JOIN USState to introduce vocational courses from class IX
The State government, in line with the Centre’s National Vocational Education Qualification Framework is keen to introduce a set of vocational courses that will help students with varied interests find a better footing in the dynamic job market.
Besides also considering options of starting community colleges.
Sources in the Union HRD Ministry, speaking over telephone told Deccan Herald that the Centre is going to introduce vocational courses of all types from as early as classes 9, 10, 11, 12 right through polytechnics into the degree system.
“Children will then be able to even get a B Sc. (vocational) in degree colleges. We are in touch with the vice-chancellors of the universities in this regard,” a source said.
Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prabhu Dev said: “Its not just UGC (degree), even All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has proposed about 13 vocational courses. We are awaiting more details about the courses, their duration and so on.
“Once it is communicated, the academic council will decide on it. There should not be any problem in accepting these. But first will be certification courses proposed by the AICTE, the degree courses will come later,” the vice-chancellor added.
Siddaiah, Secretary, Higher Education Department, Karnataka said: “I will be meeting the Union Education Secretary and Chairperson of the AICTE and among other subjects that are to be discussed, even this matter is likely to come up.”
Stating that there is some form of communication with the Centre, he said that nothing official (in written format) had reached his office yet.
“I will also hold a meeting with the director of Technical Education, commissioner of Collegiate Education and other officials concerned,” he said, adding that the Centre is yet to formally discuss anything with the State.
While pointing out that the Centre is also in touch with the industry, sources said: “For example, a lot of children would like to take courses in textiles in places like Ludhiana while those in Chennai or Pune might be interested in automobile courses.”
Better manpower
J Crasta, Co-Chairman, Assocham Southern Region, said: “We are in talks with the Union Government and the various state governments to initiate steps that can help create better manpower. The industry has given its suggestions and we are looking forward to how they will be implemented.”
The Centre, sources said, is working with the Sector Skill Councils through the National Skill Development Council and creating syllabus for the vocational courses.
“In the next academic year, we are also going to launch 100 community colleges and the State ministers are responsible for identifying the trades in the respective States so that a community college in the State where a large part of the funding will also come from the Central Government can be set up,” a source said..
The new model of education is derived from the systems in many eastern european countries and other western countries.
“...For instance, in Belgium, they give degrees in lace-making and all over the world, people buy Belgium laces. In Vietnam, they give degrees in embroidery. In India we have sectors like metal work, handloom and handicrafts but we have no degree at all at any point,” a source said.