Latest news with #VSK
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Public Administration, reimagined: The promise of government analytics
Rahul is an officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers. He completed his (Electrical Engg.) from NIT Bhopal in 2008 and is also a certified Energy Auditor from BEE. Currently, he is working as Deputy Secretary in the Dept of School Education & Literacy in the Ministry of Education, New Delhi. He has won the National Award for Outstanding Service from Ministry in 2016 and Railway Board Award for Best Suggestion Scheme in 2019. He is inclined towards dramatics, enjoys movies, books, music, singing, comparing, cultural activities, running etc. LESS ... MORE As I reflect on my recent completion of the World Bank's Government Analytics course, I'm struck by the immense potential these tools hold for revolutionising governance in India. Today, while data-driven decision-making has improved productivity in the private sector, many governments still have a wealth of data but struggle to turn it into valuable insights. This gap presents both challenges and new opportunities for those working in public administration. The promise of government analytics in modern governance The digital transformation of government operations has accelerated dramatically in recent years. Financial management, procurement, taxation, and service delivery have increasingly moved online, generating vast repositories of administrative data. Yet, as the World Bank's Government Analytics Handbook highlights, this data often remains trapped in silos, used primarily for record-keeping rather than informing strategic decisions[1]. The result is a missed opportunity to enhance expenditure effectiveness, improve service delivery, and ultimately increase public trust in government. From my experience in government, I see significant potential in the administrative data collected daily covering school attendance, teacher deployment, infrastructure, and student outcomes. While this information has often been used mainly for record-keeping, it now presents a valuable opportunity to uncover patterns, address bottlenecks, and identify areas for improvement. A key initiative in this direction is the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), established by the Government of India at both national and state/UT levels. VSK serves as a centralised hub that aggregates and analyses educational data from millions of schools, teachers, and students across the country, integrating sources like UDISE+, student and teacher databases, and learning outcome assessments. Using advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time dashboards, VSK enables administrators to monitor crucial indicators such as student attendance, enrollment, learning progress, and teacher effectiveness. This empowers education officials to make timely, data-driven decisions, for example, identifying students at risk of dropping out or rationalising teacher deployment to address shortages in single-teacher or under-resourced schools. By breaking down data silos and providing actionable insights, VSK strengthens accountability, improves resource allocation, and supports the overall goal of enhancing learning outcomes nationwide. Key insights from the government analytics handbook and fellowship The Government Analytics Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to leveraging data for strengthening public administration. What distinguishes this resource is its practical approach to transforming existing administrative data into actionable insights. The Handbook emphasises that governments don't necessarily need to collect new data – instead, they can gain tremendous value by repurposing the information they already possess. During the Government Analytics course, I was particularly impressed by the case studies demonstrating concrete results. For instance, Chile's Ministry of Health saved hundreds of millions of dollars by using administrative data to reduce missed medical appointments among patients with chronic conditions. Similarly, Guatemala's Ministry of Education reduced the dropout rate for students entering lower secondary school by 9% through data-driven identification of at-risk students. Practical applications in Public Administration For India, government analytics presents transformative possibilities. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, data-driven organisations are 23 times more likely to acquire customers, six times more likely to retain customers, and 19 times more likely to be profitable. These principles apply equally to government operations, where improved analytics can enhance service delivery and policy outcomes. The Government Analytics Handbook outlines several foundational elements that are particularly relevant for Indian public administration: Repurposing administrative data : Rather than creating new data collection systems, we can extract valuable insights from existing financial management systems, HR databases, and service delivery records . Measuring what matters : The Handbook emphasises the importance of a balanced data suite that prioritises problem-solving and learning, not just compliance . Ethical considerations : Government analytics must respect privacy concerns and moral boundaries, especially when analysing data related to public servants or vulnerable populations . Implementation focus : Analytics should inform action, not simply produce reports. The goal is to enhance decision-making and drive measurable improvements in government performance . Applying government analytics to school education sector research in India My immediate interest lies in applying government analytics principles to research on setting up a school complex in India as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy marks a significant shift in India's