Government’s Far-reaching Reforms to Improve Quality and Access to Education

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July 10, 2019

In a bid to provide quality education to all, the Government of India has launched several initiatives in last few years. These initiatives are related to technological advancements, improved curriculum, better infrastructure, teachers’ training and others. Akash Tomer of Elets News Network (ENN) explores about some of these initiatives.

The Government of India has initiated major educational reforms aimed to improve the quality and access to education across the country. Setting up smart classes in government schools, emphasis on teachers training new premier higher education institutions have been opened across the country, interaction with globally renowned edu- leaders, opening new higher education institutes across the country are among many such initiatives that have helped the education sector to better the pedagogical approaches, curriculum and learning outcomes among students. Few of the initiatives are as follows:

SWAYAM MOOCs Portal:

Study Webs of Active learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) is an indigenous Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) portal that provides high quality education – anyone, anytime, anywhere at no cost- has been made operational. To make easy access of good quality educational content to even remotest part of the country, satellite communication has been used and 32 DTH channels have been made functional, under SWAYAM Prabha programme. So far, more than 1,000 courses have been made available and more than 33 lakh users have registered on this forum.

National Digital Library (NDL):

The initiative of Ministry of Human Resource Development is one of the largest virtual repositories of learning resources with a single window search facility. With over 15 million digital books and journals, the facility has been used by over 31 lakh learners.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA):

It is a new initiative to make use the knowledge base in the higher educational institutions for plugging technology gaps in the rural areas. It will help boosting the technology usage in rural India by customising the same as per local needs.

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT):

Launched in December, 2014, The scheme is aimed to address the issues of supply of qualified teachers, attracting talent into teaching profession, raising the quality teaching in schools and colleges.

Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN):

The initiative launched on 30th November 2015 to garner best international knowledge and experience into the country’s higher education. GIAN is supposed to enable Indian students & faculty to interact with best academic and industry experts from across the world. So far, 1,075 courses have been conducted in which more than 40,000 students gained enriched academic inputs and knowledge.

IMPRINT India:

It is an effort to direct research in the premier institutions into areas of social relevance. 10 such domains have been identified which could substantially impact the living standards of the rural areas. More than 2,600 research proposals have been submitted by scientists in these areas.

Uchchtar Avishkar Yojana (UAY):

The scheme has been launched to promote industry specific need- based research so as to keep up the competitiveness of Indian industry in the global market. It is proposed to invest Rs 250 crores every year on identified projects. The Industry is expected to contribute 25 % of the project cost.

Prime Minister Research Fellows (PMRF):

The scheme is launched to support 1000 bright undergraduate students every year, for direct admission in the research programmes in the reputed institutions like IISc, IITs. The fellowship carries a lot of social recognition and it ranges from Rs 70,000 to 80,000 per month for five year period.

Smart India Hackathon:

The initiative is to promote innovation in the students by encouraging out of the box solutions for common problems faced by the society at large. In the first edition held in 2017, more than 40,000 students have participated to solve more than 600 problems. In 2018, the scope has been expanded to Hardware area also.

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF):

This is the biggest ranking exercise launched in 2015, in which more than 3,500 institutions participated. The first edition of India Rankings 2016 was released in April, 2016. The India Rankings 2018, the 3rd edition, will be released on 3rd April, 2018. The India Rankings is one of the biggest efforts for bringing in accountability and transparency in the higher educational institutions. The ranks are released in the various categories of institutions namely Universities, Engineering, Management, Pharmacy etc.

Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA):

It has been approved by the Cabinet for creation of a fund with government equity of Rs. 1000 crores, to give a big push for building up robust higher educational institutions. The HEFA would finance the academic and research infrastructure projects through a 10 year loan. It is expected to spend Rs. 1,00,000 crore in next 5 years, for creation of high quality infrastructure in premier education institutions.

