicking off the day, Pratish Nair introduced the vision behind Miles and Miles SoBA (School of Branding & Advertising), explaining how their collaborative approach blends creativity with empathy. Nair emphasised that their unique curriculum, which includes scuba diving and Himalayan trekking, aims to equip students with life skills that go beyond the traditional classroom, fostering resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness.
The event began with a warm welcome and inauguration, followed by a captivating tribute and a fireside chat featuring advertising legends Piyush Pandey, KV Sridhar, and Prasoon Pandey, moderated by Devaiah Bopanna. Their discussion shed light on their journeys, offering a rare glimpse into the minds behind India’s most iconic campaigns.
The day continued with Cyrus Broacha, the 90’s poster child of Indian advertising, delivering a light-hearted yet insightful session, followed by Tanya Nambiar’s presentation on how emotional bonds can be forged using the power of voice.
The afternoon saw Shirsha Thakurta delve into the art of visual storytelling, followed by a hands-on workshop led by Dr Prateesh R Nair, who demonstrated how advertising can be used as an engaging tool in classrooms. A panel discussion with Miles SoBA students and a thought-provoking session by Josy Paul on creativity in classrooms wrapped up the day.
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Day 2 promises even more excitement, with an Ad Acapella, fashion shows, excellence awards, and a lot of fun activities to look forward to. Stay tuned for more!
Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which oversees the ICSE and ISC board exams, will introduce substantial changes to its academic framework. These reforms align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to impact over three million students across India, as reported by The Times of India.
Robotics and AI in Curriculum
A significant aspect of the reforms is the inclusion of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in the curriculum for Classes XI and XII. For younger students, elements of AI and coding will be integrated into their computer science courses, ensuring these technologies are taught in a simplified and engaging manner. The objective is to familiarise students with emerging technologies from an early age, equipping them with skills for the future.
Introduction of Competency-Based Exams
The CISCE will also introduce a ‘holistic progress card’, a 360-degree evaluation system to assess students’ development across academic and non-academic domains. This approach will provide a comprehensive view of student achievements beyond traditional metrics.
Changes in the board exam structure are also on the horizon. From 2025, 25% of exam questions will be competency-based, focusing on critical thinking and core skills rather than rote memorisation. This percentage will increase to 40% in 2026 and 50% by 2027, promoting deeper understanding among students.
Digital Assessments and School Improvement
To enhance educational standards, the council will roll out digital assessments for students in Classes III, V, and VIII from 2025-26. These assessments aim to identify students who need additional support or those excelling beyond their grade level. Additionally, a school improvement plan will be introduced, encouraging high-performing schools to partner with state governments to enhance the quality of education in government institutions.
The overarching goal of these reforms is to foster a balanced, skills-oriented learning environment that prepares students for real-world challenges and opportunities.
Education
Aditya Birla World Academy Hosts ‘The Happy Place’ an Interschool Festival to Drive Awareness on Mental Health
In a collaborative effort between Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA) and Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust the Happy Place Interschool Festival was successfully held to raise awareness about mental health, with this year’s theme being The Mindful Megabyte – Digital Wellness. The event saw participation from over 200 students across various schools in Mumbai across boards, engaging in a variety of creative and expressive competitions, including Solo/Duet Singing, Art, Photography, AD-Film Making, Drama, Slam Poetry, and Dance. Each event centered around the theme of digital wellness, focusing on the impact of technology on mental health and well-being.
The Happy Place Interschool Festival, introduced by Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), is built on the belief that mental health awareness is a crucial aspect of a child’s holistic development. At ABWA, students benefit from a robust mental health and emotional well-being curriculum that supports resilience alongside academic excellence. Under the leadership of Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla World Academy and the Aditya Birla Education Trust, this vision has flourished. A passionate mental health advocate, Mrs. Birla firmly believes that mental health awareness and support should be accessible to all students, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive.
