Fake Degree Row: Education Ministry asks UGC to inquire into sale of fake degrees

Higher Education

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August 31, 2019

In the wake of media reports about certain universities facilitating the sale of fake degrees, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Thursday ordered University Grants Commission (UGC) to immediately put together a High-Level Committee to inquire into allegations.

The Ministry has given three weeks to the Committee to identify such institutions and individuals that adopted illegal practices so that strict action shall be taken against them.

“In response to media reports, the Human Resource Development Ministry has ordered UGC to immediately constitute a high-level committee to enquire into allegations regarding sale of fake degrees by certain universities (sic),” a tweet from the MHRD said.

In response to media reports, the Human Resource Development Ministry has ordered UGC to immediately constitute a high level committee to enquire into the allegations regarding sale of fake degrees by certain universities. @PMOIndia @DrRPNishank @subrahyd @ugc_india

— Ministry of HRD (@HRDMinistry) August 29, 2019

In June this year itself, Students Federation of India (SFI) had raised this concern with MHRD and asked for measures to curb “mushrooming growth of fake higher degree holders.” It is a serious matter and is an “insult to the entire research community” of the country, the student body shared in the note with the Ministry.

The organization cited various such instances of ‘paid doctoral degrees’ and how such nuisance will lead to a downfall of the quality and credibility of research activities and higher education in the country.

“Lack of stringent actions curbing of the award of fake Ph.D degrees is in another way questioning and nullifying the genuine effort of scholars who work hard for a better part of their life,” the letter said.

IIT Kharagpur to collaborate with Amazon Web Services to develop AI portal

Corporate Updates

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Reetika Bose

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August 31, 2019

In an undertaking to make the quest for AI learning simple and accessible, IIT-Kharagpur plans to partner with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), to promote learning and development in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all AI students, experts and specialists in India.

The collaboration will enhance the learning and experimentation for AI users where they can get access to compute facilities. For beginners, the portal will help them to quickly search and get access to countless of learning resources and make machine learning skills available to every developer.

Professor Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, the man behind this development said, “The contributions from AWS will enable us to provide cloud computing to all learners and reduce the high barrier to make training in AI more available.”

There is already a great demand for professionals skilled in AI as well as resources, and this need will only increase in our society. The development of this platform will help boost the AI community in India,” said Professor Sudeshna Sarkar, Head, Centre for Artificial Intelligence at IIT-Kharagpur.

Commenting on the collaboration, Bratin Saha, Vice-President, AWS Machine Learning and Engines, said, “AWS is delighted to work with IIT-Kharagpur in developing the National Artificial Intelligence Resource Portal, powered by Amazon SageMaker, and we are excited about the opportunity to help make machine learning skills available to every developer. With more than 200 significant machine learning capabilities launched in the last two years, AWS has the broadest and deepest set of machine learning and AI services focused on solving some of the toughest challenges facing developers. We welcome the opportunity to work with IIT-Kharagpur on some of those challenges.”

The initial funding for the National Artificial Intelligence Resource Portal was from the Ministry of Human Resources Development.

Amazon Web Services is an Amazon.com company, to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Resource Portal to promote and develop Artificial Intelligence in learning for every user.

Rajasthan: Transforming Higher Education Through Innovations

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 31, 2019

Rajasthan Government in line with its vision of ensuring employability and skill training among the students has launched various schemes. Moreover, the Government is also emphasising on improving the quality of higher education institutes in the State, says Vaibhav Galriya, Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

What are the unique schemes recently launched by the Higher & Technical Education Department, Government of Rajasthan to improve higher education sector of the State?

Quality education is our aim and underlining this objective, we need few changes in our educational structure. We believe in responding to colleges’ preferences and requirements. We have come up with decentralisation measures with our scheme of RACE. The scheme is for the colleges and by the colleges. It involves redistribution of resources at local level and it will surely help in improving the condition if colleges that lack resources.

Another innovation has been Annual Auditing Programme which is soon to be launched in colleges. The scheme will bring the institutions at par with the standard of other higher education institutes in the country which indirectly helps in improving the higher education sector in Rajasthan.

Pratiyogita Dakshta Programme has been launched in all the Government Colleges of the State to enhance competitive attitude and to increase their chances of getting employment.

Also Read: Innovations paving way for quality higher education in Rajasthan

What initiatives have been undertaken by the department to make education sector vibrant and result-oriented?

With an objective to prepare good academicians, the department has started induction training programme for newly appointed assistant professors. Initiatives like free coaching classes for regular students of the colleges help the department in making education sector vibrant and result-oriented. Subject matter experts in the department are preparing e-content for these classes. The department is also opting for skill education initiatives along with regular studies to make students after their graduation and postgraduation degree.