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA):

It was launched by the Government of India in March, 2009 envisaging inter-alia provision of a secondary school within a reasonable distance of any habitation and to improve quality of education imparted at secondary level by making all secondary schools conform to prescribed norms, removing gender, socio-economic and disability barriers etc. In 2013, secondary education the schemes of ICT, vocational education, Girls Hostel and IEDSS were subsumed under the umbrella of RMSA. Under the scheme, 12,682 new schools and 37,799 existing schools for strengthening have been sanctioned so far.

E-pathshala:

It has been developed by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training) for showcasing and disseminating all educational e-resources including textbooks, audio, video, periodicals and a variety of other print and non-print materials. So far, 3,062 audios and videos, 650 e-books (e-pubs) and 504 flip books have been made available on the portal and mobile app.

DU Cutoff 2019: Marginal dip in third list

By

Akash

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July 9, 2019

Delhi University has released third cut off list for admission to undergraduate courses to its affiliated colleges.

There is marginal dip in cut off of the third list for various courses. The Science courses of Hindu College are stil having cut off between 95 to 96%. In Hindu College, BSc (H) Zoology is available at 96.33%; BSc (Prog) Physical Science is available at 96%; and BSc (Prog) Physical Science with Electronics is at 95.33 per cent.

With admission closed for half of its Science courses, Cutoff for Hansraj College for its various courses is also on the similar line to that of Hindu College. At Hans Raj, BSc (H) Computer Science is available at 96.75%; BSc (H) Electronics is available at 95%; BSc (H) Geology is available at 94.66%; and BSc (H) Zoology is available at 95.33%.

In the third cut off list, several off-campus colleges like Bhagini Nivedita, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, and Deshbandhu College are offering B.Sc. courses at a cut off lower than 90 per cent.

The admission process process for the colleges affiliated to Delhi University on the basis of third cut off list will conclude on July 11. Fourth cut off list will be released on July 15.

NATA 2019: Answer Key released for July Exam, know details

By

Akash

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July 8, 2019

The answer key for NATA 2019 July exam has been released today, i.e. July 08, 2019. Candidates who have appeared for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) can download the answer key by visiting the official website. The exam was conducted on July 7, 2019 (Sunday).

Notably, this is the final answer key for NATA exam and no objections will be entertained after this, as mentioned on the website.

NATA Result 2019 will be declared only after the response sheet of candidates will be uploaded on the website with part-wise marks secured. However, there would be no provision to review the drawing test, which was given in Part B of the exam.

After the publication of the exam result, there is no scope of scrutiny and /or review and any such request will not be entertained.

The result is expected to be released after the publication of candidate response sheets on the website. Notably, the result will be available in two formats: a) Marks secured out of 200 in each part. b) Pass/Fail.

Below is the criterion to qualify for NATA-2019:

A minimum of 25% marks in MCQ portion (30 out of 120)
A minimum of 25% must be obtained in Drawing test (20 out of 80)
Overall qualifying marks will be given out of 200. It would be based on post-exam statistics and at the discretion of the Council.

Until and unless the above mentioned conditions are satisfied, a candidate will not be considered qualified in NATA 2019.

Union Budget 2019-20: Reactions from education experts

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By

Akash

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July 8, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government’s first Union Budget 2019-20 has been applauded by almost every educationist.

In its second term, the Government to emhasise more on establishing World Class Institutions has allocated Rs 400 crore for the same which is higher than that of amount allocated in previous budget. The initiative for bringing in more foreign students is also applauded by Athe education fraternity.

The decision to set up a National Research Foundation has also been welcomed by most of the edu-leaders as it will fund, coordinate and encourage research in India and has its positive effect in future.

The Government also showed its commitment towards holistic development of students as on one hand it has announced to establish “National Sports Education Board” and on the other the Government has announced to focus on imparting new-age skills in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data, 3-D Printing and other technologies.

