Finance Commission discusses key education issues with MHRD

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February 15, 2019

Finance Commission discusses key education issues with MHRD

The Fifteenth Finance Commission in a meeting with the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), has discussed key issues of the sector requiring the Commission’s intervention in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Key issues discussed during the meeting include: Investment in school infrastructure, teacher’s salaries & training, career counselling, school students, Pre-schooling of children akin to the Sikkim model to give a boost to early learning, among others.

The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar along with the Chairman of the Finance Commission N K Singh. Members of the Commission and Senior Officers of the Commission as well as MHRD attended the meeting.

During the meeting steps to attract greater to private capital and private Partnership into the school education sector were disucussed. The officials also talked about integrating B Ed courses into two year integrated BA – B ED course/B Com – B ED courses in the future to streamline the availability of trained teachers.

The Commission also expressed concern over parents’ preference to send children to private English medium schools over the government schools. During the meeting, the Commission stressed on the requirement for evaluation of schools and dissemination of the results to help parents in making informed choices.

The HRD has asked for the support from 15th Finance Commission on the following issues:

Incentive based grants to States based on Performance Grading Index (PGI).
Requirement of Central funds amounting to a minimum of Rs.4,37,994.74 crore (to meet RTE Norms and other essential requirements) and Rs.5,66,087.74 crore to meet the SDG Goals by 2030.
Ring fencing (of about 20%) of resources devolved to the States for School Education OR clear award for States and UTs for implementation of RTE Act, 2009 and other essential requirements (on the lines of 13th Finance Commission).

The Commission is scheduled to hold its second meeting with MHRD on 22nd February to deliberate on the issues of Higher Education.

IIT Madras, IIITDM Kancheepuram join hands on academics and research

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February 14, 2019

IIT Madras, IIITDM Kancheepuram join hands on academics and research

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kancheepuram have collaborated to boost research and academics.

As a major highlight of this collaboration, top 10 percent of of B Tech students from IIITDM Kancheepuram will be allowed to admissions for direct PhDs at IIT Madras after completion of Sixth Semester. Such students can pursue their studies of seventh and eight semesters at IIT Madras, revealed a statement from IIT Madras.

The two institutes of have signed an MoU on academic and research collaboration in presence of Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras and Prof Banshidhar Majhi, Director, IIITDM – Kancheepuram.

Speaking about the importance of collaboration, Prof Ramamurthi said, “As the mentor Institution of IIITDM when the Institute was founded, IIT Madras has always been closely associated with IIITDM, Kanchipuram. There has been an active interaction between the faculty members of two institutions. This MOU now enables greater interaction between the students as well.”

Prof Majhi said, “The IIITDM students will have an opportunity to pursue their higher studies at IIT Madras and I am sure they will be motivated for an excellent career. In addition, the faculty of IIITDM will also have an opportunity to get research collaborations for sponsored projects and thesis supervision with the faculty of IIIT Madras. This MoU is expected to reinforce the collaboration and elevate IIITDM to the next level.”

IIITDM Kancheepuram is an Institute of National Importance for technical education and research established in 2007 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The objective of the institute is to conduct design and manufacturing oriented engineering education and research along with promoting the competitive advantage of Indian products in global markets.

CBSE 12th Board Exam 2019 start from tomorrow: Do’s and Don’ts

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February 14, 2019

To conduct board exams 2019 smoothly and prevent paper leak and other malpractices, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a slew of measures including geo-tagged, time- based tracking and monitoring of confidential material and live web streaming from examination centres.

According to the datesheet released by the CBSE, class 10 board exams will begin from February 21 and class 12 board exams from February 15. The board has also issued important instructions for the candidates appearing in any of the exams.

In one of its first time initiatives, the board has launched a first-ever short movie on its website to help parents and teachers deal with stress. Students can connect with the counsellors and experts throughout the exam season over email, phone and video conferencing.

The CBSE has issued following guidelines for conducting the board exams smoothly:

Internal choice: This year, there will be 33 per cent more internal choices. CBSE said in its official release that it will also give special consideration to creative answers.

Reporting time: Candidates must report to exam centres before 10 am during exam days

Dress code: Students should wear their school uniforms during the exams. Candidates are strictly not be allowed to wear casual clothes.

Accompany: Parents/guardians or any person accompanying the candidate will not be allowed to enter the premises of the exam centre.

Admit card: It is must for candidates to bring admit cards for CBSE Board Exams 2019 without which they will not be allowed to appear for the exam.

