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<ul><li>The Indian government has allocated 6% of GDP as public investment in the education sector in India, up from 4.43% allocation. </li><li>The Major reforms under the NEP include a new grading system, push to vocational education, fee regulation, elimination of MPhil, etc. </li><li>Here are some highlights about the <keyword id="2450716" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-education-policy">New Education Policy</keyword> </li></ul>The Indian government on July 29 approved the New Education Policy (NEP) and renamed the Ministry of Human Resource and Development as the Ministry of Education. The existing NEP was framed in 1986 and revised in 1992. The New Education Policy was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto ahead of the 2014 general election. The policy brings reforms to the entire Indian education system. The Indian government has allocated 6% of GDP as public investment in the education sector in India, up from 4.43% allocation. The Major reforms under the NEP include a new grading system, push to vocational education, fee regulation, elimination of MPhil, etc. Moreover higher education institutions and other professional education institutes will be transformed into multi-disciplinary education. Here are some highlights about the New Education Policy — <ul><li>Universalise primary education in India The NEP aims to universalise primary education (3 to 6) years in the country in the next five years. It also aims to provide a foundational literacy and numeracy for all by 2025.</li></ul><ul><li>The 10+2 system will be divided into a 5+3+3+4 format Under the new 5+3+3+4 format, the first five years will be the foundation stage, including three years of primary education and class 1 and 2. The next three years will be the ‘preparatory’ stage. The next three years — between class six and class eight— will be the ‘middle’ stage. The last stage will be the ‘high’ stage comprising class 9,10,11, and 12. </li></ul><ul><li>MPhil courses to be discontinued Students who wish to pursue research can do it without MPhil. All courses at UG, PG, PhD level to be interdisciplinary.</li></ul><ul><li>All higher education institutions, except legal and medical colleges, to be governed by a single regulator</li></ul><ul><li>Reforms in board exams patterns</li></ul>All the board exams will be held in two languages. Each subject offered in the board exam will have an objective, as well as description exam. Moreover, board exams are to be based on knowledge application. <ul><li>Students to learn coding from class 6 The NEP aims to encourage mathematical and scientific thinking in students. School curriculum will be reduced to core concepts; and include the integration of vocational education from class 6 under the <keyword id="2786032" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-National-Education-Policy">new National Education Policy</keyword>. Moreover, students will be allowed to learn coding from class 6.</li></ul><ul><li>Undergraduate colleges to be autonomous — Under Graded Autonomy, Academic, Administrative and Financial Autonomy will be given to colleges, on the basis of the status of their accreditation. </li></ul><ul><li>Proposal to conduct a common entrance exam for all colleges The government has proposed to conduct a single entrance for all higher education institutes in India. The exam, however, will be optional. </li></ul><ul><li>Home language, mother tongue or regional language to be medium of instruction up to class 5</li></ul>Under NEP, all the students can study up to class 5 in their home/mother tongue or regional language. If possible, the students can also learn in their respective languages after grade 5. Moreover, the government will also develop e-courses in eight regional languages initially. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/mahindra-and-mahindra-finance-managing-director-gets-candid-about-the-rights-issue/articleshow/77212386.cms">EXCLUSIVE: M&amp;M Financial Managing Director gets candid about the rights issue, the bleak prospects for this year and why there should be no more loan moratorium</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/india-stock-brokers-hit-by-sebi-direct-market-access/articleshow/77198064.cms">India's broking industry just got the shock of its life – SEBI may soon allow investors to trade directly on the exchanges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/these-10-indian-colleges-have-produced-indias-most-funded-startup-owners/slidelist/77140792.cms">These 10 Indian colleges have produced India’s most funded startup owners</a>

India revamps its education policy after 34 years — scraps MPhil, proposes vocational courses from class 6, UG colleges to become autonomous