Few of the experts’ reactions on Union Budget 2019-20 are as follows:

Gopal Devanahalli, CEO, MeritTrac Services

“Under the Skill India(PMKY) initiative, the finance minister has talked about focusing on new age skills like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Robotics. This is a welcome move as more jobs will be created in these areas in India and abroad. She has also talked about reforms in the regulatory systems for higher education sector which I believe will help in improving the overall quality of research and addressing employability gaps.”

Mohit Agarwal, CEO and Co-Founder, Adda52.com

“The Budget announcement for the Indian startups by the Government of India is a sign of relief for all the entrepreneurs’ across the country. One important step of not scrutinizing the startups and investors who have filed the returns has provided a major respite to the startup community. To add to this, it has relieved the startup community from the tax issues, as returns of startups will not be subject to any scrutiny from the Income Tax department. More than half of the startups have received Angel tax notices.

In this world of technology, it is indeed an interesting step by the government of India to air a channel under Doordarshan bouquet only for start-ups. This channel managed by the startups will broadcast programs aimed at inspiring start-ups across the country. It will be a great help to the entrepreneurs, as it will ensure that the important updates from the industry are aired through the channel.

Further, the government’s decision to provide internet connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Grameen Digital Saksharata Abhiyan will not only ensure that the startups are able to reach out to masses but it will be an added advantage for the rural population and provide them an easy access to internet. This is truly the wave of a New and Developing India!”

Pankaj Khanna, Founder & Managing Director, Khanna Gems Private Limited

“The industry was expecting that the import duty on gold will be reduced but on the contrary it has been increased. This will have a damping effect on the entire Gems and Jewellery industry. The jewellery sales to tourists will also suffer because of high-cost.

Numerous majors have taken to enable MSE & MSME tap the organised market. The will help the industry to grow and enable new startups to make their presence felt.

The reduction of corporate tax from 30% to 25% will improve the plough back of profits and give the small and medium enterprises an opportunity to use their own resources to fund their growth.”

Prodyut Bora, CEO, Bonphul Air Products Pvt Ltd

“Union Budget 2019 contains no major reforms for the start-up ecosystem. The budget speech didn’t quite cover any major reform directly related to start-up ecosystem. The budget lacked a few expected measures. We were hoping to see a positive action on the issue of Angel Tax which is a major concern and maybe there is some relief there. The budget 2019 stated that start-ups in India are taking firm root and to resolve the angel tax issue, returns will not be subject to any scrutiny from the Income Tax department. Also start-ups and investors who file requisite declarations will not be subjected to any kind of scrutiny in respect of valuation of share premium.

Furthermore the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government’s plan to launch an exclusive TV channel which will be started for start-ups. The channel is proposed to be started under Doordarshan bouquet to provide a platform for startups to disseminate information in the industry. Dedicated to start-ups, the channel will broadcast programmes aimed at inspiring start-ups across the country. It will be handled by start-ups themselves.

But I believe this is still not a major drive to stimulate growth in the economy.”

Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, MBD Group

“The roadmap drawn by Finance Minister in the union budget augurs really well for the education sector. The vision statement of “Study in India” to bring foreign students in India along with 3-fold increase in allocation for world-class higher education, i.e. Rs.400 crore, is a move towards making India an education hub. Announcement of bringing new education policy which proposes major changes in both school and higher education among others is a commendable step towards a uniform and improved education system. Also, the Government’s focus on imparting new-age skills in areas like artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT), big data, 3-D printing, virtual reality and robotics to equip youth will immensely help in creating a large pool of skilled manpower.”

Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bengaluru

“The government proposed a range of major changes for India’s education system in the budget and laid emphasis on the importance of not only providing literacy but improving the quality of education. The decision to set up a National Research Foundation to fund and coordinate research in India is welcome. The plan of the Government to launch ‘Study in India’ programme is meant to make India an attractive education destination for international students. The allotment of 400-cr to develop world class institutions is to be highly appreciated. The enhancement of budget allocation for education is an appreciating move. This increased allocation of fund will ensure better quality government schools that educate majority of children in India.”

