Curriculum Mag Sep 2020

www.curriculum-magazine.com RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Vol 10 No 11 magazine THE INDIA EDUCATION LANDSCAPE UPDATE September 16 2020 IN BRIEF Reopening of schools NAS Postponed moves to a possibility zone Government has decided to postpone the National Achievement Survey (NAS) From Wuhan to London and now Pakistan, schools have started reopening in many parts 2020 by one year amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the of the world after a global lockdown beginning March this year aimed to controlling the country. The NAS was spread Covid 19 pandemic, effectively shutdown all classroom activities. The unlock 4.0 scheduled to be held in November 2020 to assess the guidelines in India too have provided a window of reopening amid reports of a national learning levels of students and will now be held around the plan being prepared to reopen educational institutions by November in a phased manner. same time next year. “Due to current prevailing pandemic situation in the country, it has Government is keen on reopening the guidelines, students from 47 Teachers conferred with been decided to postpone NAS schools at the earliest and the classes 9 to 12 on voluntary basis, to 2021,” said a glitch free conduct of JEE/NEET can visit their schools to seek NATIONAL AWARD communication from centre to and other entrance examinations guidance from teachers after Sep on National Teachers Day all the states and union have definitely added to confi- 21. Researcher scholars and post- territories. dence and possibility. A process of graduate students have been also The President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind presented the National reopening has been started in the permitted to use labs for experi- Awards to Teachers for the year 2020 on the occasion of Teachers' Day Himachal notifies NEP latest unlock guidelines itself. ments after this date. ITIs and (September 5) via video conferencing due to Covid 19 pandemic 2020 other skilling institutions (otherwise this grand ceremony takes place at Rashtrpati Bhawan every The Unlock 4.0 Guidelines including NSDC partnered year).. Forty-seven teachers from various states, who through their Himachal Pradesh became the announced by the union ministry training centres will also see a commitment and industry have enriched the lives of their students, have first state to notify the of Home Affairs (MHA) on gradual re-opening around this been awarded the prestigious honour. implementation of the National August 29 while extending the time. The awards were finalised by an independent national level jury Education Policy 2020 on Sep closure of all educational In this regard, broad SOPs constituted by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry 9. A task force of 40 members institutions until September 30, (standard operating procedure) of Education. According to a statement by the union ministry of has been formed under the has in fact, opened a small will be issued for schools and Education, the Independent Jury at National Level reviewed the list of chairmanship of Education window for their reopening as other education institutions by the 153 teachers as shortlisted by all the 36 State & UT Selection Minister Govind Singh Thakur well. Reportedly, the Government ministry of health & family Committees and 7 Organisation Selection Committees through Video to implement the new has framed a plan to re-open welfare in this regard as per the Conferencing. The Jury considered the applications and presentations education policy. The State schools and other educational MHA guidelines. made by all shortlisted teachers and after detailed deliberations Project Director of the Sarva institutions in a phase-wise A group of secretaries attached to recommended the names of 47 candidates for the NationalAwards. Shiksha Abhiyan will be the manner beginning from the Group of Ministers on Covid- Member Secretary of the Task September till November 14 and 19 management, headed by union List on winners on P4 Force. this could be announced in the health minister, Dr Harsh Education Secretary Rajiv next version of unlock guidelines Vardhan, is working on the NEP aligned New Curriculum likely Sharma said that the Task by this month end. The present modalities of the overall Force comprises the Additional 'reopening' dalliance could well reopening plan, which is expected Chief Secretary or Principal serve as a testing phase for this to be unveiled during the next Secretary or Secretary of the plan. phase of unlock by end of Department of Education, As of now, from September 21, September. However, states will Health, Technical Education, outside the containment zones, have the final say in the matter and Finance, Youth and Sports 50% of the teaching and non- will decide in accordance with Services, and Social Justice teaching staff will be permitted to prevailing pandemic situation. Empowerment, Chairman of report and resume duties for Hill states of northeast India and the Board of School Education, online teaching/telecounseling other states where the virus and Chairman of Higher and related work. Further under infection is low may be among the Education Council, Apart from HPU, Cluster University 'India Lockdown Learning' report Mandi, Vice-Chancellor of Technical University As per this report by Vidyasaarathi, 79% students use Hamirpur, Director of Higher smartphones to study online, 59% are using WhatsApp Education, Director of Elementary Education, SCERT Solan and Diet Shimla will be the Principal Members. Delhi Discontinues Re- and Zoom calls for their classes; while 30% are using from 2023-24 Employment Of Teachers, their institution's online platform. And 75% students Principals still prefer physical classrooms over online learning; The new curriculum suggested by the National Education Policy 2020 biggest challenge being poor network connection will only be implementable by the academic year 2023-24, accordign