Seat allotment: Candidates will be divided into a batch of 24 students in a class during the exam.

Old question paper banned: No one can carry question paper in the exam hall.

CBSE Board Exams 2019: Things allowed inside the examination centres

Students are allowed to carry their pens and basic stationary inside the examination hall in a transparent pencil box or pouch not have anything written on it
Diabetic students are allowed to carry a snack in clean wrap to the examination hall
Only transparent water bottles will be allowed inside the examination hall

CBSE Board Exams 2019: Things NOT allowed inside the examination centres

All sort of communication devices including mobile phones, pages, smart watches or health bands are prohibited. This also includes Bluetooth speakers, headphones, calculators, etc.
Any sort of printed or written material is not allowed inside the examination hall
Packed food like chips, cold drinks or biscuits are not allowed inside the examination hall

Indian Constitution guiding evolution in Indian education sector since last 70 years

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digitalLEARNING Network

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February 14, 2019

Dr Rohit Khokher
Chief Technology Officer
Vidya Prakashan Mandir (P) Ltd

A constitution for free India became effective from 26th January 1950 to provide justice, liberty, equality and off course to provide free education to the people of India, writes Dr Rohit Khokher, Chief Technology Officer, Vidya Prakashan Mandir (P) Ltd, for Elets News Network (ENN).

“Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.” — Henry S Commager, renowned American Historian

On the eve of freedom, education sector was extremely scanty and disappointing in all aspect like educational disparities and imbalances were very large between men and women, rich and poor and villages to cities.

After independence India need immediate reforms in education system which is important instrument for social change and national upliftment. A constitution for free India became effective from 26th January 1950 to provide justice, liberty, equality and off course to provide free education to the people of India. To construct more effective system in the field of education, the Education Commission (Kothari Commission) was appointed in 1964-66 to advise the Government on national pattern of education for the development of education at all stages and in all aspects. The outcome of this Commission was that the Government of India declared the National Education Policy in 1968. This policy was introduced with three language formula, introduction of regional language in higher education, development of agriculture and industrial education, and adult education.

In 1986, the Government of India revised this policy seeking the need of that time and declared a new education policy. The transition from a traditional to a modern education in education needs more fine action to accelerate the learning of students. The digital world is challenging the materialistic world and that is pretty obvious these days! The rise of IT has profoundly affected modern society.

From industries like agriculture to construction, education to corporates, humanity is totally dependent on technology. Hence, knowing about technologies, computers, mobiles, internet has turned into a ‘necessity’ from an ‘option’.

Conventionally, education systems are derived from the traditional instruction-based approach. However, in the subjects like Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, theories only will not suffice the purpose. Hands-on exercises are necessary, as the student has to practically handle the real time implementations of the concepts. Constructing knowledge on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and then to STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) is thus the fundamental starting point of 21st Century learning.

After surveys by many agencies, it had been found that just operating on the computer system will not serve the purpose for future as the whole ecosystem is relying on technology and being the part of it, the upcoming generation needs to build up their foundation by understanding the fundamentals.

Indian Education System as a result of the widespread illiteracy has successfully adapted its education system to global standards. We have made great progress in education in the 70 years since independence. The literacy rate in 1951 was 18.33 percent. India has come a long way in terms of literacy rates in general with more universities and educational institutions. In 2001, the literacy rate was 64.8 percent, and this ratio rises to 74 percent in 2011. At present, India’s higher education system is the largest in the world, hosting more than 70 million students in less than two decades. Doubtlessly, knowledge of technology in education will allow you to enter the doors of the digital world learning.

The national goals of education have still remained unfulfilled and sincere efforts are to be made by all concerned at all levels for efficiency and effectiveness of education.

JNU adopts EWS admission policy

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February 13, 2019

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has adopted the “Government of India Policy on Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for admission in Central Educational Institutions”.

“The JNU administration had scheduled an emergency meeting of the Academic Council at 3 pm at the Convention Centre on February 12, 2019, to adopt the ‘Government of India Policy on Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for admission in Central Educational Institutions’,” said JNU Registrar Pramod Kumar.

Calling the meeting ‘Illegal’, the JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) and JNU Students’ Union have forcibly stopped the AC members from entering the venue. They were demanding to schedule the meaning for later.

“All entry points to the Convention Centre were blockaded by some teachers and students… JNUTA and JNUSU office-bearers are not full AC members and are only special invitees. Currently, there is no legally notified JNUSU…,” Kumar added.