Dr Santanu Paul, Co-founder and CEO, TalentSprint

“It is laudable that the FM in her maiden budget has called out the need for equipping our youth in new-age automation skills such as AI, Robotics, and Big Data. This is a tacit acknowledgement that the world is changing rapidly and our nation’s skill development initiatives need of a major overhaul. It is an acceptance of the new global normal where high-end skills command a premium, and low-end skills trade at a discount.

To put our demographic abundance to good use, to be an enviable workforce of the world, to create and sustain high wages, and to secure future proof careers for our youth, premium skills steeped in disruptive technologies are the way forward. As waves of automation and innovation sweep through developed and developing economies, destroying old jobs and replacing them with new ones, our education and skill development ecosystems must reinvent their purpose, so that our youth may emerge as winners.”

Vaibhav Srivastava, Head of Business Development Education , CISCO India & SAARC

“UnionBudget2019 has the potential to catapult Indian Education arena to the global platform and technology will be a key enabler. It will help create a positive ecosystem for Education Tourism in India.

Delighted to see new age Industry Skills like IoT, VR, AI, ML finding its long overdue notice. While I see some institutes trying hard to make a difference, support from government will help standardise curriculum.

Setting up of National Sports Education Board (under Khelo India scheme) and National Research Foundation shows positive intent to diversify education beyond academics. Ed-Techs will be encouraged by getting a dedicated TV channel for them.

After an impressive draft of National Education Policy, Union Budget 2019 reassures government’s focus on Education – much required for a country like India that is the youngest country in the world & headed to be the Global Superpower in the 20s.”

Dr B Sendilkumar, Dean & Director-Health Sciences, Vinayaka Mission”s Research Foundation-Deemed to be University, Salem

“It is well known that education is a healthy predictor of the country’s economic development and a citizens well being.

The increased allocation of funds will ensure better quality government schools that would educate and eradicate illiteracy in majority of the states.

The emphasize on skill development through skill certification schemes and a strong focus on new age skills like Big Data, Artificial Intelligence will pave way for better employability National and international markets.

The National Research Foundation is a great initiative to boost overall research ecosystem in our country. The Study in India program will invite lot of researchers to work in collaboration with our young minds.

It is very clear that a strong foundation has been laid for the upliftment of our country.”

Sunil Sathyavolu, Cofounder, Edsense

“A first full-time female finance minister lead union budget has delightful rosy points specifically on Education. Starting with ‘Study in India’ programme to attract foreign students in higher education, which will surly enhance student exchange programs and allows students in India to experience different culture and enrich their knowledge with community learning. However allocation of Rs 400 crore for world-class higher education institutions in FY 20 needs significant planning with tangible and achievable results. Must discussed and debated education policy should invite contributions from various academicians, teachers and students too, primary focus is to equip teachers with 21st century skill and students as career ready.

While the whole world is behind the buzz word research, India actually needs a structured approach on search on better education, learning outcomes and holistic development, more emphasise to be given on evaluations/examinations.”

Sanjay Meena, Business Head, Collegedunia.com

“It is very promising to see the government’s emphasis on the Indian Education Sector in the recently presented Union Budget for the year 2019- 20, especially with the proposition to set-up the ‘National Research Foundation’ to fund and promote research at the college-level, which is of utmost need in India today.

With introduction of initiatives such as ‘Study in India’ and Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), both of which will not only boost the quality of higher education but also serve as a stepping stone to establish India “a hub of higher education” across the globe.”

HVB GLOBAL ACADEMY

Article

By

Akash

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July 6, 2019

HVB GLOBAL ACADEMY is dedicated towards nurturing imagination and inspiring excellence among all its students and offers a meaningful, globally connected and comprehensive educational programme under the exemplary leadership of Dr Chandrakanta R Pathak, Principal & CEO, HVB Global Academy, Mumbai, in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

Dr Chandrakanta R Pathak, Principal & CEO, HVB Global Academy

HVB Global Academy was founded in 1963 by visionary educationists and eminent industrialists who wanted to provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and grow irrespective of any and all other social barriers or limitations. The belief, vision and mission was to be committed to empowering the learners with the skills and attitudes which the children will take from HVB and continue to grow throughout their days as lifelong learners.