<ul><li>The existing NEP was framed in 1986 and revised in 1992. A <keyword id="2450716" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-education-policy">new education policy</keyword> was part of <keyword id="1205297" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Bharatiya-Janata-Party">the Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword>'s manifesto ahead of the 2014 general election.</li><li>A panel led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Kasturirangan had submitted the draft of the new NEP to Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' when he took charge last year.</li><li>The draft was then put in public domain to seek feedback from various stakeholders and over two lakh suggestions were received by the HRD Ministry about the same. </li></ul><keyword id="3466084" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-union-cabinet">The Union Cabinet</keyword> on Wednesday approved the new National Education Policy (NEP) and renamed the HRD Ministry as Education Ministry, officials said. A panel led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Kasturirangan had submitted the draft of the new NEP to Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' when he took charge last year. The draft was then put in public domain to seek feedback from various stakeholders and over two lakh suggestions were received by the HRD Ministry about the same. "The policy draft has been approved. The Ministry has been renamed as Education Ministry," a senior HRD Ministry official said. The existing NEP was framed in 1986 and revised in 1992. A new education policy was part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's manifesto ahead of the 2014 general election. The drafting experts also took into account the report of a panel headed by former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian and formed by the HRD Ministry when it was being headed by Union Minister Smriti Irani. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/mahindra-and-mahindra-finance-managing-director-gets-candid-about-the-rights-issue/articleshow/77212386.cms">EXCLUSIVE: M&amp;M Financial Managing Director gets candid about the rights issue, the bleak prospects for this year and why there should be no more loan moratorium</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/india-stock-brokers-hit-by-sebi-direct-market-access/articleshow/77198064.cms">India's broking industry just got the shock of its life – SEBI may soon allow investors to trade directly on the exchanges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/these-10-indian-colleges-have-produced-indias-most-funded-startup-owners/slidelist/77140792.cms">These 10 Indian colleges have produced India’s most funded startup owners</a>

India approves a new education policy after more than two decades

Union minister <keyword id="6612" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Smriti-Irani">Smriti Irani</keyword> on Wednesday said the new National Education Policy will lead to a transformative restructuring of education in India that will encompass every stage of learning. The former HRD minister noted that she was part of the extensive exercise in 2015. "#NEP2020 is outcome of the most exhaustive consultations carried out by GOI under PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Honoured to be part of the extensive exercise initiated in 2015 and thankful to @PrakashJavdekar Ji &amp; @DrRPNishank Ji for supplementing the efforts of @HRDMinistry," she said in a tweet. The Union Cabinet approved <keyword id="9464889" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-national-education-policy">the National Education Policy</keyword> (NEP) 2020 on Wednesday. The education policy, framed in 1986, was last revised in 1992. A new education policy was part of <keyword id="1205297" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Bharatiya-Janata-Party">the Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword>'s manifesto ahead of the 2014 general election. The K Kasturirangan panel had submitted the draft of the new NEP to <keyword id="1026157" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Human-Resource-Development">Union Human Resource Development</keyword> Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' when he took charge last year. The drafting experts also took into account the report of a panel headed by former cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian and formed by the HRD Ministry when it was headed by Irani. In a series of tweets, Irani lauded the government's efforts in formulation of the policy. "Grateful to PM @narendramodi Ji &amp; Cabinet for approving National Education Policy 2020 - a transformative restructuring of Education in India encompassing every stage of learning from early education to higher education with greater emphasis on technology &amp; digitisation. #NEP2020," she said in a tweet. "Laying emphasis on education in early years, #NEP2020 provisions for quality early childhood care &amp; education for children between 3-6 years through Anganwadis &amp; Schooling. @WCDMinistry with @HRDMinistry &amp; other line Ministries will strive to achieve the aim of ECCE by 2030," the Women and Child Development minister said. Noting that the gender inclusion fund to be created under the policy is an important feature to ensure no child is devoid of education due to birth or background, she said it will provide quality education for all girls as well as transgender students, an important step towards inclusive education. A single regulator for higher education institutions, multiple entry and exit options in degree courses, discontinuation of M.Phil programmes, low stakes board exams, common entrance exams for universities are among the highlights of the NEP. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/slums-in-mumbai-are-showing-signs-of-herd-immunity-but-it-is-too-soon-to-conclude/articleshow/77238721.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">The slums in India's financial capital are showing signs of herd immunity but it is too soon to conclude</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/india-revamps-its-education-policy-after-34-years-scraps-mphil-proposes-vocational-courses-from-class-6-ug-colleges-to-become-autonomous/articleshow/77241851.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">India revamps its education policy after 34 years — scraps MPhil, proposes vocational courses from class 6, UG colleges to become autonomous</a>

New education policy will lead to transformative restructuring of education in India, says union minister Smriti Irani

