PM shares an article explaining........

Posted On: 05 FEB 2026 1:54PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister's Office//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//Decisive shift in Bharat’s educational journey

How Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a Jan Andolan

 New Delhi: 05 February 2026: (By PIB Delhi//The Education Screen)::

PM shares an article explaining how Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a Jan Andolan, marking a decisive shift in Bharat’s educational journey and paving the way for Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today shared an article that explains how Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a Jan Andolan, marking a decisive shift in Bharat’s educational journey and paving the way for Viksit Bharat.

Responding to a post by Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on X, PMO India handle stated:

“In this article, Union Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp explains how Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a Jan Andolan, marking a decisive shift in Bharat’s educational journey and paving the way for Viksit Bharat.

The Minister reiterates that NEP 2020, with its child-centric approach, focus on Indian knowledge systems and emphasis on the mother tongue, prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.” 

In this article, Union Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp explains how Pariksha Pe Charcha has become a Jan Andolan, marking a decisive shift in Bharat’s educational journey and paving the way for Viksit Bharat.

The Minister reiterates that NEP 2020, with its child-centric approach,… https://t.co/3Y63135EPF

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 5, 2026

 ***

MJPS/SR//(Release ID: 2223679) 

Status of Classical Language to 5th Languages

Ministry of Culture//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsavg20-India-2023//Posted on: 03 OCT 2024 8:31 PM by PIB Delhi

Cabinet approves status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali 

New Delhi: 03 October 2024 (PIB Delhi//Education Screen Desk)::

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.  The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone.

Point Wise Detail & Background:

The Government of India decided to create a new category of languages as "Classical Languages" on 12th October 2004 declaring Tamil as Classical Language and setting following as criteria for the status of Classical Language:

A.   High Antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.

B.   A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers.

C.   The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Culture under Sahitya Akademi in Nov 2004 to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language.

The criteria were revised in Nov 2005 as following, and Sanskrit was declared as Classical Language:

           I.  High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

             II. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

               III. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

               IV.The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

The Government of India, has conferred status of Classical Languages to following languages so far:

Language                                                                 Date of Notification

Tamil                                                                                   12/10/2004

Sanskrit                                                                                25/11/2005

Telugu                                                                                  31/10/2008

Kannada                                                                               31/10/2008

Malayalam                                                                            08/08/2013

Odia                                                                                       01/03/2014

A proposal from the Maharashtra Government in 2013 was received in the Ministry requesting Classical Language status to Marathi, which was forwarded to the LEC. The LEC recommended Marathi for Classical Language. During the inter-ministerial consultations on the draft note for cabinet in 2017 for conferring classical status to the Marathi language, MHA advised to revise the criteria and make it stricter. PMO vide its comment stated that the Ministry may conduct an exercise to find out how many other languages are likely to become eligible.

In the meantime, proposal from Bihar, Assam, West Bengal was also received for conferring status of Classical Language to Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali.

Accordingly, Linguistics Experts Committee (under Sahitya Akademi) in a meeting on 25.07.2024, unanimously revised the criteria as below. Sahitya Akademi has been appointed as nodal agency for the LEC.

i.   High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.

ii.  A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.

iii. Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.

iv.  The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.

The committee also recommended following languages to be fulfilling revised criteria to be considered as a Classical Language.

I.       Marathi

II.       Pali

III.     Prakrit

IV.    Assamese

V.      Bengali

Implementation strategy and targets: 

The Ministry of Education has taken various steps to promote Classical Languages. Three Central Universities were established in 2020 through an Act of Parliament for promotion of Sanskrit language. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil was set up to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research and offer courses for University students and language scholars of Tamil. To further enhance the study and preservation of Classical Languages, the Centres for Excellence for studies in Classical Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia were established under the auspices of the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru. In addition to these initiatives, several national and internation awards have been instituted to recognize and encourage achievements in the field of Classical Languages. Benefits extended to Classical Languages by the Ministry of Education include National Awards for Classical Languages, Chairs in Universities, and Centers for promotion of Classical Languages.

Major impact, including employment generation:

The inclusion of languages as Classical Language will create significant employment opportunities, particularly in academic and research fields. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts of these languages will generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.

States/districts covered:

The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally.

