THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 29 February 2020 (Initiatives in Education (Mint))

Initiatives in Education (Mint)

Mains Paper 3: Science and Tech
Prelims level: Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusive Programme
Mains level: Highlights the key Reforms in School Education

Context:

• In pursuance of the Government’s vision for ‘Transforming India’, MHRD took a leap forward in transforming the education sector.
• Department of Higher Education of the Ministry has released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusive Programme (EQUIP).
• SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh and PARAMARSH are some of the major schemes of this department.

Key reforms in School Education:

• NISHTHA: A National Mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme called NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement was launched.
• DHRUV: The Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) was launched to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge. It will act as a platform to explore the talent of outshining and meritorious students, and help them achieve excellence in their specific area of interest.
• Shagun: One of World’s largest Integrated Online Junction for – School Education ‘Shagun’ is an overarching initiative to improve school education system by creating a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy.
• Report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the newly created junction. Common people can directly give their feedback about schools which will further increase the public participation and will ensure accountability and transparency.
• Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+): To ensure quality, credibility and timely availability of information from all the schools in the country,
  the revamped UDISE+ has been launched. The Data Analytics portal gives information about the aggregated position of the school.
• Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) 2.0: It was launched in 2017 for providing digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with teacher community.
• Operation Digital Board (ODB): The aim is to provide by March 2023, two smart classrooms for every Secondary/Senior Secondary schools.

Key Reforms in Higher Education:

• Five-year vision plan ‘Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme’ (EQUIP): EQUIP is a vision plan aiming at ushering transformation in India’s higher education system by implementing strategic interventions in the sector over five years (2019-24).
• Institution of Eminence (IoE): Ten institutions in public sector and 10 institutions in private sector have to be declared as IoE. Each IoE will be eligible to receive Rs. 1000 crore during next 5 years.
• SWAYAM 2.0: It is initiated with enhanced features and facilities to offer online degree programmes through SWAYAM by top ranking universities.
• SWAYAM PRABHA – DTH Educational Channels: It is a project to telecast high-quality educational programs through 32 DTH channels on 24/7 basis to reach out to students/learners of India with wide reach and minimal cost. It also aims to provide dedicated channels ‘IITPAL’ to assist the students of XI and XII standards aspiring to join premier educational institutions in the country.

Implementation of Quality Improvement Programme:

• Deeksharambh – A guide to Student Induction Programme has been launched.
• Learning outcomes based curriculum framework (LOCF) revision – New Curriculum in 16 subjects which is based on LOCF has been uploaded on UGC website to facilitate universities to revise the curriculum.
• Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE) – Launched for promoting quality research by faculty and creation of new knowledge.
• PARAMARSH – A scheme to mentor institutions seeking National Assessment and Accreditation Council accreditation.

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Prelims Questions:

Q1. With reference to the ‘5G Hackathon’, consider the following statements:
1. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently launched ‘5G Hackathon’ in association with Government, Academia and Industry Stakeholders.
2. Winners of the various phases will share a total prize pool of 2.5 crore rupees.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C
Mains Questions:
Q1. What are the key reforms taken by the government in school and higher learning education?