Smriti Irani goes live on Facebook: 10 things the Minister stated on Board Results, NEET issue and other problems

In a live Facebook interaction today, on May 17, HRD Minister Smriti Irani talked about the new education policy, delay of state results and other related educational problems plaguing in this country. Here is the minister's reaction on some recent educational issues in India.

On delay of board results:

Irani said, "Last October 2015, under the chairmanship of Secretary School Education, we held a meeting with all the state board and decision was taken that all results across the country will surely be declared by May 31st. Since education is in the concurrent list, we at the Center have to respect the right of state government to engage with students through their board at their administrative convenience." Regarding delay of CBSE results, she said that the results will be out on time.

On 'One' education policy all over India:

The HRD Minister said, "In a nation wherein education is not only in the concurrent list but also needs to cater to the students with different linguistic abilities, diversity in academics is celebrated."

Quality education is falling in engineering colleges:

Irani said, "We have now allowed engineering institutions to start skill-based education in second shift using the same infrastructure. AICTE is also appealing institutions to update their syllabus so that students can benefit from new knowledge and become industry compliant. Through GIAN we have helped state institutions to help gain access to foreign academicians who come and teach and infuse world class knowledge."

Free CBSE and NCERT books:

She said, "NCERT books in English, Hindi and Urdu from classes 1 to 12 are available free on e-Pathshala. CBSE schools have been issued circulars wherein students cannot be compelled by books outside the syllabus from a particular shop that school seeks to engage."

Teacher recruitment:

The Minister said, "Teacher recruitment and transfer are decisions falling within the ambit of the state government. However, I can say here that education is not for profit sector, hence anybody seeking to profiteer or any level of harassment should immediately be brought to the notice of the concerned state authority."

NEET controversy:

She said, "NEET is within the jurisdiction of Health Ministry not HRD."

Source:- Indiatoday

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Irani unveils web platform for inclusive higher education

NEW DELHI: The HRD ministry has unveiled an ambitious plan to facilitate web-based learning, involving applying for courses and accessing material online, to increase the reach and quality of higher education.

HRD minister Smriti Irani in a tweet outlined the structure of Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (Swayam) which promises linkages and assistance for web-enabled learning.

The massive open online courses (MOOCS) platform will aim to create a student experience that begins with creating learning plans and providing information to prospective students about the courses that are available. The Swayam flow chart will allow students to check their eligibility and then proceed for preview and availability of teaching in fields of their interest.

The next step is contact with course coordinators for more detailed information. Application and successful registration lead to access to course materials as the learning process gets under way and now, as students begin following schedules, they can network with other learners to set up a shared workspace. These workspaces can be homes or any available public space and the interaction can go up with online communication with other course-takers.

Mid-module assessments and guidance from supervisors are intended to keep students on track and up to the mark in their academic work that includes self-assessment. Successful course completion will lead to earning credits followed by a course review exercise and the next level of learning in the programme will get under way. Completion of requisite number of modules will lead to qualification at par with regular learning.

The elearning programme has been structured to deliver results and improve inclusion as the admission processes to colleges and schools are unable to accommodate a growing number of applicants.

Source: TOI

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