*****//MJPS/BM//(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2061661)

To strengthen the blog media related to social consciousness and public concerns. Kindly also  you support us financialy by donatingaccording to your will. Click the button given below:

Govt. Strict for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions

Posted on: 21 SEP 2024 at 5:28 PM by PIB Delhi// Ministry of Education//Azadi ka Amrit mahotsavg20-india-2023

Issued Joint Advisory to States/UTs for Effective Implementation

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health also issued Guidelines and Manual

New Delhi: 21st September 2024: (PIB Delhi//Education Screen Desk)::

In a significant move to combat tobacco use among youth, the Secretaries of the Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have jointly issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories. The advisory, addressed to Chief Secretaries, calls for the rigorous implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution (ToFEI) manual, in line with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 in educational institutions.

This joint advisory, signed by the Secretaries of the Department of School Education, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Health & Family Welfare, underscores the alarming effects of tobacco consumption, particularly on children and adolescents. It draws attention to the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, which revealed that 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India consume tobacco in various forms. Of particular concern is the fact that over 5,500 children in India begin using tobacco every day. Moreover, 55% of lifelong tobacco users initiate the habit before the age of 20, with many adolescents turning to other addictive substances as a result.

The advisory emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders to safeguard young people from the dangers of tobacco addiction. The goal is to protect future generations by raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting tobacco control measures within educational institutions.

As part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, released the Tobacco Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) Guidelines for safeguarding minors and youth from tobacco and electronic cigarette use. Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy has developed and launched the ToFEI Implementation Manual on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) in collaboration with Socio Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS). The Department issued the manual on 31st May 2024 to all States/UTs for compliance.

The ToFEI manual serves as a key resource for educational institutions to implement these anti-tobacco measures effectively. The manual outlines the following objectives:

i.    More awareness about the harmful effects and long-term health impact of tobacco use amongst the students, teachers, workers and officials in educational institutions;

ii.   Awareness about various avenues available for tobacco cessation;

iii.  A healthy and tobacco-free environment in educational institutions and all educational institutions becoming tobacco-free; and

iv.  Better implementation of legal provisions regarding the sale and use of tobacco products, especially those related to educational institutions, public places, statutory warnings and minors.  

The advisory encourages educational institutions including schools at all levels, colleges for higher or professional education and universities, both in the public and private sector to adopt the ToFEI manual and guidelines as a comprehensive guide to safeguard the health and well-being of students.

Through collaborative efforts, the government aims to reduce tobacco use among children and prevent future generations from falling prey to addiction. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will work closely with state and district-level officials to ensure these measures are effectively implemented in educational institutions.

URL to access the Implementation Manual for ToFEI Manual: https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/update/im_tofel.pdf

URL to access the ToFEI Guidelines:

https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/assets/document/TEFI-Guidelines.pdf

*****//SS/AK//रिलिज आईडी: 2057347) 

Internationalisation of Higher Education

 08th August 2022 at 4:57 PM by PIB Delhi

Recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020

New Delhi: 08th August 2022: (PIB//Education Screen)::

To promote India as global study destination and Internationalisation NEP 2020 stipulates various measures, which inter alia includes facilitating research / teaching collaborations and faculty /student exchange with high-quality foreign HEI and signing of relevant mutually beneficial MOUs with foreign countries; encouraging high performing Indian universities to set up campuses in other countries; selected universities e.g., those from among the top 100 universities in the world will be facilitated to operate in India; setting up of International Student Office at each HEI for welcoming and supporting students arriving from abroad; counting credits acquired in foreign universities, wherever appropriate as per requirement for each HEI; and courses and programmes in subjects, such as Indology, Indian Languages, AYUSH systems of medicines, yoga, arts etc.

In line with the recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, several measures have been initiated to strengthen Internationalization of the Higher Education, such as:

Guidelines on Internationalization of Higher Education were notified by UGC in July, 2021 that includes provisions like setting up of Office for International Affairs and Alumni Connect Cell in the campus of Universities hosting foreign students.

179 Universities have established Office for International Affairs and 158 Universities have set up Alumni Connect Cells.

In order to foster academic collaboration between Indian HEIs and foreign HEIs, “University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions to offer Twinning, Joint Degree and Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022” have been notified on 2nd May, 2022.

World-class foreign universities and institutions will be allowed in the GIFT City, Gujarat to offer courses in Financial Management, FinTech, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics free from domestic regulations, except those by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to facilitate availability of high-end human resources for financial services and technology.