approach to school organisation by advocating for the creation of school complexes rather than traditional school consolidation or closure. While school closure permanently shuts down institutions and consolidation merges multiple schools, often leading to community disruption, the school complex model is fundamentally different. It groups nearby schools, including Anganwadis and all levels from pre-primary to secondary, into a collaborative unit that shares resources, staff, and infrastructure, while allowing each school to retain its identity and location. This approach is designed to address the chronic challenges of small, under-resourced schools, such as the prevalence of single-teacher institutions and zero-enrolment schools, without sacrificing access or local engagement. According to the latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) data, India is home to 1,10,971 single-teacher schools, showcasing the dedication of educators in reaching even the most remote areas. Additionally, 12,964 schools, despite currently having zero enrolment, employ over 31,000 teachers, reflecting the nation's commitment to providing educational infrastructure. More than half of all schools (56.7%) cater to fewer than 100 students, and nearly 68,000 schools serve fewer than 10 students, emphasising the potential for personalised learning experiences. These figures illuminate immense opportunities to further enhance education accessibility and optimise resources for a brighter future. With targeted initiatives and innovative models like school complexes, there is great potential to optimise resources, enhance collaboration, and ensure that every child has access to quality education. This data provides a strong foundation for designing solutions that can strengthen the education system and better serve students and teachers across the country. The school complex model, as outlined in NEP 2020, directly addresses these issues by enabling the pooling of teachers-ensuring subject-specific instruction and reducing the burden on single teachers-and by optimising the use of infrastructure such as libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities across the complex. This not only helps in achieving economies of scale but also ensures equitable access to quality resources for all students, regardless of the size or location of their school. Moreover, school complexes are envisioned as decentralised, semi-autonomous units with their management committees, fostering innovation, local governance, and community participation. This structure enhances administrative efficiency and allows for tailored interventions that reflect local needs and contexts. By focusing on collaboration and resource sharing rather than closure or consolidation, the school complex model supports both efficiency and equity, aligning with NEP's vision of universal access to quality education and robust, inclusive governance. Looking forward: Building a government analytics ecosystem in India With the advent of artificial intelligence, the landscape of government analytics is poised to evolve even further. AI-powered tools can uncover deeper insights from vast datasets, enable predictive modelling at scale, and support more personalised, real-time decision-making in public administration. As we enter this new era, policymakers and administrators need to build their capacity to harness AI responsibly and effectively. Looking ahead, future iterations of the government analytics course could incorporate modules and success stories on the integration of AI in public sector analytics, ensuring that India's public administration remains at the forefront of innovation and positive change. Government analytics represents not just a set of technical tools, but a transformative approach to governance that leverages our existing data resources to create more effective, efficient, and responsive public administration. As Francis Fukuyama noted about the Government Analytics Handbook, this approach offers 'granular and real insights into how states work'. For India's education sector and beyond, these insights could be the key to unlocking our next wave of governance innovation. References Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Uttarakhand to link private to Vidya Samiksha Kendra: CM Dhami
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, said on Tuesday that private schools will also be linked to the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) to improve the school education system. VSK is a digital infrastructure ecosystem that tracks and analyses data about student enrolment, attendance, academic performance, and teacher training to help administrators monitor school education progress. Stating that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the Gujarat model of VSK, the Chief Minister said that about 16,000 schools have been linked to the initiative, and soon all the state's private schools will also be linked to it. He said that 141 PM Shri schools and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Schools are being constructed in the state, while virtual classrooms have also been arranged in 500 schools in all 13 districts. He said that NCERT books have been implemented in all government schools to ensure quality education. The state CM said that scholarships are being given to meritorious students of Class 6 to 12 of government and private schools of the state, while a scheme has been started to send meritorious students of Class 10 and 12 on India tour. He also said that the state government is paying special attention to sports in the state, and an initiative has been taken to provide government jobs to players who win medals at the national level. The CM made these announcements while speaking in a programme at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Dehradun district's Manduwala village.