Under the exemplary leadership of Dr (Ms) Chandrakanta Pathak, Principal & CEO, the legacy of quality education continues at HVB. We offer quality international education to our students while nurturing their potential and developing lifelong skills in preparing them for an ever-changing global community.

Mindful Education for a Happy Childhood

Using an engaging educational approach where students participate fully and happily in the learning process while setting their own personal goals and self-reflections, HVB Global Academy firmly focuses on the emotional quotient rather than the intelligent quotient alone and thus endows its students with personal will to be mindful learners and perceptive inquirers.

About School

HVBGA is a fully authorized and affiliated to Cambridge Assessment International Education. HVB offers the complete Cambridge Pathway from Cambridge Primary to Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced Level. HVB Global Academy has an exemplary reputation as an International School where students benefit from an education enhanced with diverse global perspectives and with heightened focus on personal and social values.

Vision: To create lifelong success stories.

Mission: To offer a meaningful globally connected and comprehensive educational programme to its students regardless of personal circumstances, so as to empower them to explore and develop their natural curiosity and creativity

Motto: To nurture imagination, inspire excellence.

12-Point Vision for HVB Community

Socially Responsible Citizens
Locally And Globally Aware Learners
Gamechangers And Survivors
Problem Solvers With Capabilities to Solve Real Life Issues
Innovators And Leaders
Analytical And Confident Inquirers
Collaborators Towards Goal Achivements
Initiators of Change And Sustainabilty
Mentally Healthy And Proactive Partakers of Education
Achievers of Excellence
Calm With Oneself Students
Morally Upright Individuals

Achievements

HVB is a Great Place to Study Certified School. HVB is proud recipient of the Desh Apnaye Award 2018-2019 and the students are recognised as active citizens in March 2019. HVB Management is rewarded with numerous excellence awards year after year on National and International platforms with recent laurels being the proud recipients of the Times Education Icon award 2017 by Times of India; the Jury’s Choice award for International Education in India by Education Today; Best International Pre-School and International Education in South Mumbai by India Today; Best International Curriculum School in India Award by Future 50; Asia’s Greatest Brands and Leaders Award 2017 in Singapore by Asia One; Radio City Mumbai Icons 2018 for International Education in Mumbai; Teaching Excellence Award by International School Award 2018 in Dubai and many more.

Doaba Public School: Nurturing Students Holistically

Interviews

By

Akash

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July 6, 2019

Doaba Public School Nurturing Students Holistically

By adopting latest innovations and practices in school education sector, Doaba Public Senior Secondary School is fulfilling all the educational needs of its students, says Balwinder Kaur, Founder & MD, Doaba Public Senior Secondary School, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

To sustain in the rapidly evolving world, students must be responsive to change and receptive to new ideas. How does Doaba Public Senior Secondary School maintain such environment for its students?

Balwinder Kaur, Founder & MD, Doaba Public Senior Secondary School

The foundation of Doaba Public Senior Secondary School has been established on the pillars of change & evolution. our founder, late S Balwant Singh Sandhu, an eminent educationist, renounced a comfortable, urban lifestyle in chandigarh and set up the Doaba School in Garshankar, Punjab. this was all about change and heralded a new era of conscious education in the region.

What started once as a rural school has today evolved into being an esteemed member of the British Council and UNESCO. Students excelling in academics & sports alike are awarded scholarships abroad. this presents them with opportunities for self-discovery & growth. activities like horse riding, swimming in our semi olympic size swimming pool, Basketball, Hockey, Football, cricket and many more, enable our children to develop the confidence to compete in the international arena. each doabian is a change maker in their own right.