As an extension of this vision, the Mindsmatter program has reached 25 schools and over 40,000 students across India in the past year, with 318 teachers trained and 67 mentoring sessions conducted. The program has positively impacted behavior, self-esteem, and academic performance, with 83% of participants reporting improved communication skills and 61% noting reduced stigma around mental health.
For the last 6 years, The Happy Place Interschool Festival has expanded beyond ABWA, engaging students from schools across Mumbai to raise awareness on mental health through creative activities. This festival sustains the conversation on mental health, offering students a thoughtfully curated platform to explore these critical themes, express themselves creatively, and build empathy. Through themes like Digital Wellness, participants reflect on their emotional health, fostering a balanced and mindful approach to life.
Mrs. Radhika Sinha, Principal of Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), “highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “The Happy Place interschool festival is not just a competition, but a mindful space for students to engage in conversations about mental health while expressing their creativity. The focus here is not only on winning but also on creating an environment where students can explore topics like Digital Wellness that are highly relevant to the challenges the youth face today. These activities help drive awareness, fostering a sense of empathy and mindfulness amongst our students.”
The competition’s theme, Digital Wellness, reflects the growing influence of technology in the lives of young people. While digital platforms provide numerous opportunities for connection, learning, and creativity, they also come with risks such as overuse, social media addiction, cyberbullying, and sleep deprivation. Striking a balance between the positive and negative impacts of digital media is crucial for the well-being of today’s youth.
Parveen Shaikh, VP Operations at Mpower, highlighted the urgent need for digital wellbeing support amidst the growing mental health crisis: “In today’s digital age, the constant use of technology is significantly impacting mental health, particularly among young people. Studies reveal that 1 in 5 individuals experience symptoms of mental health conditions, with excessive screen time and online pressures contributing to this rise. Alarmingly, 50% of mental health issues begin by the age of 14, and 75% by age 24. By focusing on digital wellbeing and creating awareness around healthy tech habits, we aim to provide timely interventions that encourage young people to seek help and maintain a balanced, mentally healthy lifestyle.
Research on digital wellness suggests that excessive use of digital devices can negatively affect mental health, particularly among students. Studies show that prolonged exposure to screens can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Initiatives like The Happy Place Interschool Festival play a significant role in bringing these critical discussions to the forefront, encouraging students to reflect on their digital habits and make informed choices.
As this year’s competition concludes, the collaboration between ABWA and Mpower continues to raise awareness on crucial mental health issues, ensuring that students are empowered to lead balanced, mindful lives.
Education
Department of School Education & Literacy Proposes October Activities to Honour Senior Citizens
In observance of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated annually on 1st October, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Department of School Education & Literacy, has proposed a series of activities throughout October 2024. These initiatives aim to instil values of respect, care, and empathy towards senior citizens among students, fostering intergenerational bonding.
This month-long celebration focuses on connecting students with the elderly, emphasising the invaluable contributions, wisdom, and dignity of older generations. With life expectancy rising globally, and older persons expected to outnumber youth by 2030, the importance of fostering respect for senior citizens is more relevant than ever.
Educational institutions have been encouraged to observe Grandparents’ Day, featuring activities like storytelling and interactive games. Schools may also host pledge-taking ceremonies, where students and staff commit to respecting and supporting the elderly.
Morning assemblies or language classes will offer opportunities for students to recite poems and shlokas that emphasise respect for elders, drawing from India’s cultural heritage. Schools will also facilitate interactions between students and senior citizens, allowing for the sharing of stories, historical discussions, and the exploration of traditional crafts.
Students will be encouraged to engage in community service projects with senior citizens, strengthening intergenerational solidarity. Mentorship programs, where seniors share their expertise in arts, culture, and vocational skills, are also proposed, benefiting both generations.
These initiatives, rolled out across States/UTs and educational institutions, are designed to promote care and concern for senior citizens, creating a society built on mutual respect and understanding.
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