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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).

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2020

Team ScooNews

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, 70^th 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 28^th 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 29^th 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 27^th 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 18^th to 20^th 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 29^th 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 29^th 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 2^nd 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 26^th November, 2019 and yearlong activities are to be organised in all schools up to the 26^th 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 3^rd 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 1^st October, 2019 in the programme organized to commemorate 150^th 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 2^nd October 2019 and 6,70,33,153 students of 7,73,050 schools participated in Shramdaan for Plastic Waste Collection on 2^nd 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 2^nd -5^th 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 16^th 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 27^th 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 Advertisement	Appeared in NEET	16156
Qualified in JEE Main	4451	Qualified in NEET Advertisement	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 Advertisement	Pay level	No. of offer of appointment issued
	PRT	06	3000
	TGT (English, Hindi, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Sanskrit)	07 Advertisement	3473
	Assistant Section Officer	06	31
	Senior Secretariat Assistant	04	218 Advertisement
	Junior Secretariat Assistant	02	684
	Steno. Grade II	04	37
Total Advertisement			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 23^rd 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 17^th and 18^th 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.

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CBSE Class 12 and Class 10 Results 2024: Girls Lead as Pass Rates Climb

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Team ScooNews

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has today announced the results of the Class 12 and Class 10 board examinations.

In the results announced for Class 12, this year, 1,426,420 students have successfully passed the examinations, representing an overall pass rate of 87.98%, an increase of 0.65% from the previous year. The results have highlighted a significant achievement for female students, who have attained a pass rate of 91.52%, compared to 85.12% for their male counterparts, thereby outperforming them by 6.40%.

This year, approximately 39 lakh candidates registered for the CBSE Board Exams 2024 across Classes 10 and 12, with about 24 lakh of these registrations for the Class 10 exams alone. The examinations for Class 10 were conducted from February 15 to March 13, marking a crucial period for thousands of students nationwide.

Students can check their results on the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in or other affiliated sites such as cbse.nic.in and results.cbse.nic.in.

At ScooNews, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students on their results. We also want to remind everyone that marks are not the sole measure of one’s abilities or potential. For those who may feel their scores do not reflect their true capabilities, do not be disheartened. Remember, this is merely the start of a thrilling new chapter in your life.

Education

Shri Sanjay Kumar Chairs a Meeting on Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)

Published

6 days ago

May 10, 2024

Team ScooNews

In a collaborative push towards achieving the broader objectives of Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE), Secretary of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, chaired a comprehensive meeting at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD), various states, and autonomous bodies under the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L).

Setting the tone, Shri Kumar emphasised the critical role of all stakeholders in ensuring quality ECCE and commended the initiatives led by the MoWCD and states. He underscored the need for establishing three Balvatikas for children aged 3 to 6 in all CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalayas with Class 1 to ensure a seamless transition to primary education. He also advocated for co-locating Anganwadis with primary schools in rural areas through coordination with the MoWCD, aiming to provide a strong foundation in preschool education.

The group further explored the integration of Jaadui Pitara, a curated set of learning resources, into government schools offering pre-primary education. NCERT’s role in aligning the learning toys with the goals outlined in the National Curriculum Framework-Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) was highlighted. To streamline pre-primary to Class 1 transitions, the Ministry of Education and MoWCD were encouraged to link the Poshan Tracker and UDISE+ data, creating a cohesive tracking mechanism.

Brand recognition for programmes like NIPUN Bharat, Jaadui Pitara, e-Jaadui Pitara, and Vidya Pravesh was also identified as a priority to boost their visibility and impact across states. The adoption of Jaadui Pitara by state SCERTs will be supported by NCERT, ensuring compliance with designated learning outcomes.

In the meeting, the importance of training preschool teachers and Anganwadi Workers was brought to the forefront, recognising their critical role in achieving a well-rounded ECCE framework. The session emphasised the collaboration between MoE and MoWCD to ensure transparency and efficiency through Requests for Proposals (RFPs) while procuring Jaadui Pitara materials.