UGC Institutions of Eminence Deemed to be Universities Regulations have been amended to allow Institutions of Eminence to set up Off-Shore campuses. The amendment to existing UGC institutions of Eminence Regulations delineates terms, conditions and approval process for establishment of Off-Shore campus by institutions of eminence (IoEs) deemed to be universities.

The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***** MJPS/AK

Internationalisation of Higher Education

Opening the doors to foreign universities criticised by CPI

Computer based tests for notified vacancies

प्रविष्टि तिथि: 05 SEP 2020 6:59 PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways to start Computer Based Test for notified vacancies from 15th December 2020

New Delhi: 05th September 2020: (Education Screen)::

Indian Railways had notified 3 types of vacancies. These were 35208 for NTPC (non technical popular categories like guards, office clerks, commercial clerks etc), 1663 for Isolated & Ministerial categories (Steno & Teaches etc) and 103769 for Level 1 vacancies (track maintainers, pointsman etc). In all RRBs had notified a total of 1.40 lakh such vacancies for NTPC categories, Level-1 Posts and isolated and miscellaneous categories. Against the above vacancies, RRBs had received more than 2.40 crore applications. The Computer Based Test (CBT) for above vacancies had to be deferred due to Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown which was imposed throughout country.

Scrutiny of the applications had been completed but the process of further examination had got delayed due to covid related restrictions.

RRBs of Railways are committed to hold the CBT for all the notified vacancies and have been actively assessing the ground situation imposed due to pandemic. Now that experience of conduct examination for the JEE for IITs and NEET is there, it was felt that Railways too can start the process which had to be stopped due to Covid pandemic.

SOPs for conduct of examination of this magnitude are being framed. Norms of social distancing and other protocols prescribed by the various Central and State authorities need to be followed which are essential in the interest of safety of candidates.

Railway now proposes to commence 1st stage online computer based tests from 15 December, 2020 and necessary action has been initiated in this regard.

*****

Model Code of Conduct & its Evolution

28-February-2014 16:39 IST

Special Feature on General Elections-2014

Free and fair elections form the bed rock of democracy. This envisages a level playing field for the contestants and an equal opportunity for all parties for presenting their policies and programmes to voters.  In this context the Model Code of Conduct(MCC) gains relevance. The MCC intends to provide a level playing field for all political parties, keep the campaign fair and healthy, avoid clashes and conflicts between parties, and ensure peace and order. It aims to ensure that the ruling party, either at the Centre or in the states, does not misuse its official position to gain an unfair advantage in an election. This instrument is a major contribution of Indian electoral system to the cause of democracy.
The MCC is a set of norms for conduct and behavior on the part of the Parties and candidates, in particular. The uniqueness of the MCC is the fact that this was a document that originated and evolved with the consensus of the political parties. The origin of the MCC dates back to 1960 when the MCC started as a small set of Dos and Don’ts for the Assembly election in Kerala in 1960. The Code covered conducting of election meetings/processions, speeches, slogans, posters and placards (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). In 1962 Lok Sabha General Elections, the Commission circulated this code to all the recognized political parties and the State Governments were requested to secure the acceptance of the Code by the Parties. (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). Report received after the 1962 general election showed that the Code was followed by and large. In 1967, the Code was followed in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.(CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram).
Evolution of the MCC and its implementation since 1967