Please provide a brief description about the administrative initiatives taken for smooth functioning of the department.

The review meetings with the concerned officials of the respective department on regular basis are among the major initiatives that helped in smooth functioning of the department. We have also installed Biometric attendance system for principals and professors. The OIC system installed in various colleges helps in monitoring the progress and problems of the colleges at CCE level.

How the department is planning to keep up the positive growth of Rajasthan’s education sector in future as well?

We are focussing on the various aspects for betterment of higher education sector. It will help in establishing universities and colleges of global repute and appointment of skilled faculties along with a good support staff.

We are also focussing on addressing the challenge of unemployment among the Rajasthan’s youth. We are also formulating appropriate and innovative strategies for easy and equal access of education among the poor and vulnerable students. The department is striving hard to develop institute of excellence.

What message would you like to give to students?

Education is the secret for the success of any human being and the roots of good learning lie on healthy competition. Keeping his in mind, the department conducted a State-level General Knowledge competition for the students of all the government colleges. It also helped the students to evaluate their calibre. Such competitions are necessary for developing skills and effective knowledge. Moreover, Education breeds confidence and to sustain in this competitive world, it is necessary to develop confidence among our students to prepare them for the future challenges.

IIT Roorke partners with Microsoft Garage to enhance Quantum Computing learning

News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2019

IIT Roorke partners with Microsoft Garage

Microsoft Garage India has joined hands with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee to carry out lectures on quantum computing for a full semester. The statement issued by the top IT College mentioned that IIT’s B.Tech and M.Tech students will be given the choice to select the course as a pool elective.

The course has been structured by IIT Roorkee and Microsoft unanimously. It will provide the students with access to Q# Programming Language practical examples, Microsoft Quantum Faculty and Microsoft Quantum Development Kit.

Notably, Microsoft’s quantum computing program has been operational for more than 15 years. It helps students in understanding the technology, developing practical applications, and building the quantum workforce for the future.

As per the statement issued by IIT Roorke, the engineers at IIT Roorkee will be given training by Microsoft experts with a unique approach to learn quantum computing with real-world experiments and access to tools, under the course.

Also Read: ABB partners IIT Roorkee to drive smart power distribution

Speaking on the latest development, Reena Dayal, Director, Microsoft Garage India, said, “With Microsoft’s experience in the field of quantum computing, we aim to make the technology more accessible and enhance the learning journey of engineering students. The partnership will create a new learning experience for students and help them build impactful solutions”.

Prof Ajit K. Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee, termed the partnership between Microsoft Garage and IIT Roorkee as a great opportunity for the institute and students to grow and learn through the quantum computing program. He said, “We believe that together we will be able to deliver and achieve our respective goals”.

Notably, Microsoft Garage India has been closely working with academia to provide students access to new technologies. The program (Microsoft Garage) has been encouraging the students to innovate aggressively, learn through practical experiences, and build creatively.

UGC NET Paper-I December 2019: Know the exam pattern and syllabus

News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2019

The National Entrance Exam (NET) for University Grant Commission (UGC) is being conducted by the National Test Agency (NTA). The exam is held twice in a year – June and December.

Notably, the UGC NET examination consists of two papers. Paper I – assesses the teaching/research aptitude of the candidate, whereas, Paper II – is based on the subject chosen by the candidate.

UGC NET Paper I Exam pattern

The UGC NET exam, which is a computer based examination, is conducted in a single sitting. There is no break in between Paper I and Paper II.

Paper-I consists of 50 objective type questions (MCQs), carries weightage of 100 marks and the duration is 1 hour. Paper II comprises of 100 Questions of 200 marks and the duration to complete the exam is 2 hours.

The Paper-I of UGC NET examination is generic in nature and is meant to access the research/teaching aptitude of the candidates. It is specially designed to know the reasoning ability, comprehension, divergent thinking and general awareness of the candidates.

Important sections of UGC NET Paper-I

Teaching Aptitude
Research Aptitude
Reading Comprehension
Communication
Reasoning
Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
People & Environment
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration

Important Dates

Notably, the examination will commence from December 2, 2019 and will conclude on December 6, 2019. Candidates who are willing to appear in the examination can register from 9th September to 9th October, 2019.

The admit card will be issued to candidates on 9th November 2019. And the result is expected to be out on December 31, 2019.

Online Tutoring Startup Vedantu raises $42 Mn Funding from Tiger Global, WestBridge Capital

By

Reetika Bose

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August 30, 2019

Edtech Startup Vedantu has raised $42 Mn in a fresh funding round led by New York-based Tiger Global Management and WestBridge Capital. Among the existing participants in the funding were Accel, Omidyar India, TAL Education and Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the startup will use the fresh funding to build awareness about the brand along with investing in its technology operations.