With these strategies outlined, the meeting paved the way for a concerted, multi-level approach to early childhood education, striving for a seamless, inclusive, and quality experience for every child.

Education

UNESCO’s Happy Schools Initiative: Placing Happiness at the Heart of Education

Published

6 days ago

May 10, 2024

Dhruv Chhabra

Image Source- Envato Elements

In a progressive move to reshape global education, UNESCO has developed the ‘Happy Schools’ initiative to place happiness at the forefront of educational transformation. By positioning happiness as both a means and an end to quality learning, this initiative encourages education systems worldwide to recognise happiness as a critical driver of learning and well-being.

Why Happiness Matters in Education

The Happy Schools initiative stems from an ever-growing body of evidence linking happiness with improved learning, teaching, and overall well-being. Academic excellence and happiness are not competing priorities; instead, they work hand in hand. Joyful learning environments enhance creativity, motivation, and the overall learning experience, thus improving educational outcomes.

Education systems face mounting pressure to provide quality learning in the face of widespread global challenges. Currently, 250 million children and youth are out of school worldwide, and over 44 million teachers are required to meet the global teacher shortage. Alarmingly, more than half of the world’s children and adolescents aren’t learning effectively, and one in three students experiences bullying at school every month. Given this backdrop, prioritising happiness is no longer a luxury but a necessity for fostering resilient and collaborative societies.

The Framework of the Happy Schools Initiative

UNESCO has developed a comprehensive Happy Schools framework that consists of four pillars: people, process, place, and principles. These pillars, combined with 12 high-level criteria, aim to provide a flexible and adaptable guide for transforming education systems.

1. People: Promoting relationships, inclusion, and respect among students and staff to foster social cohesion and well-being.

2. Process: Encouraging dynamic and participatory learning processes that inspire engagement, creativity, and motivation.

3. Place: Creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments that support both physical and social-emotional well-being.

4. Principles: Upholding values of empathy, integrity, and respect while ensuring academic excellence.

Global Impact and Implementation

Several countries have already implemented the Happy Schools initiative, including Portugal, Viet Nam, Yemen, Japan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Thailand. These nations have utilised the framework to improve teacher training, strengthen socio-emotional learning, and foster healthier school relationships. By approaching happiness from various entry points, the initiative has proven to be versatile and adaptable to different education systems, even in crisis situations.

Joining the Happy Schools Movement

UNESCO invites educators, policymakers, and individuals to become Happy Schools champions, advocating for happiness in education through these main approaches:

– National Projects: UNESCO provides technical support to help Member States adapt the framework to their educational systems.

– Self-initiated Projects: Schools and organisations can access the available public resources to lead their own Happy Schools projects.

– Advocacy: Advocate for incorporating happiness into education policies to raise awareness of the importance of well-being in education.

– Evidence-Based Studies: Contribute to the growing body of research on happiness and learning.

For those interested in joining the Happy Schools mission, contact UNESCO at [email protected] or join the LinkedIn community for regular updates and connections. By embracing this holistic approach, we can empower children to flourish, thrive, and build resilient, happy societies.

Education

Vidyashilp University Hosts Discussion on Disruptive Careers at their Future of Higher Education Event

Published

1 week ago

May 8, 2024

Team ScooNews

Vidyashilp University’s recent event, “The Future of Higher Education,” convened prominent industry leaders to discuss evolving career trajectories and educational paradigms. Held at the Prestige Falcon Towers in Bengaluru, the event aimed to enlighten students and parents about navigating the dynamic job market and achieving success in an ever-changing world.

Distinguished speakers, including Mr. Ullas Kamath, Mr. Pranav Pai, Mr. Aprameya Radhakrishna, and Dr. Subarna Roy, engaged in thought-provoking dialogues on global economic trends, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and the alignment of education with industry requirements. Professor P.G. Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Vidyashilp University, commended the principles of NEP 2020, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking.

Keynote speaker Mr. Ullas Kamath highlighted India’s economic growth trajectory, emphasizing entrepreneurship as a key driver. Mr. Pranav Pai underscored the significance of India’s startup ecosystem, describing technology as the linchpin of human evolution.