“The agitators did not pay heed to appeals by AC members to allow them to enter the building… the JNUTA and some students undemocratically prevented them from discharging their responsibilities…,” he added.

JNUTA secretary Avinash Kumar said, “The meeting was recalled only to discuss the adoption of a policy of reservations for EWS, for which the JNU administration has not provided adequate papers. Agenda papers do not share any information about the sources for providing additional funds for the expansion of infrastructure, faculty and staff strength in case a 25 per cent expansion in admissions is implemented.”

eMudhra simplifying digital certifications

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February 13, 2019

**Arvind Srinivasan**
SVP – Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets
**eMudhra**

eMudhra Limited is a licensed Certifying Authority under the Information Technology Act of India issuing digital signature certificates in India since 2008, says Arvind Srinivasan, SVP – Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets, eMudhra, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

With the incidents of ‘documentation frauds’ being on the rise in the education sector in India and abroad, how do you think digital diplomas can play a role in curbing it?

I think Digital Diplomas (or eDiplomas) play a significant role in curbing document fraud (Specifically, diploma fraud) in India and abroad. Typically, diplomas have been solely physical documents without any on-the-fly digital verification mechanism. As a result, relying parties have had to rely solely on physical print security features in authenticating a diploma. This poses a key challenge, especially when ‘diploma mills’ get their hands on the same stock paper, and sophisticated equipment required to print sensitive documents like diplomas.

Our solution merges the physical diploma with a digital authentication medium by leveraging on PKI (or Digital Signatures). Digital Diplomas issued by our system are verifiable in digital formats and physical formats (through a digitally signed QR code) whereby relying parties can establish whether the document in their hand, regardless of whether it is the original or a photocopy, is actually authentic! This is done by validating the digital signature and corresponding data embedded in the form of a QR code on a physical code or done automatically in adobe PDF reader.

How do you think digital diplomas will turn into the future of education industry?

Digital Diplomas will play a significant role in the future of the education industry. There is a sentiment attached to receiving a printed diploma on stage at the graduation ceremony. For this reason, I do not anticipate that physical diplomas will become obsolete any time soon. However, what I do predict is that down the road, such physical diplomas, will be; a) embedded with a security and trust seal that helps receiving parties establish the authenticity and integrity of the document and b) accompanied by a digital form of the document which can be easily submitted to relying parties whereby such relying parties can establish the authenticity and integrity of the document easily and in real-time. In essence, in the near future, Digital Diplomas will play an ancillary role in the Diploma issuance process. However, over time, it could very well be the norm.

What all technologies are used in developing a digital diploma?

eMudhra Digital Diploma is powered by our paperless office solution, emSigner. From a technology perspective, the backbone of the solution relies on PKI (Public Key Infrastructure). Public Key Infrastructure itself relies on asymmetric cryptography. PKI forms the backbone for Digital Signatures globally. The technology helps to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and legal non-repudiation (when issued by a Certifying Authority) of documents that are digitally signed.

Is a digital diploma equally valid as a traditional diploma?

Yes. A digitally signed document holds the same validity as a traditional diploma with wet signatures. Under the IT Act of India, 2000, Digital signatures hold the same weight in the court of law as physical signatures. In India specifically, there is a Certifying Authority ecosystem regulated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities which issues such digital signature certificates upon conducting thorough KYC checks as per prescribed mechanisms. eMudhra is a licensed Certifying Authority in India and works with various Certifying Authorities across the globe.

What do you think are the challenges/barriers in adopting digital diploma? Why do you think all the educational institutions are not adopting it?

At the moment, it is a question of novelty. While there are no legal or technical barriers in adopting the technology, it is still a nascent concept that has just been introduced in the market. I think that the primary challenge as of today is the awareness of such a technology with the ability to cater to some very relevant and current problems. Further, I think it is important that the technology be packaged tightly with the diploma printing houses to ensure that the university experience is seamless.

We are actively working to address these challenges in India and ensure that Digital Diplomas becomes part of the future of Education in India. In fact, we have already seen success with this approach in Colombia, South America.

Over time, I am quite sure that many educational institutions will adopt the solution for its obvious benefits.

How is eMudhra’s product guaranteeing complete security for the digital diploma?

At eMudhra, Security is at the forefront of what we do. We are a niche company focused on cryptography and leveraging the benefits of sophisticated cryptographic algorithms to enhance security across our offerings. Our eDiploma is a PKI driven solution that ensures integrity of signed documents, tamper-proof audit trails, confidentiality of document content through encrypted storage, and more. From hosting, all the way through to user actions, we ensure that security is built into the process. Where required, we even complement our eDiploma offering with Multi Factor Authentication to ensure rightful access to documents.