Almost 80% of users who have an access to Vedantu’s free content hail from tier 2 cities and smaller cities. On the other hand, 55% of its paid users are in small towns.

Adding to this, the startup aims to increase its subscriptions by lowering the prices of its live tutoring classes.

“Vedantu has been the first to reimagine the concept of tutorials in the country and create an exponential shift towards the online LIVE Tutoring model. Vamsi and team are extremely focused on improving the educational outcomes of students using their unique online offering,” said Anand Daniel, partner at Accel Partners.

“Vedantu has been growing at 30% month-on-month for the last six-seven months. MCA filings showed that in FY18, the company INR 5.62 Cr revenue, a nearly 4.3X growth from FY17. The company’s expenses also increased marginally from INR 19.6 Cr in FY17 to INR 25.31 Cr in FY18”, he further added.

Founded in 2014 by Vamsi Krishna, Anand Prakash, and Pulkit Jain, Vedantu is an online tutoring platform where students are provided online tutions over the internet.

The company reportedly claims to have 15 million users with 150k paid users for its live tutoring programme.

Last year, Vedantu has raised $19.9 Mn, with an $11 Mn Funding round led by Omidyar Network last year.

Delhi Govt issues show-cause notice to 151 schools for not having a Special Educator

Government News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2019

In a recent development, 151 schools in the national territory have been found without any special educators for children with special needs resulting in being served with show-cause notices to them by a child rights body of the Delhi Government. The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has warned to appoint a special educator within six weeks of the notice, failing which strict action will be taken against these schools.

These schools have either have to furnish details within 15 days of the receipt of the notice that a special educator has been engaged or fill up the position within six weeks of the notice.

“In case, the school is unable to appoint a special educator within the given time, the school is directed to show a cause of the same, failing which the commission would be constrained to recommend to the board (CBSE) the initiation of disaffiliation of the school,” the notice read.

The notice highlighted the move back in the year 2015 issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education to all affiliated schools to have a special educator without fail to impart quality education for all students, including ones with special needs.

AAP Govt to fund higher studies of 100 Dalit students; launches scheme

Government News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2019

In a recent development, the Aam Aadmi Party government has launched a scheme, under which they will provide financial assistance to 100 Dalit students to study abroad.

The overseas scholarship scheme was launched with an aim to encourage such students to enroll in foreign universities.

Under the scheme, Dalit students who have secured admission in higher education courses in foreign universities will have to apply online to avail the benefits of the scheme.

“The applicants should be residents of Delhi and their family income should not exceed Rs 8 lakh per annum”, Delhi’s SC/ST Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam said.

Adding further, he said, “The government will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh for a two-year course and up to Rs 20 lakh for a four-year course to around 100 candidates. It’s happening for the first time in Delhi.”

The applications will be vetted by a committee headed by the Principal Secretary of the SC/ST department,” the minister said.

“We have no dearth of talented people who can accomplish anything given equal opportunities. The AAP government has decided to hold their hand. Saiyyaji Rao Gaekwad, the erstwhile ruler of Baroda state, funded Bhim Rao Ambedkar’s education abroad, giving him a chance to showcase his talent and the rest is history,” he added.

Similarly, the AAP Government launched the Jai Bhim Mukhyemantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana last year, under which Dalit students can avail free coaching for various exams.

The results were fruitful with thirty-five of the 107 students who availed free coaching for entrance exams have cleared JEE Main and NEET this year.

Billimoria high school raising responsible global citizens

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 30, 2019

Aditi Goradia, Managing Director, Billimoria High School

At BHS we are a family. Teachers take on the role of parents and fellow students are like siblings. Our entire team, from academic teachers and dorm parents to support staff come together to ensure that each one of our children is happy, says Aditi Goradia, Managing Director, Billimoria High School (BHS), Panchgani in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

What strategies does Billimoria High School follow for innovation and reforms in its administrative system?

At Billimoria High School it is all about progress through collaboration. We firmly believe that each member of our team right from the management to the academic teachers to the support staff and even our parents have a role to play in the growth and learning of our children. A strict hierarchy and bureaucracy can often be a hindrance. And we rather prefer a process of mutual respect and open communication. In terms of management through technology, our Milgrasp App is an excellent resource to ensure that everything remains on track.

Also Read: ‘Bringing in technology for teachers is the biggest struggle’

In order to maintain a good learning environment, what activities along with study are conducted at the Billimoria High School?