What are the best practices adopted by the school in its curriculum to nurture life-long learners?

Real education is not limited to textbooks only. Thus, a culture of experiential learning is inculcated in our school. Our digital classrooms are air conditioned to facilitate the comfort of learning. Our state-of-art laboratories and well stocked library offer children unbounded access to the world. Our approach to subjects is an amalgamation of thinking, experimenting and discovering. When children discover on their own, the learning stays with them forever.

Furthering the government’s initiative, Atal innovation Mission of NITI Aayog, our Atal Lab is designed to spark creativity & propel students to delve into the world of design & computation thinking. Learning by doing, brain storming, role play, demonstration method and discussion method are some of the techniques employed by our educators to ensure that our children make use of all the faculties of their mind.

How is the growing use of technology in the education sector, improving the teaching – learning practices, assessment methodologies and improving the learning outcome?

Artificial Intelligence is the future. The future rests with innovation, computing and being two steps ahead of the competitors. Doaba students are taught to use technology to translate their ideas into reality with precision, perfection and accuracy. Technology-aided learning and teaching methods aid in developing an analytical mindset. Doaba children are future ready.

What measures are adopted by the Doaba Public Senior Secondary School for active engagement of parents along with the teachers for holistic learning amongst its students?

Family values go a long way in shaping up an individual. a child raised in the midst of sound values, unconditional love, zero judgement & affection, grows up to be a secured and confident adult. We ensure that parents are equally involved in the development of the child. We maintain constant contact with each parent, while ensuring that we do not breach a child’s right to privacy. Parents too are counselled if required.

Emphasis is laid on celebrating festivals, holy days followed by community lunch. We provide our students an atmosphere conducive for growth and where parents help their wards in journey to success. at doaba, each individual transcends from being a learner to being an achiever.

What is the school’s mission and vision to ensure the growth of every student?

At Doaba, our only aim is to shape young, impressionable minds positively. We are always guided by the philosophy that, “EVERY CHILD MATTERS. We thus, always strive to nurture our learners who always listen, question, challenge, and probe the world around them.

Sanskriti School, Pune Striving for Excellence in Education

Interviews

By

Akash

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July 6, 2019

Sanskriti School helps the children to become caring and sharing individuals, equipped with skills to make right choices in life and grow up as responsible citizens of the country, says Devyani Mungali, Founder and Director, Sanskriti School, Pune, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

What initiatives have been undertaken at Sanskriti School to nurture leadership qualities among students?

Devyani Mungali, Founder and Director, Sanskriti School, Pune

We have a number of activities and programmes to encourage leadership traits in all our students starting from their formative years. it includes programmes that encourage teamwork, the spirit of research and enquiry amongst all our students. We also have a well structured programme — Prefect system under which students are chosen as a part of the school council every year to essay leadership roles. These students are chosen in a democratic manner where they make a presentation to the rest of the students and votes are cast with equal weightage to teachers and students.

How do you view the role of discipline in the current environment with changing societal norms?

Earlier, the term discipline used to act as a coercive tool that compels people to do something without trying to create the right buy in. This is clearly outdated but inculcating the skill of self discipline in all students is still valid and very important. Self discipline is the Metaskill which if developed and honed properly during the early childhood years will help shape all kinds of good habits and traits later in life including perseverance, patience, the ability to delay gratification and resilience. All these traits are the most important factors for happiness and success in life.

How is the school using technology to herald changes in the school education sphere?

We have been early adopters of lot of data-driven decision making to foster bespoke learning programmes for our children. The undisputed fact is that all children are unique and each child has their own pace of learning, different interests and aptitude. The conventional school system focused on trying to create standardisation and conformism. We have used technology to track the unique development pattern (especially the social, emotional and behavioural skills) of each child over time so we can create customised plans to serve their bespoke needs.

What are some of the means by which you are helping your children get future ready?