Have you tied up with any universities or colleges to implement this?

Yes, though not in India. We are actively in talks with universities and print houses in India to effectively go to market in India. However, we have approximately 7 university clients in Latinm America who are currently using our solution for the purpose of issuing digital diplomas. Our eDiploma solution is used not only to mitigate diploma fraud but also increase efficiency of diploma signing and removing the necessity of the dean, chancellor, and others having to personally sign thousands of documents yearly!

PMKVY: Over 37 lakh candidates trained so far

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February 12, 2019

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20, 37.32 lakh (approximately) candidates have been trained so far revealed Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

According to Pradhan, 25.25 have been trained under Short Term Training (STT), 11.27 lakh under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and 80,000 under special projects in various sectors across the country also till 24 January, 2019.

Also Read: NSDC: Imparting Skills to Propel Economic Growth

Government of India has launched “Skill Loan Scheme” with a view to support youth by providing a loan facility to individuals who intend to take up skill development courses as per the Skill Loan eligibility criteria. Skill Loan Scheme is applicable to all the member banks of Indian Bank Association (IBA) and any other bank and financial institution including Micro Finance Institution regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Bank of India being the lead bank of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has been the first bank to notify and implement such a Skill Loan Scheme. The Loans are available in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,50,000.

As per the information collected from Indian Banks' Association (IBA), during the financial year 2017-18, a total amount of Rs 29.06 crore was disbursed against 3,551 number of accounts. Further, during the FY 2018-19 (till Dec’18) a total amount of Rs 19.46 crore was disbursed against 2,429 accounts.

CBSE to provide level playing field to students through TETRA software

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February 12, 2019

CBSE to provide level playing field to students through TETRA software

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been using TETRA software digital technology to create as much of a level playing field for students in exams.

The software can be used for moderation of marks in case of an unfair degree of ambiguity or difficulty in any question paper. It will help the students who feel unduly penalised by a disproportionately difficult question paper or a stray ambiguous question, a senior official said.

According to the official, “The software was last year used for studying the trends of marks being obtained by the students across the regions. The software displays the live trend of average marks scored across the centres.”

“We analyse the trend of marks being obtained by students across the regions and centres. Whenever we spot any deviation from the norm, we call up that centre and probe if there were complaints about the question paper,” the senior CBSE official stated.

“We look for complaints regarding any ambiguity or difficulty in the question paper. A team then sees if and how much moderation is needed to account for these difficulties,” the official added.

The CBSE had also used the TETRA software last year when it weathered opprobrium from all quarters after the Maths and Economics papers for class 10 and class 12, respectively were leaked.

Telecom Management providing an edge to professionals

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February 12, 2019

A niche course is a specialised course that focuses on a particular area of operation or a sector. The curriculum exclusively and exhaustively focuses on a specific or rising field of business while incorporating the basic topics of general MBA, writes Biju G Pillai, Director-IT, Sri Balaji Society.

There is no doubt that MBA is one of the most popular postgraduate programmes in India. Lakhs of MBA aspirants enrol in this programme every year, with a hope to land a dream job and fast-track their career. Unfortunately, the number of MBA students that pass out every year surpass the number of jobs that exist. It is a clear-cut case of demand-supply gap.

Also Read: Is MBA still a sought after course?

So, the pertinent question is how MBA students can gain a competitive edge in the job market? The answer lies in finding a niche. Traditionally, most MBA institutes offer specialisations in finance, marketing, human resources, IT and operations. While these courses are still very much relevant even today, the inclination of both students as well as employers has begun to tilt towards niche courses. The examples of some of the niche courses are rural management, real estate, energy and environment and disaster management. Another sought-after niche course is telecom management. It is emerging as a differentiator in the MBA specialisations.

MBA in Telecom Management – A Shining Star in Niche Courses

The Indian telecom sector is the second largest in the world. Owing to the growing subscriber base, conducive business environment and fair regulatory framework, the telecom sector has witnessed a phenomenal growth in last few years. In fact, it is estimated that this sector would become USD 26.38 billion market by 2020 and add more than 10 million jobs in the next five years.

This is a clear indication that the demand for skilled resources will continue to soar. The industry would need specialised telecom managers who understand the telecom sector in and out, possess technical as well as soft-skill sets and apply the MBA learning on the ground reality with sharp business acumen.