to Delhi Government announced NCERT. Director Hrushikesh Senapaty said it will take one year for the NCERT to develop the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and discontinuation of the system another two years to develop the textbooks. of re-employment of Vidyasaarathi's 'India Lockdown data for us to discern the pros and \"It will take another year for NCERT to prepare the framework and principals, vice principal and Learning' report is based on a cons of the new normal. develop a curriculum and will take another two years to prepare the teachers in its schools will be nationwide survey conducted by The report that provides unique textbooks in accordance with the policy. It will be implemented in the discontinued with immediate collecting data from over 10,000 insights and perspectives on the spirit in the academic year 2023-24. We will prepare the textbooks in a effect. \"All types of re- students across 400 cities to e-learning scenario in India phased manner and will be able to implement it in three years,\" said employment granted for the understand the transformation further and finds that WhatsApp Senapaty. \"Even though our curriculum will be introduced in CBSE session 2020-21 in government happening in the educational eco- and Zoom Calls to be the most affiliated schools, the NEP will be adopted by all the states as well with and government-aided schools system. The survey helps us to take preferred medium of 59% slight modifications. The Central Advisory Board of Education shall cease to be in force with note of how students are adopting e- students for conducting online (CABE), which has all the Education Ministers of the States, will immediate effect and no re- learning which is becoming the classes; followed by 30% of approve the curriculum and then it is accepted by all the states. This time employment shall be granted norm and the challenges they face students using their school's or there will be not one but four NCFs — early childhood care and to the teachers, vice principals in the transition. The survey is college's online platform to education, school education, teacher education and adult education and principals,\" said an holistic in capturing all the essential attend online classes. curriculum,\" he added. official. Contd on P3

2 Curriculum September 16, 2020 News Updates NEP aligned New Curriculum likely from literacy learning, and makes learning literacy skills more accessible for IIHMR inducted into 2023-24 both adults and children. The app's 26 modules are based on the evi- dence-based synthetic phonics approach to literacy and build on the UNAI The new curriculum suggested by the National Education Policy 2020 foundation of WGI's six years of in-person education. will only be implementable by the academic year 2023-24, said “We realized that while there will never be enough teachers, there are IIHMR University,Jaipur National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) enough mobile devices, and they are already in the hands of people who working in the field of healthcare Director Hrushikesh Senapaty. It will take one year for the NCERT to can benefit from literacy training, said Chance Wilson, WGI Chairman, management and development develop the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and another two CEO and Founder. “We worked quickly to bring on new teachers and set studies has been inducted as a years to develop the textbooks. up programs in new communities, we wanted to do more given the urgent member of the prestigious United \"It will take another year for NCERT to prepare the framework and need.” Nations Academic Impact develop a curriculum and will take another two years to prepare the Wilson, who set up WGI six years ago as a fourteen-year-old middle (UNAI). textbooks in accordance with the policy. It will be implemented in the school student, is passionate about bringing literacy to as many people as United Nations Academic Impact spirit in the academic year 2023-24. We will prepare the textbooks in a possible. At first, he set up in-person classes in his hometown of Baton (UNAI) is a United Nations phased manner and will be able to implement it in three years,\" said Rouge, Louisiana. Once established there, he set about developing plans initiative that aligns higher Senapaty. \"Even though our curriculum will be introduced in CBSE for national and global impact, which eventually saw a partnership with education institutions in affiliated schools, the NEP will be adopted by all the states as well with GE blossom through GE's global network of volunteers and software supporting and contributing to slight modifications. The Central Advisory Board of Education developers. Now, Wilson and GE are aligned that moving into the digital realizing the UN's goals and (CABE), which has all the Education Ministers of the States, will world could not be more important. mandates, including the approve the curriculum and then it is accepted by all the states. This Nabil Habayeb, President & CEO of GE Global, is championing the promotion and protection of time there will be not one but four NCFs — early childhood care and partnership and says, “Looking at the impact this app has the potential to human rights, access to educa- education, school education, teacher education and adult education make around the world, GE is fully supportive of this effort. With so tion, advancing peace, curriculum,\" he added. many people isolated and in need of developing new skills, Lyra can help sustainability, and conflict meet a critical demand in underserved communities that have little or no resolution. AICTE confers Visvesvaraya Best Teachers access to literacy resources – a situation made even more dire in the wake Through this membership, of COVID-19.” IIHMR joins 1470 institutions in Award 2020 to 12 Globally, more than 700 million people cannot read or write. This limits 146 countries, including about their ability to gain employment, improve their career prospects, or 150 institutions from India.