·     In 1968, the Election Commission held meetings with political parties at State level and circulated the Code of Conduct to observe minimum standard of behavior to ensure free and fair elections. (CEC-Shri S.P. Sen Verma)
·     In 1971-72, during General Election to the House of the People/State Legislative Assemblies the Commission circulated the Code again.  (CEC-Shri S.P. Sen Verma)
·     At the time of general elections to some State Assemblies in 1974, the Commission issued the code of conduct to the political parties in those States.
The Commission also suggested constituting committees at district level headed by the District Collector and comprising representatives of political parties as members for considering cases of violation of the code and ensuring its compliance by all parties and candidates.
·     For the 1977 Lok Sabha general election, the Code was again circulated to the political parties. (CEC-Shri T. Swaminathan).
·     In 1979, Election Commission, in consultation with the political parties further amplified the code, adding a new Section placing restrictions on the “Party in power” so as to prevent cases of abuse of position of power to get undue advantage over other parties and candidates. (CEC-Shri S.L.Shakhdar)
·     In 1991, the code was consolidated and re-issued in its present form.  (CEC-Shri T.N.Seshan).
·     The present code contains guidelines for general conduct of political parties and candidates (no attack on private life, no appeal to communal feelings, discipline and decorum in meetings, processions, guidelines for party in power – official machinery and facilities not to be used for electioneering, prohibition against Ministers and other authorities in announcing grants, new schemes etc).
·     Ministers and those holding public offices are not allowed to combine official visits with electioneering tours.
·     Issue of advertisements at the cost of public exchequer is prohibited.
·     Grants, new schemes / projects cannot be announced. Even the schemes that may have been announced before the MCC came into force, but that has not actually taken off in terms of implementation on field are also required to be put on hold.
·     It is through such restrictions that the advantage of being in power is blunted and the contestants get the opportunity to fight on more or less equal terms.
·     MCC has got the judicial recognition of the highest court of land. The dispute over the date when the Model Code of Conduct should come into force -- the issuance of the press release by EC announcing the poll dates or the date of actual notification in this regard was resolved in the Union of India Vs. Harbans Sigh Jalal and Others [SLP (Civil) No.22724 of 1997)]  decided on 26.04.2001. The apex court gave the ruling that the Code of Conduct would come into force the moment the Commission issues the press release, which precedes the notification by a good two weeks. This ruling lay at rest the controversy related to the dates of enforcement of MCC. Thus the MCC remains in force from the date of announcement of elections till the completion of elections.

Legal Status for Model Code: Views of the Election Commission
There is an opinion in certain quarters for providing legal status to MCC. The Election Commission has, however, taken a stand against granting of such status to MCC. According to the Commission bringing the MCC on the statute book will only be counter-productive. In our country, elections are conducted within a very limited time span according to a well laid down schedule. Normally, a general election in a State is completed in about 45 days, from the day of announcement of the election schedule by the Commission.  Thus, the expedition and promptness in dealing with the cases of violation of the model code of conduct is of the essence.  If no timely action is taken to curb the violations and against the violators of the model code during the limited period when the election process is on, the whole significance of the MCC would be lost and the violator would be able to reap the benefit of such violation. If the model code of conduct is converted into a law, this would mean that a complaint would lie to the police/Magistrate. The procedures involved in judicial proceedings being what they are, a decision on such complaints would most likely come only long after the election is completed.  

MCC is not a Hindrance to Developmental activities
One often gets to hear the complaint that the MCC is coming in the way of developmental activities. However, even during the short period when MCC is in operation, the ongoing development activities are not stopped and are allowed to proceed unhindered, and only the new projects, etc. which have not taken off on the ground that have to  be deferred till the completion of elections.  If there is any work that cannot wait for any reason (relief work on account of any calamity, etc), the matter can be referred to the Commission for clearance.

It is apt to refer to the following passage from a  very recent Judgment (dated 16.02.2012) of the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) in Writ Petition No. 1361 of 2012 (Dr. Nutan Thakur Vs. Election Commission of India):

‘It shall not be out of place to mention that after election, peoples’ representatives discharge their obligation almost for a period of five years.  The elections are held at the fag end of their tenure unless the assembly or Parliament is suspended or dissolved earlier.  While holding the office, it is always obligatory on the part of the peoples’ representative to discharge their obligation honestly and fairly to serve the nation. In case they failed to discharge their obligation during their entire term while in office or in opposition, then making statement as a measure of allurement or appeasement to the peoples after issuance of Election Notification, shall be nothing but an instance of unfair practice on their part. (PIB Features.)
             ******
*Inputs from PIB Election Cell team.

A special feature on Posts//K. K. Pant*

20-February-2014 17:11 IST
Transforming the Department of Posts into a Technology Driven Department

A massive transformation of the Department of Posts is being undertaken by the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology which will metamorphose the Department - now better known to the nation as India Post - into a technology driven Department. For this the Government has approved an IT Modernization Project with a total outlay of Rs 4,909 crore. The unique Project involves networking of all the 1,55,000 post offices spread across the country rolling out Core Banking Solution for Post Office Saving Bank, McCamish Insurance Solution for Postal Life Insurance and will enable track and trace of all accountable mails in the country. The IT Modernization Project commenced in 2012 and is expected to be operational by 2015. It covers eight segments which are under various stages of implementation and operationalization. A dedicated Data Centre is already in place.

This Project is unparalleled in terms of its scale and underlines the commitment of the Department of Posts to provide better services to the customers, and ensure higher employee satisfaction. The project is intended to build a wider reach to Indian populace through more customer interaction channels.