<ul><li>The Indian government is also stepping up its efforts to hire interns so as to benefit from fresh ideas from engineering students. </li><li>The All India Council for Technical Education (<keyword id="28262" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="AICTE">AICTE</keyword>), along with the Human Resource and Development Ministry (MHRD) has asked the district magistrates from over 700 districts in India to allow engineering students to intern with them. </li><li>The month-long internship, which will take place in June next year will roll in upto 15 students across 150 District Magistrate offices.</li></ul>With internship season at its peak, it’s not just private companies but the government is also stepping up its efforts to hire interns to get fresh ideas from engineering students. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) along with the Human Resource and Development Ministry (MHRD) asked the district magistrates from over 700 districts in India to allow engineering students to intern with them. The idea is to make the youth learn the on-ground implementation of government policies. The month-long internship for June next year will enroll up to 15 students across 150 District Magistrate offices each. This includes offices in UP, Maharashtra and Haryana. However, their remuneration has not been specified yet. "Our vision is that this internship will expose the in-training engineers to how government departments function and in turn, DMs' offices could also benefit from the fresh inputs and ideas these students can bring," the New Indian Express <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/oct/31/engineering-students-to-intern-with-district-magistrates-2054989.html">reported</a> citing officials from AICTE. The initiative by the technical education council is aimed to improve the quality of education in the country. “We thought taking students to DM’s office, which is where most central and state policies touch people directly, will be a great venture.” The Indian government is pushing on-the-job training at government offices as well. The MHRD recently announced its <a href="https://www.dqindia.com/mhrd-internship-scheme-2019-online-applications-begin-selected-students-get-stipend-rs-10000/">Internship scheme 2019</a> — for undergraduate and postgraduate students from India and overseas. The interns will assist the ministry with formulation of policies, implementation and reforms education sector. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/three-in-five-companies-in-india-are-not-planning-to-hire-apprentices-survey-says/articleshow/71752525.cms">Three in five companies in India are not planning to hire apprentices, survey says</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/almost-half-the-companies-in-india-offering-internships-eventually-hire-the-same-candidates/articleshow/71607885.cms">Almost half the companies in India offering internships eventually hire the same candidates</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/iim-calcutta-students-receive-over-1-lakh-monthly-stipend-for-analyst-internships/articleshow/71515437.cms">IIM Calcutta students receive over ₹1 lakh monthly stipend for analytics internships</a>

Engineering students can now intern with IAS officers

In a shocking turn of events in the <keyword id="3212197" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rohith-Vemula-Suicide">Rohith Vemula suicide</keyword> case and the uproar that has followed, reports suggest that most central universities of the country would probably fail the anti-discrimination test. 
 To know whether <keyword id="6510139" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Universities">Indian universities</keyword> actually practice anti-discrimination or not, an assessment was done for all central universities at the conference of central university vice-chancellors. The results, one might ask? Not even a single central university has appointed an ombudsman, with only eight of the 46 central universities having a grievance redressal cell for complaints in this matter. 
 As per the assessment of the <keyword id="51613" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="hrd-ministry">HRD ministry</keyword>, Indian universities came out to have done extensive violation of regulations, when it comes to the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulation 2012. 
 
These regulations demand that institutions should necessarily set up an equal opportunity cell, appoint anti-discrimination officers, declare mechanism for implementation of the regulations and set up grievance redressal cells. 
 
However, only 10 universities have notified a mechanism for implementation of these regulations, while only 5 have got them working. Equal Opportunities Commission has been set up by only 19 central universities and just 13 of these actually work. An anti-discrimination officer has been appointed only 10 universities, and again, only 5 of them work. 
 
The gross enrolment ratio (GER) for various social groups as per a pan India survey for higher education is all the way more shocking. While the GER for all groups stood at 23.6, it is 18.5 for SCs and 13.3 for STs in 2014-15. Even though these numbers are up from last year’s 17.1for SCs and 11.3 for STs, there is still a long road to achieving success in actual terms. 
 
The HRD ministry has also alerting university administrations about increased diversity in campuses, leading to an amalgamation of different cultures and requirign 'proactive integration' through inclusive structures, empathy, support and effective monitoring. 
 Talking of <keyword id="6387481" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hyderabad-Central-University">Hyderabad Central University</keyword>, the fact-finding committee has come up with results that say that the essential institutional redressal mechanisms for handling student grievances and problems "seems to be non-functional/defunct and is responsible for enhancing the feeling of deprivation and discrimination among the students from the socially and economically weaker sections".

