HRD minister for a new education policy by next session
Union minister for human resource development Smriti Irani on Sunday said the central government was planning to amend the National Education Policy and a new policy would be implemented by the state of the next academic session.
Union minister for human resource development Smriti Irani on Sunday said the central government was planning to amend the National Education Policy and a new policy would be implemented by the state of the next academic session.
In town to give away the degrees at the convocation function of Kanya Mahavidaylaya (KMV), the minister said state education ministers had been invited to give their suggestions by November, so that a uniform policy could be put in place.
"The policy is likely to give a new direction to our education system and take it to new heights. The HRD ministry has already invited suggestions from the public," said Irani, claiming that she was not aware of any opposition to the formulation of a new policy.
The union minister said that under Under SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active -Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) Programme Professors of centrally-funded institutions like IITs, IIMs, and central universities will offer online courses.
"Under this programme, we have prepared a blue-print for starting more than 80 diploma and other courses that would be made available free. In case, the learner requires a Verified Certificate, a small fee will be applicable. Such a revolutionary measure is being taken for the first time in the history of education system of India," said Irani.
She strongly refuted reports of differences with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah as being responsible for her not being able to find a place in the party's executive council.
"I already have so many responsibilities," she claimed.
She called upon girl students to take encouragement from and be motivated by Tessay Thomas, the missile woman of India, who is the project director for Agni-IV Missile in DRDO.
She persuaded students to study technical courses in the vocational education training. Irani said that though girl students lead in education as compared to boy students but lacks in studies related technical education. She said only 22 per cent girl student take to technical education.
Meanwhile, KMV Principal, Mrs Atima Sharma presented the minister a draft of Rs 4 lakh on the behalf of the college for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.
Praise for woman completing studies after kids
The union minister had a special word of praise for a woman student, Anubha, who was among the many, conferred a degree on Sunday. The most unusual facet of this graduate was that she took to studies again having completed her family and has two children.
Irani, who seemed very pleased with the achievement, devoted a major part of her speech to students exhorting others to follow her (Anubha's) example. "Anubha told me that due to marriage her studies had to be abandoned. However, she never let her determination flag and has now completed her studies. This is a new India," said the minister.