The Core Banking Solutions (CBS) in All Departmental Post Offices

The Department of Posts is also implementing the Core Banking Solutions (CBS) in all Departmental Post Offices during the current Five Year Plan. The Project introduces the facilities of ATM banking, mobile banking, phone banking, National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) and Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) to the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) customers.  It will enable the Post Office Saving Bank customers to undertake anytime anywhere banking through a network of ATMs.  CBS has been rolled out in 38 pilot Post Offices and is expected to be rolled out in all departmental Post Offices by 2015. The Project will IT enable the Branch Post Offices with a bio-metric hand held device, which is Aadhaar enabled, printer and solar power to charge battery.
Initiatives to Improve the Quality of Mail Related Services Across The Country

The Department of Posts has also taken initiatives to improve the quality of mail related services across the country. As part of the Mail Network Optimization Project (MNOP), the operational network for the delivery of mails has been restructured and the processes redesigned. An online monitoring system has been developed for a more effective monitoring of Speed Post Registered Post. An online track and trace system is also in place for registered articles on a pattern similar to the tracking of Speed Post articles. Automated Mail Processing Centers (AMPCs) have been set up at Delhi and Kolkata to further expedite the mail sorting activities. A Global Positioning System (GPS) system has been installed in mail vehicles in the North East Region for a better monitoring of the movement of mail carriages.

Providing Computers and Peripherals to All Departmental Post Offices

The Department of Posts has also provided computers and peripherals to all 25,145 departmental Post Offices in the country to enhance their efficiency. Remotely Managed Franking Machines (RMFMs) are also being supplied to the post offices in a phased manner.  These machines have a number of security features, like generation of 2D barcodes to assist traceable evidence of postage. These machines will improve the efficiency of the post offices by faster franking of articles and also help in having a ready data base of customers in an electronic form.

‘Project Arrow’

Department of Posts has also launched a Quality Improvement Project called ‘Project Arrow’ in April 2008, which entails a comprehensive improvement of the Core Operations of Post Offices as well as the ambience (Look and Feel) in which postal transaction are undertaken.

The Department of Posts has evolved a Sevottam complaint Citizen’s Charter laying down the service delivery norms of various postal products and services.  A monitoring mechanism to ensure the quality of services and prompt redressal of public grievances is in place at all levels. It is also operating the Central Public Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) to handle complaints.

New services like e-IPO, e-Post, Express Parcel Post, Business Parcel Post have been introduced which not only open new revenue streams but also lead to widen the reach of the post offices and provide the customer with value added services.

Market Share on the Rise

The market share of the value added services of the Department of Post vis-à-vis private couriers has increased in last two year which are:

Sl.  No.	Name of Products / Services	Market Share
		2011	2012
1	Speed Post	15.1% to 18.3%	16.7% to 19.8%
2	Express Parcel Post	4% to 6%	5% to 7%

Increasing Revenue Generation

The efficacy of the steps taken by the Government is also reflected in the fact that the Revenue generation of Postal Services is increasing every year, and the targets for each coming year are raised by the Government. The revenue generated and expenditure incurred by the Postal Department, during the last three years and the current year year-wise, are:

                                                                                                                   

                                                             (Rs. in crore)

Year	Revenue
2010-11	6,962.3
2011-12	7,899.4
2012-13	9,366.5
2013-14 (up to Dec' 2013)	7,733.2

To further increase the revenue the Department has taken following steps:

·         Beside the IT Modernization project, a series of initiatives have been taken under Mail Network Optimization Project in order to improve the quality of mail services.

·         Launching special drives for covering more persons under the small saving network, especially in rural areas. Similar drives are also launched to popularize Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) so that life cover / savings is encouraged among the rural population.

·         Financial Performance of each postal circle related to revenue and expenditure are reviewed on regular basis.

·         Rationalization of postal products to improve service delivery in the light of market demand.

(PIB Features.)
******

*Deputy Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
With inputs from the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications & IT.

A special feature on literacy//Dr. H. R. Keshavamurthy*

09-September-2013 17:44 IST
Literacy can Eradicate Poverty, Curb Population Growth 
It can Achieve Gender Equality and Ensure Sustainable Development
Literacy is a human right, a road towards empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy. Literacy is essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy.

