NEP-2020: JK Govt to offer industry exposure to school children

Srinagar, Feb 8: In a significant development, the J&K government has decided to provide industry exposure to the children of government schools, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
The School Education Department has finalised all the guidelines for the implementation of the programme in J&K schools.
Notably, the department has already introduced Vocational Education for students from classes 9th to 12th for which the training is being imparted in 14 different trades in various Government High and Higher Secondary schools.
However, as envisaged under NEP-2020, emphasis has been laid on expanding the scope of vocationalisation by introducing vocational and skill courses for the students from class 6th to 8th as well.
Notably, the Ministry of Education, in the last PAB meeting, has already approved 862 schools having students enrolled in class 6th to 8th under this programme.
In this regard, the Project Directorate of Samagra Shiksha has issued an official communication to all the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to make necessary arrangements for introduction of the skilled courses in the schools approved for the purpose.
As per the official documents the schools have to organise student visits to the nearby industry unit besides holding interactive sessions, lectures and workshops on different vocational skills.
“The heads of the schools identified for introduction of the vocational courses will invite local artisans, craftsmen for providing hands-on experiences on local skills, crafts and teacher training in these schools preferably on Bagless days,” the document reads.
The CEOs have been asked to initiate these activities on an immediate basis and submit the report to the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha by March 31 of 2023.
Notably, the funds for implementation of the programme have been released by this directorate in January this year.
The Samagra Directorate has finalised guidelines for holding exposure visits of the students.
As per the guidelines, schools should identify and invite the local artisans, craftsmen and skilled people for demonstrations and interactions with students
“Minimum three demonstrations and interactions shall be conducted in each of these approved schools during one academic year,” read the guidelines, adding that the Resource Person (artisan & craftsman) shall be paid an honorarium of Rs. 1000 per session.
“Minimum three exposure visits for students to the nearby industry or units shall be conducted. Total amount of Rs 9000 shall be earmarked to each approved school for conducting visits @ Rs 3000 per visit during the current academic year,” it reads.
The concerned schools have been asked to submit the action taken report to the directorate of Samagra Shiksha as well.
“Vocational Coordinators shall coordinate with the districts for smooth conduct of the said activities and shall collect the Action Taken Reports from schools for onward submission to the Samagra directorate,” reads the guidelines. (KNO)