News18
21-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Uttarakhand To Link Private Schools With VSK For Smarter Education Monitoring
VSK is a digital system that tracks student data and teacher training to help monitor and improve school education. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday that private schools will also be linked to Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) to improve the school education system. Stating that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the Gujarat model of VSK, Dhami said here that about 16,000 schools have been linked to the initiative, and soon all the private schools of the state will also be linked to it. VSK is a digital infrastructure ecosystem that tracks and analyses data about student enrolment, attendance, academic performance and teacher training to help administrators monitor school education progress. Referring to the extensive reforms in the education system in the country, the CM said that the state government was the first in the country to implement the new education policy. He said that 141 PM Shri schools and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Schools are being constructed in the state, while virtual classrooms have also been arranged in 500 schools in all 13 districts. advetisement Dhami said that NCERT books have been implemented in all government schools to ensure quality education. The state CM said that scholarships are being given to meritorious students of Class 6 to 12 of government and private schools of the state, while a scheme has been started to send meritorious students of Class 10 and 12 on India tour. Dhami also said that the state government is paying special attention to sports in the state, and an initiative has been taken to provide government jobs to players who win medals at the national level. The CM made these announcements while speaking in a programme at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Dehradun district's Manduwala village. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) Watch CNN-News18 here. Stay updated with the latest education! Get real-time updates on board exam results 2025, entrance exams such as JEE Mains, Advanced, NEET, and more. Find out top schools, colleges, courses and more. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 21, 2025, 10:09 IST
Reuters
20-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
What's in the EU's new Russia sanctions
BRUSSELS, May 20 (Reuters) - The European Union adopted on Tuesday its 17th package of sanctions against Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The package hits 75 entities with full-fledged sanctions that include asset freezes and financing bans, bringing the total listing to over 2,400 entities and individuals. EU countries also adopted three other sets of measures to tackle chemical weapons, human rights abuses and hybrid threats. Here are the key details: * 189 shadow fleet vessels added to list, including 183 oil tankers. The vessels help Moscow keep its crude exports flowing, circumventing Western sanctions. * EU now lists 342 Russian shadow fleet vessels, including tankers and vessels moving military equipment * New listings include major Russia oil company Surgutneftegaz and Russian shipping firm Insurance Joint Stock Company 'VSK' * Eiger Shipping DMCC, the Dubai shipping arm of Russian oil trader Litasco. Litasco is the trading arm of Russia's No. 2 oil producer Lukoil * Four companies involved in managing Russia's shadow fleet: two in the United Arab Emirates, one in Turkey and one in Hong Kong MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX * EU lists six companies in China: three for providing high-tech machine tools and three for supplying critical components, including for drones * One company in Belarus that exports military equipment to Russia and an Israeli firm involved in sanctions circumvention and supplying products for Russia's military * One Russian gold mining entity Petropavlovsk * 31 entities will face stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology, with 13 from outside Russia and the EU: six in Turkey, three in Vietnam, two in UAE, one in Uzbekistan and one in Serbia HYBRID THREATS REGIME * EU adds 27 entities and individuals to its hybrid threat sanctions framework for facilitating violence in the EU, Ukraine and Africa * These include a Turkish media entity and an individual for involvement in German demonstrations * A British web-hosting entity involved in cyberattacks and two Moldovan nationals * Individuals linked to activities in Africa including a Russian news agency and an NGO in Central African Republic * Sets up new legal basis for future sanctions relating to fleets that aim to hit infrastructure (undersea cables, airports and servers), financial enablers and propaganda outlets CHEMICALS AND HUMAN RIGHTS REGIMES * Three listings in Russia for production of riot control gas used in the battlefield * 28 listings for human rights, including individuals involved in politically motivated trials * The human rights listing includes 20 judges and prosecutors involved in the cases against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died last year
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Special PTMs in Chandigarh govt schools to support students with compartments
Chandigarh: Having already announced a slew of measures, primarily aiming at making schools accountable for poor of students, the UT education department held special in government schools on Saturday, focusing on students who got compartments in recently-held board exams. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This initiative follows directions from the education secretary during a mid-day meal meeting on May 16, aiming to involve parents in supporting their children's academic progress and launch ' '. The meetings were organised to encourage collaboration between teachers, principals, and parents in creating plans for extra classes and guidance to help students clear their supplementary exams. Educators used the sessions to provide personalised feedback and discuss strategies for overcoming academic difficulties. Officials highlighted the importance of a supportive home environment, regular study habits, and positive reinforcement to boost students' confidence and motivation. The initiative reflects the UT administration's ongoing commitment to strengthening government school education and ensuring no child is left behind. The emphasis remains on delivering quality education in government schools, leveraging existing infrastructure and skilled teachers, with the goal of making these institutions competitive with private schools. The parent-teacher meetings aimed to foster a partnership between schools and families, ultimately contributing to students' overall academic success, officials said. The department had earlier pointed out that government schools already have the infrastructure and qualified teachers needed to ensure student success. With no excuses left, teachers who have large numbers of compartment students will have to explain their performance, and their annual confidential reports (ACRs) will be updated accordingly. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now School principals will also be held responsible for the overall academic results of their institutions. A detailed breakdown of board results by school, subject, and area is being prepared to identify weaknesses. The department also noted poor compliance with its earlier adult education directive. Teachers who have not adopted an adult learner face transfer to peripheral schools, evening shifts, and restrictions on transfer requests, with such non-compliance reflected in their ACRs. Mission 100 sets ambitious goals of 100% attendance, pass rates, and teacher accountability. It emphasises data-driven reviews through the VSK digital platform and stronger parent engagement via school management committees, signalling a new era of strict academic discipline in Chandigarh's government schools.