[1]As AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teachers Award 2020 was conferred upon pursue higher education. It also can have a far-reaching impact on mental a part of the UNAI, the institution 12 faculty members of AICTE approved institutes on Engineer's Day health. Lyra now offers a solution for all of them. will play an essential role in (September 15) in a virtual ceremony. Engineer's Day is marked to The Lyra app features an engaging space-themed interface and user achieving the sustainable appreciate the contributions of Bharat Ratna, Mokshagundam experience. The theme reflects the name of the app – Lyra, which is the development goals (SDGs) by Visvesvaraya and the awards, introduced this year, were presented as brightest constellation in the night sky. The app teaches letters and words becoming the incubator of new part of the Engineers Day celebrations by the Minister of Education by presenting them on the screen, pronouncing them, and then inviting ideas, inventions, and solutions to Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'. He also launched SPICES (Scheme for users to say the letters and words out loud. Powerful voice recognition many global challenges. Besides, Promoting Interests, Creativity and Ethics among Students) to technology then analyzes the response. The app also uses the phone's the membership will allow promote healthy co-curricular activity amongst the students for their touch screen to prompt learners to write the letters or words they are IIHMR to harness the interna- all-round development during the virtual event. The 12 proud winners studying, then analyzes the results to tell them whether or not the writing tional community to foster include: is correct. innovation and research in Prashant Pawar, Maharashtra (Sveri's College of Engineering, humanity. Pandharpur); Malathy R, Tamil Nadu (Sona College Of Technology); More than 1.5 lakh tribal school students to “We are delighted to have the Mohammad Shahar Yar, New Delhi (School Of Pharmaceutical privilege of becoming a member Education And Research); Shailaja Patil, Maharashtra (JSPM'S receive gamified learning from STEPapp of this prestigious body. UNAI Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering); Janet Jayaraj, Tamil Nadu provides a unique platform where (Sri Krishna College Of Engineering And Technology); Manesh STEPapp (Student Talent Enhancement Program Application), a university students, academics Kokare, Maharashtra (Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute Of learning app from Eduisfun Technologies Pvt Ltd has received a mandate and researchers can connect and Engineering And Technology); Tejal Gandhi, Gujrat (Anand from the Indian Ministry of Tribal Affairs to implement its gamified share ideas, research, and Pharmacy College); Shripad Bhatlawande, Maharashtra( learning app across all Tribal Schools in India in a landmark develop- resources to promote the SDGs Vishwakarma Institute Of Technology); Faruk Ahamed Kazi, ment. This is the first time a government institution has tied up with an and other UN mandates. The Maharashtra (Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute); Manisha Indian EdTech startup on a monetised project IIHMR University has been Sharma, Chhattisgarh (Bhilai Institute Of Technology); Jayvadan This initiative will benefit more than 1.5 lakh students from grades 1st- working to provide equal Patel, Gujrat (Nootan Pharmacy College); Nandakumar Maada, Tamil 12th across the country immediately and will expand the scope in the opportunity in healthcare (NaduArasan Ganesan Polytechnic College) coming years. Through this association, STEPapp will enhance the management and development Apart from the education minister, several others were also present at students' performance in school exams as well as in competitive exams. studies education for more than the virtual AICTE Visvesvaraya Best Teachers Award 2020. Chairman This will also enable schools to measure the students' learning outcomes three decades and focuses on of AICTE, Professor Anil D Sahasrabudhe; Vice Chairman of AICTE, through dashboards. The content provided will be in the English issues in healthcare, gender Professore MP Poonia; and Member Secretary of AICTE Professor language. equality, human rights, and Rajiv Kumar also complimented the awardees during the event and STEPapp has been implemented in 242 Schools, with 35,167 registered sustainable development,” says highlighted the importance of teachers in nation building. students, in 21 States (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Dr. P. R. Sodani, Pro President, Rajasthan, Nagaland, West Bengal, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, IIHMR University. 70:30 regional quota for admission to medical Uttarakhand, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram and Karnataka) as 'Wise App' developed by courses in Maharashtra scrapped of 31stAugust 2020. Praveen Tyagi, Managing Director, PACE-IIT CEO & Founder, IIT-B student duo steams Admissions to medical degree courses in Mahrashtra based on 70% EduIsFun Technologies (STEPapp) said , “This is a great initiative by the regional quota and 30% state level quota system has been scrapped. Government of India and Tribal education department. In these pan- on 2G There will be a “One Maharashtra, One Merit” medical admission demic times, education needs to be given its utmost importance and the process, as announced by the Minister of Medical Education Amit right steps have been taken. We are proud to contribute to the Nation Wise App', which has been Vilasrao Deshmukh in the Assembly. Accordingly, notification in this Building in these very difficult times” developed by two friends from regard has been issued on 4 September 2020 to change the admission Ministry of Tribal Affairs, India: “STEPapp is a wonderful initiative to IIT-Bombay, Mubeen Masudi rules for Health Science