Latest news with #PARAKHRashtriyaSarvekshan2024
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
SCERT declares draft vision document for Vikasit Maharashtra 2047
The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has released the draft vision document for Vikasit Maharashtra 2047, which talks about major overhauling of the state's school education system. The document, which provides ambitious goals, has invited feedback from all stakeholders such as educationists, teachers and policymakers. The vision of Vikasit Maharashtra 2047 is based on five foundational pillars–physical and digital infrastructure, empowering teaching professionals, transformation of curriculum and pedagogy, ensuring inclusion and policy reforms. The vision document lays out macro goals initially for the year 2029 and then for the year 2047. Among its key targets is raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the foundational stage from the current 41 per cent to 70 per cent by 2029 and achieving 100 per cent by 2047. At the secondary level, the state aims to reduce the dropout rate from current 7.7 per cent to near zero by 2047. 'The idea is to have a check-point to prepare for the year 2047. This is a draft vision open for suggestions. Once finalised, it will lead to policy changes and other decisions to make the plan tangible,' said a senior official from the school education department of Maharashtra. The vision document proposes investments in digital and physical infrastructure, smart classrooms, science labs, libraries, and climate-resilient school buildings. A Unified Data Management System will support real-time monitoring and planning. Despite Maharashtra emerging as a high performer in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, the draft vision document acknowledges persistent challenges, including declining student outcomes in mathematics and science, a shortage of subject-specific teachers, and infrastructure gaps. And prescribes that corrective measures need to be taken for these shortcomings. The draft further emphasises early vocational training, life skills, and universal access to quality education.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maharashtra's draft visionary document: Increase school enrolment from 41% to 70% in the next four years, cut student dropout by nearly 4%
Mumbai: In the next four years, Maharashtra aims to attain a gross school enrolment ratio of 70% from the current 41%, while reducing the secondary student dropout rate to 4% from 7.7%. These ambitious goals were listed as part of a draft visionary document released recently by the state school education department and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The draft recommends digital preparedness and modernisation in schools, including introducing bagless days and digital schools, distribution of tablets and AI-learning tools, and introducing vocational education from Class 6, including subjects like EV technology, digital media, animation, healthcare equipment, and Industry 4.0. State govt has invited recommendations from stakeholders on the draft visionary document. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The document outlines a roadmap with short-term (2025-29), medium-term (2030-35), and long-term (2036-47) goals, focusing on modern pedagogy, digital and climate-resilient infrastructure, and a curriculum rooted in Indian values and global competencies. Though students from Maharashtra have done better than the national average in the recent PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report when it comes to learning competencies, the vision document talks about attaining 100% in foundational literacy and numeracy by Class 3. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đường Trần Doãn Khanh: Nhà tiền chế lắp đặt chỉ trong 1 ngày Prefabricated Homes Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The draft is part of the state's Viksit Maharashtra @2047 mission. The short-term goals emphasise on getting basic infrastructure in place in all schools. The document also talks about the state's plan to set up at least one model school in each block, called the PM and CM Shri schools, with science labs, libraries, and sports facilities. The draft recommends using AI-powered learning and teaching tools in model schools. For teachers, it mandates at least 50 hours of National Education Policy (NEP)-aligned training. Leadership development programmes for principals and headmasters will be launched. For the medium-term goals, to be attained till 2035, all schools should have sports facilities, science labs, innovation hubs, and digital classrooms. The state intends to create district-level innovation clusters, institutionalising peer learning networks and internship programmes, constructing residential schools in migration-prone districts, with migrant child tracking systems integrated. Also, establishment of key performance indicators for schools, teachers, and students. The state intends to build schools featuring gurukul-inspired architecture in the long-term plans. The document also talks about adopting the National Professional Standards for Teachers fully, regular international collaborations and tie-ups with IITs and industry leaders, and establishment of the Maharashtra Centre for School Leadership and Pedagogy Innovation. Structured mentorship programmes and school-industry partnerships will also be fostered. While enlisting the goals, the document also talks about the challenges that could delay the process, such as the declining student outcomes in mathematics and science, with over 75 % scoring below basic proficiency, and a 5% drop in SSC and HSC pass rates. Poor student-to-teacher ratios — often exceeding one teacher per 35 students — and shortages of subject-specific teachers in science, math, and English persist. Limited digital exposure, reliance on private and govt-aided schools with minimal regulatory oversight, and infrastructure gaps such as lack of functioning toilets, clean drinking water, science labs, and digital tools are ongoing issues. Insufficient operational funding for daily school expenses further hampers progress. Mahendra Ganpule, former vice-president of Maharashtra School Principals' Association, however, said, "While govt talks about enhancing facilities, it also needs to increase the non-salary grant, as all the costs of running a school have quadrupled. In addition, it is necessary to consider the schools which have not received a single penny in the last 20 years. Unless this goal of providing sufficient teachers is achieved immediately, quality education is not possible. "
India Today
12-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses, few students opt to enrol: Survey
A recent government survey has found that less than half of schools in India offer any form of skill-based education to their fewer students take part in the available courses, raising concerns about the future readiness of India's youth to meet job market PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, conducted under the Ministry of Education, reveals that only 47% of schools provide any skill-based course for students in Grade 9 and More concerning is that just 29% of Grade 9 students have opted to enrol in any such findings are based on data collected from over 74,000 schools and over 21 lakh students across Grades 3, 6 and survey aimed to assess not only learning levels but also institutional practices that support 21st-century competencies such as vocational and skill FOR GREATER INTEGRATION OF SKILL COURSESThe report notes that the limited availability of skill-based education points to systemic gaps in preparing students for careers."The findings highlight the need for greater integration of skill education in schools,' the report states. It recommends that policymakers introduce diverse sector skill-based courses, enhance infrastructure, and create awareness among students about employment opportunities linked to vocational the report suggests strengthening industry partnerships to ensure that skill courses remain relevant to evolving market needs. It adds that resources like those listed by PSSCIVE can be useful in enhancing training quality and student AND AWARENESS STILL A CHALLENGEDespite the government's push through schemes like PM e-VIDYA and platforms like DIKSHA, adoption of vocational learning remains PARAKH report notes that students often lack access, awareness, and encouragement to pursue such courses, even when they are report recommends popularising initiatives like PARAKH Udyam Sansaar, which focuses on AI competencies, and embedding them into school-level WAY FORWARDTo close this gap, the report calls for strategic steps: offering financial and infrastructure support to schools, integrating skill education into regular curricula, and building awareness through career counselling moves are essential if India aims to align with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes competency-based and career-oriented implemented effectively, these interventions could bridge the gap between education and employability, enabling students to build the practical skills needed for today's workforce.- Ends
Time of India
11-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
India's skill education divide: Which states are leading in school-based vocational learning?