More Rohith Vemulas in the making? Not even a single Indian university can pass the anti-discrimination test with flying colors

New Delhi, Oct 17 () Breaking of gender stereotypes should begin at play school level itself to ensure children are not gender biased when they grow up, according to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (<keyword id="48505" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="NCERT">NCERT</keyword>). The council is an autonomous body under the HRD Ministry that assists and advises the Centre and state governments on policies and programmes that help in the qualitative betterment of school education. The "gender equality" recommendations has been made by NCERT in its new guidelines for pre-school education. It has asked schools to ensure that teachers demonstrate equal and appropriate expectations from boys and girls by providing them equal attention, respect and equal opportunities. "The schools should select books, plays and other activities free of gender bias. Teachers should avoid language that limits one gender or another and use gender neutral labels," a senior NCERT official said. "Teachers should use stories, songs, activities and facilitation aids that depict girls and boys, including some with special needs in the same roles as men and women in all professions. Both women and men should appear as leaders, heroes and problem solvers," the official said. The council has also recommended schools that parents should be regularly sensitised to support these practices at home. "It is important to help them understand and stop discrimination," the official added. The proposed curriculum will follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) that are appropriate to their age, stage and context to promote children's optimal learning and development. The guidelines also have recommendations for play schools to ensure careful inclusion of children with disabilities through early intervention that minimises learning difficulties and accelerates child development. The child's progress should also be recorded through observations of their behaviour, their artwork and other creations, interaction with other children, and anecdotal records, among other things. The assessment should help the child learn new skills and focus on their strengths, the guidelines said. GJS GJS DV DV

School books and language should break gender stereotypes, says NCERT

<ul><li>The Women and Child Development (WCD) and Education Ministries are working in a coordinated way to meet the Prime Minister's vision of providing nutritious meals to the students in government schools. </li><li>The Prime Minister had in 2018 launched 'Poshan Abhiyaan'-- a robust scheme which has been playing an important role in eliminating malnutrition from the country. </li><li>On this 'Poshan Maah 2020', Modi's government planned to focus on an intensive campaign across the country for the holistic nourishment of children with severe acute malnutrition, Union Home Minister <keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword> said in a statement. </li></ul>Milk will soon be an integral part of the <keyword id="6467547" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Midday-Meal">midday meal</keyword> scheme to ensure proper nutrition to all students in government schools across the country, which is in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim to make a malnutrition-free India. The Women and Child Development (WCD) and Education Ministries are working in a coordinated way to meet the Prime Minister's vision of providing nutritious meals to the students in government schools. All the officials linked to the departments concerned dealing with the policies have been directed by both the ministries on the 3rd 'Rashtriya Poshan Maah' to expedite changes in <keyword id="115962" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="midday">midday</keyword> meal by including milk soon after the schools resume functioning with attendance by children. The Prime Minister had in 2018 launched 'Poshan Abhiyaan'-- a robust scheme which has been playing an important role in eliminating malnutrition from the country. On this 'Poshan Maah 2020', Modi's government planned to focus on an intensive campaign across the country for the holistic nourishment of children with severe acute malnutrition, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a statement. In this regard, an official, requesting anonymity, told IANS that the Education Ministry may come up with a revised menu for midday meals scheme, that will include milk as an integral component. All the state government's have been told to implement the new midday meal policy which includes milk. Earlier, the then HRD Ministry had revised its midday meal policy in 2016. In order to give better quality food to children in schools where midday meals are provided, the HRD has revised its norms, that include milk as a necessary supplement. WCD Minister <keyword id="6612" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Smriti-Irani">Smriti Irani</keyword> on Monday assured Vice-President <keyword id="8563926" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="m-venkaiah">M Venkaiah</keyword> Naidu that the central government would consider recommending to all the states to "include milk in the midday meal scheme". Irani's assurance came after Naidu earlier in the day suggested to her to add milk in breakfast or midday meals of children to improve nutritional level. The Vice President spoke with Irani on the 3rd Rashtriya Poshan Maah aimed at contributing towards a malnutrition-free India. An official in the Education Ministry told IANS that all students from Classes 1 to 8 in all government schools will be given 200 ml milk every day along with the midday meals. As per the official, this policy as is similar to the one issued in 2016 and then HRD Ministry direction to states in 2018 in which many loopholes were reported in its implementation. The states were earlier also directed to include milk and milk products in the midday meals so that these items could be procured from cooperative milk unions or federations. The Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department also took up the issue with the state Chief Secretaries on December 15, 2017, requesting them to consider supplying milk and milk products through their network under midday meals scheme of the Centre. Karnataka, <keyword id="6355554" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Madhya-Pradesh">Madhya Pradesh</keyword>, Haryana, Puducherry, and Gujarat have confirmed supply of milk through schools but some states with higher surplus stocks of milk powder like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab are yet to decide in this regard. Almost two decades have passed since the midday meal became a part of the daily routine in government schools across the country. The central government had received complaints earlier on about inclusion of milk in midday meals. As per government norms, every child should receive 150-200 ml milk. However, there have been complaints that one litre of milk was mixed in a bucketful of water to serve to more than 80 children in a school in rural Uttar Pradesh. Some videos have also gone viral on the social media regarding the said incident. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/us-magazine-fortune-released-its-annual-40-under-40-list-of-most-influential-people-under-the-age-of-40/slidelist/77906566.cms">Isha and Akash Ambani, Adar Poonawalla, Byju Raveendran — meet the Indians who made it to Fortune's ‘40 under 40’ list this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/interview-madhuri-dixit-and-dr-shriram-nene-are-looking-to-raise-funds-for-their-online-dance-school-and-a-new-healthtech-venture/articleshow/77930270.cms">This Indian scientist-turned drugmaker doubled his wealth to $6 billion during coronavirus pandemic</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/interview-madhuri-dixit-and-dr-shriram-nene-are-looking-to-raise-funds-for-their-online-dance-school-and-a-new-healthtech-venture/articleshow/77930270.cms">Madhuri Dixit and Dr Shriram Nene are looking to raise funds for their online dance school and a new healthtech venture</a>

