JOIN USI PU, class IX students to learn retail, IT soon
Students of I PU and class IX in select government PU composite colleges will have courses like retail and information Technology as part of their curriculum by September, if all goes according to plan.
The move is aimed at increasing the employability of students and bringing in a more industry-centric approach towards education. The government is all set to introduce a number of such vocational courses.
As of now 100 PU government composite colleges have been selected for the programme, where courses will be introduced on a pilot basis. The aim under the pilot phase is to cover at least 10,000 students.
“By the next academic year, this programme will be included for class X and even II PU. A student can pursue these vocational courses till the PhD level if they want,” said an official at NVEQF (National Vocational Education Qualification Framework). “It will be voluntary in nature as of now,” the official said.
While in I PU, the PU department will provide the necessary support , in class IX, the plan will be implemented by the RMSA (Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan) with the help of DSERT (Department of State Education Research and Training). Speaking to Deccan Herald, H S Ramarao, Director, DSERT, said, “The courses will be in four selected industrial sectors for now. Other courses like automotive, security, healthcare and beauty and wellness will also be taught.”
In I PU, these courses will be introduced as an elective subject. In class IX, however, such vocational lessons will be in place of school activities such as arts and craft and SUPW (socially useful productive work).
The minimum strength of students for such courses in class X will be around 100. Various infrastructural arrangements have been envisaged such as a separate office, lab and classrooms.
Specialised vocational teachers, guest lecturers, lab assistants and accountants will be appointed. The required furniture, equipment, computers and generator, besides raw materials for practical training, CDs and various softwares are expected to be provided. Field visits and industry linkages will also be part of the plan.
Fortnight review
A fortnightly review will be done by a steering committee headed by the principal secretary of the Primary and Secondary Education department. A nodal officer will be appointed by the RMSA, PU department and DSERT to implement the project.
“An officer not lower than the rank of a joint director from the concerned departments will monitor the implementation of the programme,” according to the NVEQF official. The NVEQF will also coordinate with other departments.