September 8 is observed as the International Literacy Day by UNESCO  since 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. This year’s International Literacy Day was dedicated to “literacies for the 21st century” to highlight the need to realize “basic literacy skills for all” as well as equip everyone with more advanced literacy skills as part of lifelong learning.

      The essence and role of education articulated in our National Policy on Education (NPE), continues to be relevant even today. It states that education is essential for all and is fundamental to our all-round development. Education develops manpower for different levels of the economy and is also the platform on which research and development flourish to take nation towards self-reliance. In sum, education is a unique investment in the present and the future.

The Literacy rate in India has improved a lot over the last one decade. Especially after the implementation of free education in the villages the literacy rate has gone up tremendously in states like Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan . In a country like India, literacy is the main foundation for social and economic growth. When the British rule ended in India in the year 1947 the literacy rate was just 12%. Over the years, India has changed socially, economically, and globally. After the 2011 census, literacy rate India 2011 was found to be 74.04%. Though this seems like a very great accomplishment, it is still a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. The numbers of children who do not get education especially in the rural areas are still high. Though the government has made a law that every child under the age of 14 should get free education, the problem of illiteracy is still at large. 

           Now, if we consider female literacy rate in India, then it is lower than the male literacy rate as many parents do not allow their female children to go to schools. They get married off at a young age instead. Though child marriage has been lowered to very low levels, it still happens. Today, the female literacy levels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census are 65.46% where the male literacy rate is over 80%. The literacy rate in India has always been a matter of concern but many NGO initiatives and government ads, campaigns and programs are being held to spread awareness amongst people about the importance of literacy. Also the government has made strict rules for female equality rights.

The literacy rate in India has shown significant rise in the past 10 years.  
Kerala is the only state in India to have 100% literacy rate. It is followed by Goa, Tripura, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra, Sikkim. The lowest literacy rate in India is seen in the state of Bihar. Realising the importance of literacy, Government of India (Department of School Education & Literacy) endeavours to: Provide free and compulsory education to all children at elementary level; Become a partner with the States and Union Territories to reinforce the national and integrative character of education; Build a society committed to Constitutional values with the help of quality school education and literacy; Universalize opportunities for quality secondary education and  Establish a fully literate society.

In the year 2010, the country achieved a historic milestone when the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 became operative .The enforcement of the RTE Act represented a momentous step forward in our country’s struggle for universalising elementary education. Its objectives are intended to be accomplished through the following major programmes of the Central Government:

·                     Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid Day Meal at primary level.

·                     Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan ,Model Schools  at Secondary level. 

·                      Vocational Education, Girls’ Hostel, Inclusive Education of the Disabled. 

·                     Saakshar Bharat for Adult Education.  

·                     Mahila Samakhya for Women’s education. 

·                     Infrastructure Development of Minority Institutions; Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madarsas for Minority Education.

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to face challenges.
(PIB Features)
*******
*Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Kolkata.

SS-83/SF-83/09-09-2013
RTS/HSN

Educating to Empower:Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme

05-September-2013 17:44 IST
For Scheduled Castes Students-A special feature by Amit Guin*
Education is the glue that makes the society cohesive and helps in the formation of its paradigms. Never before has education acquired such dominant a role in shaping of the Indian society as in today’s era. Education has very well played the role of a Great Liberator. It has become an instrument of empowerment. The urge for higher education among students from Scheduled Castes (SC) have let them cement their positions in the society, thereby helping them in looking out for newer avenues of social mobility. Unless education brings home the bacon for them, they would not succeed in dampening or completely demolishing the social barriers put up in their path of upward social mobility. Keeping this in the back of the mind, the Government of India played the part of the single largest intervener for the educational development of SC students.

Serving as the biggest leveler of the society since 1944, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes Students presently eases the path of education for about 50 lakh students. It is a national level Scheme furnishing financial assistance to SC students at post-matriculation level in the country. The Scheme provides valuable support for the SC students to raise their educational status, enabling them to become a part of the mainstream society. The Scheme provides for 100 per cent central assistance to the state governments and Union Territory administrations over and above their committed liability. The North-Eastern states are exempted from the committed liability.  

A flagship Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the scholarships are given to students belonging to SC for the study of all recognised post-matriculation or post-secondary courses pursued in recognised institutions except for courses like Maintenance Engineer’s Courses and Private Pilot License Courses; and courses of training at the Military College, and courses at Pre-examination Training Centres of all India and State levels. It is to be mentioned that those students who pursue their studies through correspondence courses are also eligible for the scholarships. Employed students whose income combined with the income of their parents/guardians do not exceed the maximum prescribed income ceiling are also made entitled to post-matric scholarships to the extent of reimbursement of all compulsorily payable non-refundable fees.