We have a multi-pronged approach to achieve this. for example — We are the first school in India to set up a virtual reality lab as a teaching aid for some of the topics. in other instances, we have meaningful student engagements with thought leaders from the industry and academia. it helps our children gain a better understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We also focus on fostering creativity, confidence and leadership in all our students to ensure that they become successful in future.

What is the role of the teacher in this fast changing environment?

It is our view that technology will never supplant a teacher but always supplement her. The human and emotional quotient in teaching and the connection with students help educator to be at the centre of any change/initiative needed to be brought in a school education system. With this goal in mind, we have a well structured and exhaustive in-house teacher training programme which is the key to implement our vision successfully.

A welcome budget for the education sector, explains Editor-in-Chief Dr Ravi Gupta

News

By

Akash

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July 5, 2019

“The increased focus on improving overall quality of education by introducing new policy reforms like encouraging research, innovation, and technology-enabled teaching, depict the Central Government’s commitment towards transformation of Indian higher education and adoption of the best global best practices,” said Dr Ravi Gupta, Founder Publisher CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd.

He referred the Union Budget as welcoming one for the education sector. As the Central Government proposed a range of major changes for India’s education system, Dr Gupta said that the budget laid emphasis on the importance of not only providing literacy but improving the quality of education.

Applauding the initiative of setting up a foundation for research, Dr Gupta said, “The decision to set up a National Research Foundation to fund, coordinate and encourage research in India is a good one with its positive effect in future.”

He said, “The plan of the Government to launch ‘Study in India’ programme is meant to make India an attractive education destination for international students.” While, stating his expectations on Union Budget a day before, the Editor-in-Chief was also of the same view that bringing in foreign students must be encouraged in India.

On Government’s initiative of allocating increased funds for World Class Institutions, Dr Gupta said, “It is highly appreciating that the enhancement of budget allocation i.e. of Rs 400-cr will be a great boost towards establishing World Class Institutions across the country. This increased allocation of fund will ensure better quality government schools that educate majority of children in India.”

“The decision to treat education holistically is also a welcome move and will lend greater synergy in planning and execution of important schemes and programmes,” he further said.

Being the Editor-in-chief of an education magazine that talks about innovations and technological advancements in the education sector, Dr Gupta was happy with the Government’s move of making India’s schools future-ready with new age skills. He said, “We welcome the Union Budget and we are happy that the Government has announced that it will focus on imparting new-age skills in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data, 3-D Printing, Virtual Reality and Robotics to equip youth to take up high-paying jobs overseas. This will boost not only the economy but also the new players and start-ups in the financial sector.”

Commenting about the budget as a whole, Dr Gupta said, “The Union Budget of 2019-20 is a progressive one aimed to revive the economy and lay down the foundation for improvements in India’s economical condition in coming years. It has ushered in policies that will help in the growth of the overall economy. It would act as a catalyst for higher demands and spur spending across bottom-of-pyramid consumers.”

Union Budget 2019-20: Emphasis on World Class Institutions, encouraging research and sports

By

Akash

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July 5, 2019

In its commitment to providing quality education to Indian youth, The central Government has focused on establishing more world class educational institutes in the country.

In the Union Budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 5, 2019, she announced, “400 crore rupees have been allocated for World Class Institutions in 2019-20 which is more than three times of the revised estimates of previous year.”

As the research helps in improving the education system, Sithraman discussed the Government’s commitment regarding the same while presenting the budget. She said, “National Research Foundation (NRF) to be set up to strengthen overall research ecosystem in the country; funds available under all Ministries to be integrated with NRF.”

According to Sitharaman, the Government will also emphasise on bringing in the foreign students. “In this regard #StudyInIndia to be started to bring in foreign students into Indian higher education system,”said the finance minister.

To ensure holistic development of students, the Government will also focus on popularising the sports in education. Describing about the initiative in this regard, Sitharaman said, “To popularize sports at all levels, National Sports Education Board for development of sportspersons to be set up under Khelo India.”