Vidyashilp Education Group alumni, Mr. Vikrant Maini and Ms. Vrishika Melanta, praised the institution’s focus on holistic learning and practical exposure, citing their personal experiences. Mr. Aprameya Radhakrishna stressed the importance of real-world learning experiences for students to bridge learning gaps and discover their passions.

Overall, the event provided a platform for fruitful discussions on the future of higher education and the imperative of equipping students with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in the modern workforce.

Education

Rajasthan Education Minister Bans Mobile Phone Use by Teachers During School Hours

Published

1 week ago

May 7, 2024

Team ScooNews

Image Source- Facebook/Madan Dilawar

Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar announced on Monday stringent measures against teachers in government schools caught using mobile phones during duty hours.

An official order has been issued to prohibit the use of mobile phones by teachers while on school premises.

Dilawar emphasized the necessity for teachers to refrain from bringing mobile phones to schools.

“Mobile phones are a kind of disease. Teachers in school are busy watching the stock market. Mobile phones will be completely banned in schools. Students suffer loss in studies due to mobile phones..Phones will have to be deposited with the principal,” he asserted.

He further stated, “In the event of unintentional possession of mobile phones, teachers must surrender them to the principal. Additionally, any unauthorized activities such as performing religious rituals during school hours will result in disciplinary action.”

Since assuming office, Dilwar has implemented various policies, including mandating the wearing of school uniforms for all children. He has also introduced the practice of Surya Namaskar as part of the morning prayer in all schools.

Education

Vice President of India Inaugurates The Kulish School of Patrika Group

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2024

Team ScooNews

One of India’s leading media houses – Patrika Group – commemorated a great event in their history with the start of Kulish School, a lighthouse of educational center led by the respected Vice President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankar. The extravaganza was held on 30th April signalling the start of a new epoch of academic achievement and social improvement. Besides, during the program, the statue of Mr. Kirpal Chandra Kulish, the founder of Patrika, was also unveiled by the Deputy President.

The Kulish School, the ambitious enterprise of the Patrika Group, recognizes the importance of foresight and community involvement, which is made evident by the school. Named after Kulish Ji who is remembered historically for bringing in constructive alterations, the school is ready to redefine education to become a transforming movement.

The principal of the school, Debashish Chakraborty, introduced the school as a cutting-edge innovation, further saying, “We seek to harness the power of play and experimentation to expose our students to the most complex ideas of innovation and creative technology.”

The Kulish school is based on cutting-edge tech coupled with Vedic knowledge and principles propounded by Kulish Ji. Mrs. Vrinda Kothari, Director, Board of Governors conveyed, “To Kulish Ji education meant skilled and virtuous educators imparting knowledge that brings self-awareness and joy to individuals by developing not just the body and intellect but also enriching their soul and minds.”

“In schools, the presence of the divine diminishes. In other words, Indian culture, nature, and concepts like unity with the universe become obscure in life. No one has an answer to what should be taught and why.” as stated by Gulab Kothari Ji, he further stated, “What nature had given, education has taken away. Now, the individual has become secondary, and the body is the primary objective. The soul bids farewell to life without truly living it. This is the rarity of a meaningful human life!”

The epitome of the event was the keynote lecture by the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar. He expressed, ” I wish I were a kid; I would love to study at The Kulish School. This school is Rajasthan’s pride and a priceless diamond. The Kulish School Will Set a Global Benchmark. Where the students of the school will go, I can’t even imagine, as they will achieve much higher. The Kulish School will be a lasting investment in the future and the history of education, putting the family’s name in golden words in the future of education.”

Therefore, the launch of The Kulish School represents a milestone, a bold move toward to shape education for a better tomorrow by the founder’s visionary imagination and showing the way for the upcoming generations.

Education

Empowering Education: LASSI 2024 Concludes with Success and Inspiration

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2024

Team ScooNews

The curtains have closed on a successful edition of Liberal Arts and Science Symposium India (LASSI 2024), hosted by ScooNews in collaboration with Good Shepherd International School, Ooty. The symposium, held at the picturesque campus nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, saw an unprecedented gathering of educators, students, and industry experts from around the world.