The financial aid under the Scheme to the SC students includes maintenance allowance, reimbursement of non-refundable compulsory fee charged by the educational institutions, book bank facility, among other allowances. Since April 1, 2013, scholarships will be paid to the students whose parents/guardians’ income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2,50,000 per annum. Additional allowance for disabled students for the complete duration of the course is also a part of the Scheme. Apart from Reader Allowance for blind students which varies on the level of the course, there is a provision of transport allowance, escort allowance and allowance for extra coaching to mentally retarded and mentally ill students too. The disabled students belonging to Scheduled Castes covered under the Scheme can also get such additional benefits from other Schemes, which are not covered under the Scheme. The Scholarship Scheme also includes annual book allowance. For this book banks have been set up in various educational institutions, where books are supplied to SC students in installments, depending on the course, semester structure etc.

The eligible students will be given scholarships subject to the application of Means Test prescribed in the Scheme. Those students who belong to a particular state but are studying in other state will be awarded the scholarships by the state to which they belong after submitting their applications to the competent authorities in that state. The duration of the scholarship depends on factors like good conduct and regularity in attendance till the completion of the course subject. The scholarship is renewed on the basis of the fact that the scholar secures promotion to the next higher class irrespective of the fact whether such examinations are conducted by a University or the Institution. However, if a SC scholar pursuing certain courses (mentioned in the Scheme) fails in the examination for the first time, the award may be renewed.  This is clear that the purpose of the scheme is to be as comprehensive in its coverage as is reasonably possible. The limitation imposed by historical injustices need a scheme that is easy to avail and covers all the points of restrictions and deprivation that may befall a SC seeker of education.

In order to smoothen the way for timely payment of the scholarship amount to the students, states like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala have fully computerised the implementation of the Scheme and have started online processing of the scholarships. Kerala has started the system of e-grantz for the timely disbursement of the scholarship amount. Furthermore, various state governments and UT administrators have also agreed to make payment of scholarship to the beneficiaries through their (beneficiary students) accounts in post offices or banks. As mentioned earlier, the Scheme receives 100 per cent central assistance from the central government for total expenditure under the Scheme, over and above their respective Committed Liability. The level of Committed Liability for a year is equivalent to the level of actual expenditure incurred by the administrators under the Scheme during the terminal year of the last Five Year Plan period and is required to be borne by them for which they are supposed to make necessitated provision in their budget.

The number of beneficiaries under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs has been increasing over the years. During the 11th Plan, the number of students financially assisted under the Scheme went up from 31.58 lakh to 46 lakh. The total expenditure under the Scheme including the Committed Liability of the states increased from Rs. 2,158.70 crore in 2007-2008 to Rs. 3,994.96 crore in 2011-12. The national average of female beneficiaries under the Scheme for the year 2011-12 was 38.31 per cent. In this manner, active government intervention through a Scheme focused on education for students of Scheduled Castes paved the way for mainstreaming them into the society.
(PIB Features)
             ******
*The author is a freelance writer.

With inputs from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
SS-79/SF-79/05-09-2013
RTS/HSN

YEGN–Mainstreaming the Youth

04-September-2013 18:2 IST
A Special Feature on Defence                                      By Sarita Brara*Unemployed youth are the most vulnerable lot to be misguided, exploited or lured into unlawful activities. It was to involve the youth in constructive activities, enable them to get employment that a major initiative Youth Employment and Guidance Node (YEGN) programme was launched   a few years back in border and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir .

The YEGN  guidance and  training to young men and women  in various skills to equip  them to either get a job or start their own  enterprise ,  prepare them for recruitment in the army and other security agencies including paramilitary forces and help them  acquire some expertise for self employment .

Thanks to the YEGN  under the Sadbhawna programme  today many  a youth  have been  recruited in army, paramilitary forces, railways, banks and  many trained to earn a livelihood on their own.    

The YEGN centres  have computer training facilities, facilities for training in different skills and competent personnel and expertees to guide the youth in getting gainful employment or seeking higher education or sitting for exams for recruitment in bank, railways  and other fields.

The youth that include a large number of students have also access to magazines and journals on general knowledge and competitive exams in various sectors besides Employment News magazine. 