We believe that the purpose of education is to help our children find themselves. Who they are? What they enjoy and what they are good at? Our children are encouraged to participate in every activity. In order to provide a holistic education, our activities include:

Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Elocution, Stand Up Comedy, Dance, etc)
Creative Arts (Drawing, Painting, Pottery, Woodwork)
Life Enrichment Program (Gardening, Cooking, Creative Writing, Communications, Magazine, Debate, Quiz, etc)
Week Without Walls: A program where the core curriculum is experienced in the real world outside the classroom.
Sports at the State and National Level: Football, Basketball, Cricket, Karate, Rifle Shooting, Fencing, Archery, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis, Gymnastics, Cricket, Capoeira

A good school must have good student-teacher coordination, what methods are followed at Billimoria High School to maintain the same?

The key to collaborative learning is a healthy relationship between teachers and students. Being a residential school, most of our team and students reside on campus. This makes us family. We eat all of our meals together. Teachers here are like surrogate parents and the care of the child carries out way beyond the classroom.

How does the school develop a curriculum that is interesting as well as focuses on the holistic development of children at your school?

Our experiential learning initiatives such as our “Week Without Walls” and the Leadership Program are just some of the ways that we bring our curriculum to life.

How does the school meet expectations of parents and requisite Government standards simultaneously?

The success of a child depends heavily on how well the school and the parents are aligned in philosophy. A School’s role is to do all that is necessary to help every child gain the confidence and skill set to face the challenges of the world. Be it the expectations of family members or the generic requirements of exams. Albeit, we find that parents today are beginning to see the need for value education as opposed to numbers and percentages. The CBSE Board as well is working rigorously towards finding a balance in curriculum and assessment that will ensure a better future for our children.

Innovations paving way for quality higher education in Rajasthan

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 29, 2019

Our priority is to make youth employable and to make the college campuses conducive for the holistic development of the students. Keeping this in focus many entrepreneurship and skill development programs are now being started and some of them are underway in colleges, says Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Minister for Higher Education, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Kartik Sharma of Elets News Network (ENN).

What has been your top most priority as Minister of Higher Education?

Our priority is the holistic development of the students. We want the State Higher Education to reach the level where it can match the Global standards. We want our students to grow in an environment where they can become job oriented and are capable of getting jobs globally.

The Government is endeavouring in this direction through its scheme and programmes for students so that they can get career and job oriented opportunities as employment is the major challenge for the youth. We do not want to create just graduates or postgraduates; in fact, we want skillful graduates and postgraduates who can sustain in the fast- changing global world and economy.

What policies and new initiatives have been undertaken by the Government in the last 6-7 months?

Our priority is to make youth employable, and to make the environment conducive for the holistic development of the students. Keeping this in focus, many entrepreneurship and skill development programmes are now being started and some of them are in progress in colleges. We aim to make students employable along with learning which can help them in the creative utilisation of their time and money. Our summer camp programme “Kaushal Unnayan” has met with great success which was organised in 163 government colleges of the State in June.

We have initiated the process of making college campuses secure, safe and free for the girl students. Girls mentoring cells and internal complaint committee have been set up so that our daughters feel safe and secure when they are away from home. Many programs are organised by our colleges to train girls in self defence.

To promote education in the State, Government has opened 45 new colleges and now we can boast that not a single subdivision in the state is without a college. This shows our determination towards making education accessible to all.

To encourage physically challenged students, our Chief Minister has announced higher education scholarship which is a valuable contribution and help to the students.

What specific has been done for the betterment of the education ecosystem?

Our Government is dedicated towards improving the quality of higher education, its development and creating a healthy educational environment in the State. In a departure from the protocol, we have decided to decentralise the entire process of brainstorming for development plans and creating them.

For this, CM Ashok Gehlot had announced the Resource Assistance and College with Excellence (RACE) for all the colleges. Under this, one college from each district has been nominated as ‘nodal’ and a total of 33 district resource aid committees have been formulated. Through this initiative, we are promoting the process of resource redistribution in the state education system and kick-starting a new chapter of development of the colleges.

Besides, for the first time, we are going to conduct the annual auditing of all the government colleges under Annual Auditing Programme, which was again announced in the budget speech by the Chief Minister. This initiative would be a great tool in monitoring the performance and development of the colleges.

Technology is taking over education in a grand manner. What are the technological initiatives in pipeline that can empower the weaker section?

We are going to start an online 24*7 Quick Response System (QRS) scheme to answer the queries of the students on a real-time basis. It is specifically been created for the students who belong to the weaker section of the society and cannot afford to attend expensive coaching classes. Besides, an application has been created for the Universities through which helpline facility for students, monitoring the academic & extracurricular activities of universities, the transmission of orders, and overseeing the work of district resource committees.

We are heavily focusing on imparting employment-related training to students while they are still studying. For this, we have collaborated with Rajasthan Skill and Livelihood Development Corporation (RSLDC). Under this, we will be rendering 34 regular courses for skill development in selected government colleges. 25 Language Labs are being planned to be established in the selected government colleges to help students in grasping the requisite language skills for acquiring jobs in the future.

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