Education Sector’s Reactions

Amol Arora, MD – Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools

“This budget is guided by the mission to strengthen the Education Sector especially the establishment of the ‘National Research Foundation’-which will definitely help in creating the right ecosystem for R&D in the country. And it was great to see the government finally taking notice of industry-relevant skills like AI, IoT, Big Data and reforms in the higher education sector. A humble yet notable announcement was the ‘Study in India’ Programme, which holds the potential to put India on the world map. However, we still need a series of fundamental structural reforms – which I hope will be addressed in the near future.”

Beas DevRalhan, Co-founder and CEO, Next Education India Pvt. Ltd

“The Union Budget 2019 has proposed significant changes which have the capability to revitalise the education sector. Apart from focusing on improving research and higher education via the National Research Foundation, it has promoted play-based early childhood education and high-quality teacher training via the new National Education Policy. The government has also proposed to increase efforts in skills development of our youth by incorporating new technologies in education such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and new learning strategies such as virtual realities and robotics. Furthermore, in an admirable move, the National Sports Education Board for the development of skilled sportsmen is to be set up under “Khelo India” project, so as to promote enthusiasm in sports as an important part of the development of today’s learners.”

Dr. Jitin Chadha, Founder and Director, Indian School of Business & Finance (ISBF)

“While it is heartening to see the Government finally focusing on the most crucial areas of higher education and research, through initiatives like the National Research Foundation and the allocation for developing world-class institutions which will pay rich dividends in the long run, I don’t think the problem of human capital formation in the next 5-10 years has been adequately addressed. The Budget has shown a willingness to bring in foreign funding and expertise in areas like aviation and insurance but is silent on steps to harness best-in-class higher education from across the world and make it accessible for our youth. This is crucial because we find ourselves faced with the contemporaneous challenges of a rapidly growing yet grossly under-skilled workforce. We must alleviate this relatively quickly so that they can start helping the country reap a demographic dividend.”

Budget Expectation: digitalLEARNING Editor-in-Chief Dr Ravi Gupta calls for ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in education sector

Article

By

Akash

-

July 3, 2019

According to the recent findings in the Annual Survey of Education report 2018, most students in India are not able to read or do basic math as expected at their level, proving the fact that the education system and learning ecosystem is in a dire need of improvement.

Stressing on the same fact, Dr Ravi Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, digitalLEARNING Magazine, shared his expectations from the Union Budget that will be tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in parliament on July 5, 2019.

The Editor-in-Chief called for focus on “Ease of Doing Business” initiative by the Modi Government with respect to schools and higher education systems. There are significant regulatory hurdles in opening schools and higher education institutions in the country. The whole process can be made easier so that more and more private sector investment flows in the education sector.

Dr Gupta also called for digitalisation in the education sector stressing that the Government should focus on increased use of technology in government schools, in the upcoming budget. He also said that the Government should work on better and larger promotion of the country’s private higher education institutes at the international level. Gupta added that the move will not just create employment but also improve India’s image globally.

“I feel the Government should also come up with an incentive system for private companies to open schools especially in semi-urban and rural areas. This will further reduce Government’s expenditure on improving the education infrastructure,” added Dr Gupta who has been publishing the education magazine that talks about innovations and technological advancements in the education sector, for over 15 years now.

Dr Gupta was of the view that the Government should also encourage top foreign institutions to open their branches in India so that huge outflow of money (around Rs 44,000 crore in the USA alone in 2016-17) can be reduced. These foreign university branches in India will reduce forex outflow from India and also create quality employment in the education sector of India.

“The Government should also focus on ‘future ready’ skills and on inculcating industry-relevant skills to make youngsters ‘employable’. Other two areas that I feel need attention are physical education and extra-curricular activities for holistic development of students, along with importance of teachers’ training to improve education system,” he concluded.

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