Naresh Kumar from Deeng village took training as a plumber for a month at YEGN at the border village of Sainth. He was given a certificate of Diploma in Plumbing by MSME  after successful completion of the training. Today he is able to earn about 10,000 rupees a month   He says that sometime he is engaged on a daily basis or he gets payment for the particular job done.

Twenty years old Rohit Kumar who had taken training from a polytechnic college in Jammu in plumbing, is today an instructor and is paid 500 rupees on daily basis.

Inderjit Mahi  from Jhanghar village says that he took training in  repairing electrical gadgets like  irons, fans , motor  wiring and has been given certificate for the same. By repairing the electronic gadgets, he is able to earn some money. Inderjit wants to open his own repairing shop with the help of a loan at concessional rates.

Tenth pass Sanjeev Kumar also from Jhangar village underwent similar training but wants further training  in mechanics.

Balwinder Kumar from a border village in Jammu division is a small farmer and is not able to earn enough to make both ends meet. In his  30’s Balwinder  said at his age it is difficult for him to acquire some skill and get a job. He at the same time wants to supplement his income. The army under Sadbhawana Programme   is giving him training as a mason. He says that masons are getting 250 to 300 rupees a day and  he is hopeful  that once his training is over; he too would be able to earn around 15,000 rupees a month.

Many young men of Sainth Gram Panchayat and nearby villages have got training as a hair dresser and are now able to earn 200 to 250 rupees a day.

       Training is being provided in mechanics, welding, poultry farming, hairdressing, tailoring.  In order to expand the scope of self employment, training in nursing and fisheries is also being included.

            Vivek from Sainth village has passed the physical fitness as well as medical test. When we met him he was to appear for the written test for which he was well prepared. He says that youth were told about what all is required for recruitment in the army and other services and professions. They were also taken to the recruitment center  to give them an idea of the process involved. Today he is hopeful of joining the army and serving the nation like his father who too was in the army.

Vishal who has also cleared all the tests is waiting for an appointment letter from the BSF. He says the young men in border village are  passionate about joining the forces.

Another youth expressed similar sentiments. He says the youth from villages have the required physique and toughness to clear physical fitness tests. He said he has learnt discipline from the army and they are great source of inspiration for serving the nation . He too has cleared all other tests and would be appearing for a written test to join the Border Roads Organisation, BRO.

Rakesh Kumar took admission in BA this year. He has benefitted a lot, he says from magazines  and books on general knowledge and the employments news provided at the YEGN centre. He also takes computer classes provided by YEGN in the evening after college hours.  Rakesh Kumar like many youth in the area wants to join army.

Besides over sixty youth recruited in army, navy and other para military forces, many young men and women have acquired skills to enable them to start their own work. Many more have cleared the tests and are hopeful of being recruited soon.

Teachers and students too are benefitting from the YEGN initiative. Vishal Sharma from Government High school Khairi village is a teacher. Although an MSc, he had absolutely no knowledge of computers.  He underwent training by YEGN in Basics. He says the army provided the school with computers and then trained the teachers in using computers for about a month.  They were guided about how they can make use of the computers to educate students and about related software.

This is not all. In  order to instill confidence in the youth, matches in  different games including football, basketball etc, are also organized besides competitions in debates, essay writing and other academics  and holding youth festivals to tap their talent.  Adventure tours including trekking, mountaineering, and cycling are organized .

Yet another programme that the army is conducting to expose the youth to the world outside their villages is to take them on educational tours the idea is also to broaden their vision.

Rahul Kumar studying in government high school in Siddar recalls his tour to Pathankot, Chandigarh and Shimla and other places in Himachal Pradesh. He had never been out of his village.

           The Sarpanch of Sainth Gram Panchayat, Sukh Dev Singh said that YEGN has been of great help in involving the youth in constructive activities as well as diverting them away from undesirable activities. He said in one year alone 15 young men from his Panchayat  have been recruited in the army and various other professions.

Nearly 2,400 youth, including 538 girls have been registered  with YEGN in  remote and border areas in Jammu Division .

The need is to channelize  the energy  of the youth  in constructive activities  and  YEGN under Sadbhawna  has played a significant role in  mainstreaming  the youth  in  remote  border areas  to quite an extent.   (PIB Features)               
****
*The author is a Freelance Writer.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.

SS-78/SF-78/04-09-2013
RTS/HSN