English
Mr. Prakash Javadekar, in his address to the Media discussed in detail the pointers relating to Education Budget 2017. The Hon’ble Finance Minister, Mr. Arun Jaitely had presented the Union Budget 2017 on February 1, 2017 in the Parliament. In his speech, he laid out the theme of Energising India and cited Education and reforms in the sector as the key to India’s development. As per the speech, the focus was on Quality Education and promoting science and innovation. Taking this theme forward, the Union Minister for Human Resource and Development, Mr. Prakash Javadekar discussed with the members of Press the key features of the Union Budget and how the department looks forward to making it a possibility. Highlights of the interaction was the setting up of an Annual Survey of Learning Objectives. Another important announcement was the 100 crore innovation fund set aside for the development of 3749 backward blocks. Related | Education Budget 2017-18: Key Highlights from the Union Budget as relevant to the Education Sector
Union Human Resource Development Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar, was insistent that the focus was on improving the Quality of Education in the country. Off late the concern of the quality of education has been a point of discussion. A National Survey released last month brought forth the sad facts about the country’s schools and education system as a whole. The report had suggested that one out f 4 students in the country passing the grade 8 did not have basic reading skills of a grade 2 student. On the back of such reports, the proposal of setting up a national survey to assess the level of learning is indeed welcome. He continued to welcome the 25 percent increased allocation of funds to the education sector in the Union Budget 2017-18.
While the total outlay is still less than the desired 6 percent mark, the steps are definitely progressive towards the figure, said the Union HRD Minister. Below are the Key Steps that are being proposed in answer to the recommendations made by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2017-18.
The HRD Ministry is proposing conducting an Annual Survey of Learning Outcomes (ASLO) in order to ensure the assessment of various educational institutions in regards learning outcomes. Already, the learning outcomes fr students at elementary level have been finalized. These would be accordingly included in the Central Rules of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE), Act, 2009. Following the same, the HRD Ministry proposes to conduct a third party survey across the 36 states and union territories in sample Government and aided schools. As per the HRD Minister, “This assessment will be benchmarked against the learning outcomes already finalized and will be a granular and diagnostic tool to identify students who need additional support to achieve the required learning levels and to assist teachers in identifying the gaps in the teaching-learning process. This will help the teacher to make necessary changes to his/her teaching practice as well as provide additional support to ensure that all children achieve the desired level of learning outcomes.”
Also Read | Arun Jaitely’s proposal for a National Testing Agency for all Entrance Exams, how students would benefit
Another important announcement by the Finance Minister in the Union Budget was the impetus to innovation. In view of the same, an Innovation Fund is being provided for the Secondary Education from the budget of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) Scheme. In continuation, a corpus of INR 100 crore would be set aside for 3,379 educationally backward blocks to encourage local innovation for ensuring universal access, gender parity and quality improvement. States/Union Territories under the Innovation Fund, would be required to submit a proposal for a one time allotment under the innovation fund. The States would be required to include the innovation element as well as the sustainability of the proposal thus made. These could include ICT enabled learning tablets/ smart classrooms/ virtual classrooms/ IT based teaching aids for CWSN, enrolment and retention drive for SC/ST/girls/minority students in EBBs, transport facilities for students in difficult areas in EBBs, Portacabin residential schools in worst affected LWE districts, guidance and counseling for adolescent children, Science labs/ tinkering labs/ robotics labs and boys hostels in EBBs.
Furthermore, it is proposed that a national level committee would be constituted which would be headed by the Additional Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, MHRD which would consider and approve the proposals under the Innovation Fund.
Responding to Finance minister’s Budget Speech about Reforms in the UGC, the HRD Minister outlined the following pointers.
Talking about the National Testing Agency, Mr. Javadekar said that CBSE at present if overworked with the various responsibilities. At present, CBSE conducts examinations each year which are written by about 1.2 crore students for various admissions. Releasing the CBSE from the burden would provide CBSE with enough resources to focus on improving the quality of education.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Exams & Results News on India.com.