Milk to be 'integral' part of midday meal scheme soon

New Delhi, Nov 23 () Former ISRO Chairman K Kasturirangan has taken over as the new chairperson of the NIIT University (NU).
 The announcement was made at NIIT University's 11th Annual Lecture at Neemrana on Saturday.
 Kasturirangan succeeds former Member of Parliament Karan Singh as the new chairperson of the not-for-profit university.
 A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Kasturirangan headed the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003. He has also served as the Chancellor of Central University of Rajasthan.
 He chaired the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Committee to draft the National Education Policy, and submitted it to the Union HRD minister in May 2019.
 "We are grateful to Dr Karan Singh for guiding NU in its formative years as the founding chairperson. His view that NU gives a glimpse of what future educational institutions can be has inspired us over these last 10 years," NIIT University founder and chairman of NIIT Ltd, Rajendra S Pawar, said.
 He added that Kasturirangan's exemplary background and diverse experience will enable the educational institution to inject a fresh perspective and further strengthen the core values of NIIT University.
 Established in 2009, NU focusses on industry and technology-based and research-driven education and has close to 600 industry partners. SR MKJ

Former ISRO chief Kasturirangan to take over as NIIT University chairperson

New Delhi, Jul 5 () The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Facebook have partnered to launch curriculum on "digital safety and online well-being" and "Augmented Reality" for students and educators, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' announced on Sunday. "I congratulate CBSE and Facebook on its partnership to introduce certified programmes in Augmented Reality for teachers and Digital Safety and online-wellbeing for students. I encourage the teachers and students to apply for the programmes commencing on July 6," Nishank tweeted. According to CBSE officials, the comprehensive curriculum is aimed at ensuring online well-being of students and preparing them for the future of work. "The modules are for secondary school students. The curriculum is now available on the CBSE website. This partnership is led by Facebook for Education, a global initiative by Facebook, to build diverse learning communities and bring the world closer together," a senior board official said. "As more and more young users get online, it becomes important to educate young adults, and students on making well informed choices online and also help them develop skills they need to safely navigate the internet," the official explained. The curriculum will cover aspects such as safety, privacy, mental health and Instagram's guide for building healthy digital habits. The module has been designed to guide students become responsible digital users, identify and report threats and harassment as well as report misinformation. At least 10,000 students will be covered in the training which will be imparted by the Centre for Social Research (CSR), the officials said. "Also, as part of the collaboration, Facebook will support CBSE in its first-ever initiative to introduce Artificial Reality (AR) as a curriculum. In the first phase, 10,000 teachers will be trained while 30,000 students will undergo the same in the second phase. The three-week training, to be conducted in batches, will cover fundamentals of AR and ways to utilise Facebook's software, Spark AR Studio in order to create augmented reality experiences," the official said. "The objective is to give the learners an opportunity and platform to conceptualise, create and brand their own AR experiences. The hands-on learning experience of AR will help in preparing the students for a career in the digital economy. The teachers who successfully complete the training in the first phase will train 30,000 students in the second phase," the official added. According to Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and Central Asia, "the current global pandemic is the most severe health and humanitarian crisis that the country has seen, with far-reaching impact on our lives. We recognise the disruption it has caused to traditional pedagogical methods necessitating a shift to virtual modes of learning the most". "Through our Facebook for Education programme in India, we wish to support the educational agencies in the country in enabling lessons on fostering safe online experiences, addressing online well-being as well as sharing easy toolkit for parents, educators and students to promote resilience and learning in the current environment, "Das said. "Besides, the AR curriculum offers an opportunity for young learners to explore emerging technology for the first time as part of their curriculum," Das added. GJS RHL