Which states are leading in school-based vocational learning? The recently released PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report has exposed significant regional disparities in how Indian states are integrating vocational education into the school curriculum. While some states are making headway in offering skill-based courses at the secondary level, others continue to lag in both access and student participation. Conducted under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, the survey assessed learning outcomes in over 75,000 schools and more than 22 lakh students in Grades 3, 6, and 9. Beyond academics, it also evaluated how well schools are aligning with NEP's target of providing vocational exposure to at least 50% of learners by 2025. The results show that the target remains a long shot for many states. Strong infrastructure, low uptake Gujarat topped the list in terms of school-level implementation, with 57% of secondary schools offering vocational courses for Grade 9 and above. Punjab and Odisha followed with 54% and 50% respectively. However, the data reveals a critical mismatch: many states have built capacity but are failing to get students to enrol. Bihar, for instance, has 44% of its schools offering skill-based courses, but only 21% of students in Grade 9 are actually enrolled. Odisha shows a similar trend, with just 21% student participation despite half of its schools providing these courses. Where demand outpaces supply Some regions are seeing strong student demand despite limited infrastructure. In Delhi, only 42% of schools offer skill education, yet 54% of Grade 9 students are enrolled. Chandigarh has the most striking contrast, with just 40% of schools offering courses and a staggering 65% student participation rate — the highest in the country. This pattern suggests that with proper awareness and quality course offerings, student interest in skill education can grow, even in states with fewer institutional resources. Key numbers from the report As per the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 report, the skill-based learning scenario in the country looks like this: State Schools Offering Skill Courses (Grade 9+) Students Enrolled in Skill Courses Gujarat 57% 34% Delhi (NCT) 42% 54% Punjab 54% 42% Haryana 46% 41% Kerala 34% 36% Bihar 44% 21% Odisha 50% 21% Maharashtra 46% 32% Uttar Pradesh 45% 24% Chandigarh 40% 65% Kerala stands out as a state where fewer schools offer vocational education (34%), yet student participation is relatively high at 36%, reflecting effective outreach and engagement strategies. The road ahead The report makes it clear that while infrastructure has improved in several states, translating that into meaningful participation requires more than policy compliance. States need to invest in awareness campaigns, industry-relevant courses, and qualified trainers to make vocational education aspirational. With the next edition of PARAKH already being planned, education experts say bridging the gap between provision and participation will be critical. The NEP's vision of a skilled, future-ready student population can only be realised if every state commits not just to offering skill education, but also to making it count. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
Only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses: Government study
AI-generated image (Representative) NEW DELHI: Less than half of the schools in India currently offer skill-based courses to students in Class IX and above, pointing to the limited penetration of vocational education at the secondary and senior secondary levels. The participation of students in such courses is even lower. According to PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 conducted by NCERT's National Assessment Centre, only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses for these classes, and just 29% of students in Class IX and above have opted for them. The findings underline significant gaps in awareness and accessibility that hamper efforts under the Skill India Mission, which seeks to equip students with market-ready skills and improve their employability. "Less than half of the schools offer skill-based courses for students in Grade 9 and above, indicating limited availability of skill-based education at this level. Among students in Grade 9, participation in these courses remains low, suggesting the need for greater awareness, encouragement, and accessibility to skill education to enhance career readiness and skill development," the report observed. Skill education, it stressed, has become essential for preparing learners to adapt to changing workforce requirements in the 21st century. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Orlando Homeowners Love This Weed Blade Topchicdeals Learn More Undo It called for introduction of diverse sector-specific courses, stronger industry linkages, and better funding and infrastructure support to expand these offerings in schools. To support skill development, resources such as those listed by PSSCIVE (Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education), an apex R&D organisation under NCERT, can be used to enhance training and boost employability. The report also recommended popularising initiatives like PARAKH Udyam Sansaar, which focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) competencies, to make skill-based learning more attractive. The PARAKH survey covered 74,229 schools - govt and private-across 781 districts in 36 states and Union territories, assessing over 2.1 million students from Classes III, VI, and IX. While many universities and colleges now integrate skill modules in programmes such as AI, robotics, cloud computing and telemedicine, lack of early exposure in schools continues to hinder students' career readiness. The report emphasised that "strengthening industry partnerships and aligning courses with job market needs can enhance skill development and employability". It suggested that motivating students to explore skill-based learning early, alongside use of innovative teaching and assessment methods, will be key to bridging the education-to-employment gap. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