Also Read: What India needs: MBA or M Tech?

So, there is no doubt that MBA in telecom management is emerging as a shining star in the niche courses. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the telecom sector with core concepts of MBA ingrained as the foundation. Essentially, it will focus on developing the techno-managerial skill of students.

MBA in telecom management is a two-year programme. The course curriculum comprises telecom and information technologies, fintech, analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), digital marketing, mobile applications, cyber security, service marketing management, communication systems operations, and related fields. Since telecom technology evolves continuously, the curriculum is also updated regularly to keep pace with the changing needs of the sector. Hence, the course always stays relevant to meet the industry demands.

Career Prospects

There are varied and several career opportunities across different verticals in the telecom sector after completing MBA in this field. The leading public and private telecom companies, internet service providers, value-added service providers, satellite and cable networks, optical fibre manufacturers and mobile device manufacturers are hiring MBAs in telecom management to manage their operations and technologies.

These days, several start-ups have also emerged in the telecom space to provide disruptive and innovative solutions. India being the third largest ecosystem in India offers numerous career opportunities the telecom sector too. So, students who want to build a telecom career in start-ups can also consider MBA in this field.

Telecom management students can become professionals in domains such as product development and management, sales and distribution, telecom regulation, network designing, mobile applications development, pricing, broadband connections, infrastructure hardware manufacturing, internet services providers, international voice trading and many more.

Since telecom technologies remain the same across the world, there are also bright career prospects in the international arena. The global exposure in this field can be a useful addition to a telecom management professional’s resume.

Freshers can get a good start in the telecom industry and gradually rise up the career ladder based on their experience and knowledge. The experienced professionals can establish their foothold in the leadership roles. It is highly recommended that telecom management professionals continuously update their technical skills through refresher courses even after completing MBA to stay abreast with the latest developments in the industry.

Eligibility

The primary eligibility for pursuing MBA in telecom management is graduation from any recognised university or institution of national importance with a minimum of 50 percent marks or equivalent grade. Students who have completed graduation in engineering in IT, computers or electronic should especially consider MBA in telecom management to boost their career.

Pay Scale

Telecom management students can expect packages up to Rs7-9 lakhs per annum. As the experience level rises, the salaries can go up to Rs 10 lakh. The professionals with 10 or more years of experience can get Rs 20-30 lakh package. The pay scale can vary from one organisation to another. If the professional is working in a multinational or off-shore company, then the pay package can go even higher.

The Indian telecom sector has a huge potential for growth. With the increase in demand for existing and new technologies, skilling will play a crucial role for telecom companies to remain competitive in the market. They would be looking for candidates who can bring an amalgamation of technical, managerial and soft skills on board. Hence, the telecom industry is likely to increase their hiring in the coming years. There couldn’t be a more fruitful time than now for students to enrol in MBA in telecom management course.

CLAT to be conducted online if applications increase

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digitalLEARNING Network

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February 11, 2019

The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), 2019, after three years, will now be conducted in online mode. Started in 2008, Clat was conducted in online mode from 2015-2018.

“Issues such as limited infrastructure and inadequate access to technology in rural areas made it difficult to conduct the test online and therefore, the consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) in October 2018 decided to conduct CLAT in offline mode,” says Srikrishna Deva Rao, vice-chancellor of NLU, Orissa and convenor of CLAT 2019.

For the offline CLAT 2019 exam, 21 NLUs will be the test centres along with other institutes across regions, which will be decided by the respective vice-chancellors. “The offline test will provide wider access to aspirants from rural areas and avoid other technical glitches encountered in last year’s CLAT exam,” says Rao.

The CLAT will now be conducted by the executive committee of the consortium headquartered in Bengaluru. The consortium comprises three NLUs, National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore; National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) Hyderabad; and NLIU, Bhopal, as its ex officio members.

“The decision of having a centralised way instead of one NLU conducting the test on rotation basis will not only bring transparency in the admission process but will also enhance quality in legal education,” Rao adds.

“The decision of consortium to conduct CLAT 2019 in offline mode was made in the light of the fact that the number of students appearing in the entrance test is not large as IIT JEE or NEET. However, consortium is open to going for an online test in future once the number of applicants increases,” he further said.

According to Rao, “CLAT is not an easy exam, but is not unachievable either, and practice of logical reasoning; legal aptitude and current affairs will provide an edge to the students. Equal importance must be given to all the segments. As the questions in each segment vary, students must focus on time management.”

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