CBSE partners with Facebook for curriculum on digital safety, augmented reality

<ul><li><keyword id="6364832" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Kharagpur">IIT Kharagpur</keyword> and Kanpur have decided to mark students based on internal assessments including viva, projects, quizzes and mid-semester exams. </li><li>IIT-Delhi is considering early graduation options. </li><li>Meanwhile, Maharashtra government has also decided to go against conducting the <keyword id="9187161" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="final-year-exams">final year exams</keyword> across courses.</li></ul>In its latest directive, the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) said that the final year college students will have to sit for exams in July — or later if the condition worsens. However, a few<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/covid-crisis-forces-at-least-4-iits-to-ditch-final-year-exams/articleshow/76165911.cms"> Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)</a> — Mumbai, Kanpur, Roorkee and Kharagpur campuses — are doing away with final graduation exams in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. While others are evaluating online examination modules, grading systems and early graduation. <keyword id="6359674" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="iit-roorkee">IIT Roorkee</keyword> said that it will promote students of 2019-20 batch based on performance grade points. However, it mentioned that the students can appear for the exam later, if they don’t want to go ahead with the grading pattern. "We have introduced a system to convert a pass letter grade to a Satisfactory (S) grade without grade point if a student requests for the same. The weightage ranges of various evaluation components have been revised. Further, students also have the option to appear in a re-exam to improve their grades," Director AK Chaturvedi told news agency PTI. IIT Kharagpur and Kanpur have decided to mark students based on internal assessments including viva, projects, quizzes and mid-semester exams. The institute has formulated a special committee to work on the grading scheme. In fact, as an exception due to COVID crisis, <keyword id="108320" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Kanpur">IIT Kanpur</keyword> said that no student will fail this year, and the grades would be marked as A,B,C or S. On similar lines, <keyword id="61708" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Bombay">IIT Bombay</keyword> will evaluate students based on their performance in the mid-semester examinations while up to 20% weightage can be given to online exams — if all the students register to appear in it. IIT-Delhi is considering early graduation options. A Twitter post shared by IIT-D director V Ramgopal Rao said “For early graduation, there are two options. Students can choose the ‘Audit pass/fail’ option or a credit option. For audit pass/fail, instructors will declare the cutoff. For credit options, students will take online tests, home exams, assignments and viva voice as applicable. Grading policy will also be announced.” <div type="twitter" handle="ramgopal_rao" handlename="V.Ramgopal Rao" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1254326397868191745/TMHpMNSm_normal.jpg" favoritecount="87" retweetcount="28" status="IIT Delhi policy for 2020 Graduating batch.For any other queries, please send an email to &quot;arugs@admin.iitd.ac.in… https://t.co/e7XId2VJCZ" createdat="1591020290000" id="1267457079125479427"></div> Meanwhile, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/education/no-final-year-exams-for-maharashtra-students-new-formula-for-promotion-6437394/">Maharashtra government</a> has also decided to go against conducting the final year exams. State Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray said that the students will be promoted based on the aggregate marks. Overall, as many as 33 crore students are enrolled in over 45,000 colleges in India. In March, the HRD Ministry directed all the educational institutions — including the universities, entrance exam centres to shut down in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, colleges have been trying to move the academic sessions online. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/digital-skills-that-experts-believe-you-need-to-survive-the-current-job-crisis/articleshow/76167406.cms">Digital skills that experts believe you need to survive the current job crisis</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/online-streaming-and-e-newspaper-replaced-burgers-and-pizzas-in-may-as-people-continued-to-spend-in-may-despite-the-lockdown/articleshow/76167952.cms">Online streaming and e-newspaper replaced burgers and pizzas as people continued to spend in May despite the lockdown</a>