Themed ‘Shaping Tomorrow,’ LASSI 2024 surpassed expectations in providing a platform for insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and collaborative initiatives in the realm of Liberal Arts and Sciences education. Over the course of the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of masterclasses, keynotes, and case studies, each offering valuable insights into the transformative power of Liberal Arts education.

Reflecting on the success of the symposium, Jacob Thomas, President of Good Shepherd International School, Ooty, remarked, “LASSI 2024 has been a testament to the spirit of collaboration and inquiry that defines our institution. We are proud to have facilitated meaningful discussions and exchanges that will shape the future of education in India and beyond.”

The event was helmed by Prof Anil Srinivasan & Chetnaa Mehrotra who set the context for the 2-day event as the Summit Curators. Reflecting on the dynamic sessions that unfolded at LASSI 2024, attendees were treated to a diverse range of insights and discussions that shaped the future of education. From Jacob Thomas‘ exploration of emerging technologies to Maheshwar Peri‘s elucidation on Liberal Arts programs in India, each session offered a unique perspective on educational advancement. Vivek Atray‘s interactive Ask Me Anything session, alongside Naman Kandoi and Vardan Kabra‘s discourse on building artistic learners, sparked lively conversations on leadership and innovation. Reena Gupta and Rahul Batra‘s exploration of liberal education further underscored the importance of inclusion and empowerment in academic settings. Outdoor activities and workshops added a touch of experiential learning, while Radhika Lobo and Nisha Bhakar delved into pedagogy and curriculum development. The symposium culminated in a captivating musical performance by Prof Anil Srinivasan, leaving attendees inspired and enlightened. With engaging discussions and impactful presentations, Day 1 at LASSI 2024 proved to be a transformative event for educators, students, and industry experts alike.

Day 2 began with Professor Sugata Mitra‘s inspiring session on redefining educational norms that left a lasting impact on attendees. Sandeep Sethi‘s spotlight session explored innovative approaches to education through monuments, theatre, and folk art, shedding light on alternative learning methods. Attendees engaged in an interactive “Ask Us Anything” session with all speakers, fostering open dialogue and exchange of ideas. The Fishbowl Session on the 21st-century school, led by Dr. Venka Purushothaman and Chetnaa Mehrotra, provided valuable insights into the future of education. Meanwhile, students had the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by Prof. Anil Srinivasan, where they explored the concept of creating a startup in the classroom. After a lunch break, the afternoon session kicked off with an open mic segment, allowing attendees to share their perspectives and experiences. Akhila Ramnarayan and Dr. Vijila Edwin-Kennedy led a session on the significance of liberal arts education, prompting reflection on its relevance in today’s society. The day concluded with a student panel discussion on the decision to take a gap year, offering valuable insights into the benefits and considerations of such a choice.

In addition to thought-provoking discussions, LASSI 2024 showcased leading Liberal Arts colleges from India and abroad, providing attendees with valuable insights into their educational options. Success stories and groundbreaking research findings presented at the symposium underscored the transformative impact of Liberal Arts education on both careers and personal growth.

As the symposium concluded, ScooNews and Good Shepherd International School expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of LASSI 2024. Looking ahead, both organisations remain committed to fostering collaboration and innovation in education, continuing the momentum generated by this landmark event.

Education

Seasoned Educator Nilam Sharma Takes Helm at The Vedanya School

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2024

Team ScooNews

Ms. Nilam Sharma, Head of School, VIS

The Vedanya School, situated in Flower Valley, Gurugram, has officially announced Ms. Nilam Sharma as the new Head of School starting April 2024. With an extensive career spanning three decades, Ms. Sharma is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role.

Ms. Sharma’s professional journey is distinguished by a 22-year tenure at The Heritage Xperiential Learning Schools in Gurgaon, where she not only was a founding member but also held various leadership positions, including Head of Primary School, Director of Early Years, and Head of School at their Sector 57 campus.