IIT Bombay, Kharagpur, Roorkee and Kanpur students will not have to sit for final year exams

In a bid to support entrepreneurial dreams, the <keyword id="105668" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commerce-and-Industry-Ministry">Commerce and Industry Ministry</keyword> has urged all the states and the Union Territories to establish a '<keyword id="1007874" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Startup-Hub">Startup Hub</keyword>' and <keyword id="907406" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="incubators">incubators</keyword>. 
 The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (<keyword id="6391107" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="DIPP">DIPP</keyword>) has already set up the startup hub in April, which guides and handhelds startups, and has resolved over 12,000 queries of startups over telephone, email and twitter. 
 
"DIPP has requested state governments and administration of UTs to set up Startup Hub as well as incubators to help startups during various stages of development," DIPP release stated. 
 
It also said that the department will write to top companies requesting them to support the initiative by setting up new incubators or scale up existing incubators in collaboration with educational institutes. 
 
Further, it said that seven proposals for Research Parks, 16 proposals for TBIs (technology business incubators) and 13 proposals for startup centres have been recommended by the National Expert Advisory Committee formed by the HRD Ministry. 
 
"These proposals shall be implemented in the current financial year," it added. 
 All these steps are part of the Startup Action Plan announced by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> in January. 
 
The government unveiled a slew of incentives to boost startup businesses, offering them a tax holiday and inspector raj-free regime for three years, capital gains tax exemption and Rs 10,000 crore corpus to fund them. 
 
India has the third-largest number of startups globally. 
 
Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked the finance ministry to consider raising tax holiday for startups to seven years to encourage budding entrepreneurs.

Budding entrepreneurs will have incubators, startup hubs in their own states soon

<keyword id="56459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="University-Grants-Commission">University Grants Commission</keyword>, which is responsible for the regulation and maintenance of higher education in the country, has directed ten Indian institutions to immediately close their off-campus centres. The commission has said that these centres are "unauthorised" and have been set up against policies. These institutes include some highly reputed names like <keyword id="176817" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tata-Institute-of-Fundamental-Research">Tata Institute of Fundamental Research</keyword>, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies University, <keyword id="697241" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Homi-Bhabha-National-Institute">Homi Bhabha National Institute</keyword>, and <keyword id="6442381" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BITS-Pilani">BITS Pilani</keyword>. The other names include <keyword id="115839" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Birla-Institute-of-Technology">Birla Institute of Technology</keyword>, <keyword id="80267" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesra">Mesra</keyword>, <keyword id="1630220" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-School-of-Mines-Dhanbad">Indian School of Mines Dhanbad</keyword>, <keyword id="1406039" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Banasthali-University">Banasthali University</keyword> (Rajasthan), Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology (PRIST), <keyword id="94112" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Veterinary-Research-Institute">Indian Veterinary Research Institute</keyword> (IVRI) in Uttar Pradesh and The Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior, which is sponsored by the youth affairs ministry. In a 2009 report of the HRD ministry, all these universities come under nation’s top rated institutes, except PRIST. 
 Sunita Siwach, Deputy Secretary of <keyword id="44171" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="UGC">UGC</keyword>, sent out notices to these ten institutions last week. The notices said that these centres have been established in violation of clause 6 of the UGC guidelines and Article 12(5) of the Deemed University regulations of 2010. These institutions have been given a month to submit a report on the action that they take regarding these centres. 
 
However, the reactions from these institutes have not been too positive. Prof RB Grover, who serves as the vice-chancellor of Homi Bhabha National Institute, was surprised at this sudden move by the commission. "We have not yet received the communication but we are quite taken aback at this. This has to be some misunderstanding and we would like a dialogue with them on the matter," he told ET. "It is quite surprising as UGC as per its own gazette notification has approved HBNI as a deemed university with all its ten constituents. If there are some recent changes, then they must give us sufficient time to meet new requirements. Asking us to close these down will be very perturbing," he continued. 
 
The notice also said that these centres were established without an approval by the ministry of human resource and development, and if these are not closed, "necessary action" would be initiated. 
 