Throughout her career, Ms. Sharma has been dedicated to elevating the standard of education. She has been at the forefront of an in-house teacher development programme, the creation of stimulating learning environments, and the launch of community outreach initiatives. Her commitment to educational excellence has seen her travel extensively both domestically and internationally, engaging with some of the world’s foremost educational methodologies. She has enriched her pedagogical repertoire through training with Waldorf and Expeditionary Learning Education and participation in summer school at the esteemed Reggio Emilia in Italy.

Ms. Nilam Sharma’s educational philosophy is heavily influenced by the teachings of luminaries such as Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore, Loris Malaguzzi, and Jiddu Krishnamurthy. Her approach to education is both diverse and comprehensive, encapsulating a curriculum that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters human values and capabilities.

As she steps into her new role at The Vedanya School, Ms. Nilam Sharma is poised to continue her passionate advocacy for quality education through innovative practices and an ethos that nurtures the whole child. ScooNews congratulates her and wishes her luck in accomplishing her vision for the future of learning.

Education

Beyond Appearances: Prachi Nigam’s Triumph and The Pressures of Appearance-Based Bullying in Schools

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2024

Dhruv Chhabra

Image Source- BBC Hindi

The news of Prachi Nigam, a diligent 10th UP Board Topper, unleashed a disturbing chapter in the history of our society. Despite her unquestionable academic talent being the main topic of a discussion it was superseded by the inappropriate emphasis on her appearance. These events clearly underline the intricate and destructive beauty standard that plague the learning institutions.

It perhaps resonates with the fact that, in the process, we form these gigantic LED screens of illusory beauty standards, which subsequently hover over our young, leaving long shadows behind their achievements. Even if they keep advancing up the ladder of academic strength, their way at the top is checked through the view of how attractive they are. The risk of humiliation due to poor marks and failing an exam is unavoidable. The true woe Prachi has is the desire for anonymity despite her impressive winning activities, which emphasises how emotional hearts of young people can be dysfunctional from such pressures.

Time has come for all of us, as a society, to shape direction which mostly depends on whether empathy has the right place in our classrooms or not. Let this be a lighthouse to the teachers to build suitable defences of comfort around the children thus, no kid should be caught hiding from scrutiny in the shadows. Teachers are doing not only a transmission of knowledge but also establishing an arena where jokes and laughter is shared with no one’s dignity being mocked. When a person makes fun of someone for his/her looks, it should not have a tolerance or a laughter of agreement but condemnation with the sober reminder of respect and tolerance.

The heart of our education philosophy must be the acceptance that the human body is the norm, in its different shapes, and be explained that those changes in adolescence, which are taken as anomalies, are just threads in the rich diversity of our human experience. The burden exists equally in both teaching our young boys that hair is a natural part of a woman’s presence and passing judgement or hearsay based on the absence of hair is unjustifiable, besides disrespectful.

Creating a monument for our schools is to convert them into sensitive meeting places where each child can grow up in freedom without the worry of being dug out for their uniqueness. These classrooms nurture compassion from which the saplings of mature citizens emerge; their spiritual vision awakening the logical perception which glimpses beyond obvious matters. However, beauty is a kaleidoscope, and for our brains, the time to adjust to its actual spectrum is right at hand.

When building up such an environment, we do not just educate students, we plant the seeds of change in a world where people are cherished not by the size and shape of their bodies but by their uniqueness and achievements. The story of Prachi standing fearlessly up to the rushing flood of hate, should sound in the corridors of every school, it would be among the strongest lessons in fortitude and the ability to endure as an example.

We are not merely shaping the students of today but creating a world where every young Prachi will find a space to fly free from unwarranted prejudices. As educators, students, and members of this complex society, we need to topple the divergent walls of superficial standards and in their place to grow a garden which allows every flower, despite how it differs from others in terms of size, colour or shape, to be valued for the gift that it brings to the world. It won’t be until after when we can say we have not failed our children, only when we can tell that we are proud of having brought up not just scholars, but decent human beings.