<a href="http://www-cdn.oneindia.com/img/2015/07/02-1435809844-ugc.jpg">Image source</a>

10 Top Indian institutes to soon down their
shutters on the UGC’s orders

The recent budget has been pragmatic that focuses on enhancing the foundations of <keyword id="497931" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Competitiveness">competitiveness</keyword> and <keyword id="2748697" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Social-Wellbeing">social wellbeing</keyword> of its people. The budget, without a doubt, has been visionary in more than one ways and is reflected in the distinct direction that the present regime is trying to push the country towards. The budget tries to serve the poor at the same time being pro-business and pro-investment in sectors like infrastructure, housing, and power. All this in addition to accepting the recent recommendations of the <keyword id="74136" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-commission">Finance Commission</keyword> to devolve a greater share of <keyword id="487578" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="tax-collections">tax collections</keyword> up to 42% from the earlier 32%. This suggests that the government clearly appreciates the idea of states as being the primary unit of geography where finer economic development objectives are decided. 
 The focus of the budget has been in solving the problems of the poor through targeted subsidy regime by reducing leakages in transfers. The JAM (<keyword id="6392137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jan-dhan-Yojana">Jan Dhan Yojana</keyword>, <keyword id="681230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aadhar-card">Aadhar Card</keyword> and Mobile Phones) Number Trinity as pointed out in the economic survey aims to make the system leak-proof in the coming future. The government has thought long and hard on solving the problems of the poor. It is evident from the schemes meant for the people at various stages that do not have medical or general insurance. The old age pension scheme and the way the other insurance schemes have been designed with benefits to poorest of the poor in times of need in the form of accident premiums at amounts as small as Rs 330 a year, etc. with a coverage of Rs 2 Lakh point towards the same. 
 
Implicit in the design of such schemes is the fact that the government seems to opt for market-based solutions to take care of problems of the people rather than a governmental welfare driven model. It was also evident by the announcement to create a National Skills Mission through the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry that aims to make the workforce employable and stay employable. A look at the provisions also suggests that the government is keen to invest in startups as well as in promoting small businesses by providing funds for entrepreneurship. The opening up a Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank, with a corpus of Rs. 20,000 Crore also bolsters this point. There also seems to be an explicit understanding that India of tomorrow will have to be driven by entrepreneurs and a shift in the mindset is required from being job seekers to job creators. The education system also gets a boost, but opening up newer institutions especially IIM’s and IIT’s makes the education system focus on quantity but not quality. This is where the task of the HRD Ministry would be cut out to focus on IIT’s/ IIM’s as a pillar in the ecosystem of creating enterprises. 
 
For the corporate sector and investor community, this is probably the first time that the focus has been on providing internationally competitive tax rates (though deferred over the next four years). Similarly, the indication on a timely implementation of the much-awaited goods and services tax (to be implemented from next year) indicates that the government is keen towards its aim of a common unified market that will integrate the economy and boost growth and enhance regional competitiveness. The focus on reducing red tape by focusing on simplifying norms for opening and complying with rules also indicates the government is keen on improving India’s rank on indices such as the Global Competitiveness Index and the Ease of Doing Business Index by leveraging technology to solve problems. 
 
The push towards infrastructure is evident with an allocation of Rs. 70,000 Crores more to the sector from the previous year despite the reduction in fiscal space. The creation of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), with annual flows of Rs. 20,000 Crore will help the trust to raise debt, and in turn, invest as equity in infrastructure finance companies. It will then enable infrastructure finance companies to leverage extra equity, many folds. Thus, one clearly sees a boost for India’s creaky infrastructure. 
 
The greater devolution to states also means that now the union government is trying to go on the path of cooperative federalism that had been talked about for long. It means states will now have greater freedom to design policies and implement programs suitable to the needs of the people residing therein. The only two caveats i.e., first the states being unable to implement policies and secondly the deepening wedge and greater regional disparity due to better performance of some states. This is where the states will have to understand the competitive federalism and take it in a healthy spirit. The Institute for Competitiveness’s annual State Competitiveness Index ranking may be of benefit for states to see their performance and improve it over time. 
 
The budget thus manages to do well for quality of life of citizens, as well as social progress especially for the common people. It signals a departure from the past with a new economic order in place one that has at its core a focus on states, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, competition and access to markets as the prime drivers of tomorrow’s India. Will the budget have a transformational impact on India’s future? It certainly has the potential; The rest will depend on India's implementational capability. 
 
(Dr. Amit Kapoor is President and CEO of India Council on Competitiveness and Honorary Chairman of Institute for Competitiveness, India. He tweets @kautiliya and can be contacted at <a href="mailto:amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in">amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in</a>)

You Searched For "hrd education policy" and got 13 results

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