degree courses. The move will allow teach students about the concepts of Mathematics and Science in a from Kashmir and Bilal Abidi meritorious students from across the state to get admissions in the gamified way so they can have fun while learning various concepts. From from Lucknow is a 2G-friendly college of their choice. the Ministry's side also our task is to provide high-quality education to video interface that allows The state was divided into rest of Maharashtra, Marathwada and the students, and STEPapp is one of the initiatives through which students and teachers to cut Vidarbha and only 30% of seats were available for candidates from learning will be very beneficial for the students.” through problems of scheduling, across the state outside these divisions. The number of colleges and the makes teaching and assessments seat distribution differed among the three regional divisions and thus South Asian Journal of Law, Policy, and Social over the Internet easier, and the regions of Marathwada and Vidarbha would suffer in terms of makes the experience as close to a meritorious candidates being unable to get admissions. There has Research makes its debut real classroom as possible. been a continuous demand from the Marathwada region to change the The app was used by students in system by students, parents and public representatives. With NEET A not-for-profit organisation co-founded by two students of Jamia Millia Kashmir, where restrictions are in now the only general entrance exam at the national level, the 70:30 Islamia's Faculty of Law, Naseer Husain Jafri and Umair Ahmed place on 4G connectivity and quota system has been done away with it. Andrabi, has started an open access, peer-reviewed journal called South proved very useful. Asian Journal of Law, Policy, and Social Research (SAJLPSR), in For Masudi and Abidi, the Lyra, a free app, co-developed by WGI and GE collaboration with the Susan B Anthony Center at the University of purpose of Wise was to “democ- Rochester, New York. ratise education” by empowering for literacy skills launched on ILD The first issue of the first volume of the journal, released on September 7 teachers through technology. on SSRN (Social Science Research Network), is on gender-based They now hope their creation will On the occasion of International Literacy Day, the WGI Worldwide violence. “Naseer Husain Jafri and Umair Ahmed Andrabi were selected reach all corners of the country Company and GE announced the launch of Lyra, a new app-based for the University of Rochester's global exchange program last year to where connectivity and slow education platform that uses innovative advanced speech recognition travel to the United States and start the said journal,” Jamia PRO Ahmed Internet speeds are a problem. and touch screen analysis to teach reading and writing. It was co- Azeem said in a statement. developed by WGI and GE. It is available for download now on the Their not-for-profit is called the Foundation for Academia, Innovation & Apple andAndroid app stores as Lyra by WGI. Thought (FAITH).The Journal was scheduled for release in March but The app represents the start of WGI's transition to a digital provider of had to be postponed due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Curriculum September 16, 2020 3 News Reports Contd from P1 50% of the college teachers are Reopening of schools... still not comfortable with However, pre-primary or needs to be on school prepared- provide for 1.5 litre of water per teaching online: states primary school students till class ness for implementing SOPS. child. As of now according to 5 may not be allowed and if Accoridng to Dr. M. R. Seetharam DISE data only 50% schools have Schoolguru study classes resume, it will be , an orthopaedic surgeon and proper drinking water facilities. restricted to a few hours for Class President, Swami Vivekananda Now, as per the discussion in the Nearly 50% of university teachers are uncomfortable with online teaching 6 upward. Also, the schools may Youth Movement (SVYM), reopening plan, district adminis- says finding of a study by Schoolguru Eduserve – a TeamLease company be advised to run on 33% Mysuru, who is an authority on trations have been instructed to after releasing today the results of its study titled “The use of Technology capacity of teaching staff and WASH and South Asia Region and provide water tankers where there in Teaching & Learning in Indian Higher Education Institutes.” students and follow staggered Co-convener of National Steering is shortfall or no supply. The survey, which was conducted with over 1200 teachers' pan India, timings as well as alternate Committee FANSA (Freshwater Dr Pratibha Singh, WASH in further deep dives into the current trends in the higher education school days. Action Network – South Asia), if Institutions specialist, UNICEF ecosystem, especially analyzing the acceptability of digital learning The reopening plan has been in existing sanitation and hygiene feels the Covid19 should be seen among educators. discussions for a few months standards are met optimally by as an emergency and adjustments As per the finding, it is not only the lack of teaching exposure amongst now. The result of a feedback schools, meeting these SOPs as standards can't be revised educator community that is challenging, most of the Indian Higher survey of parents sought by the should not be a big challenge. immediately. “However, in my Education Institutions have never tried their hand at preparing online ministry of HRD in July was not Speaking at webinar on 'Preparing view an area of intervention would courseware. in favor of reopening till the Schools to Reopen during Covid be the enhancement of budgetary Educators were not completely prepared – 89.92% of teachers had never covid19 pandemic is brought 19: Improving Water, Sanitation allocation for maintenance and used technology at all before and 83% of teachers had never delivered a under control as per majority and Hygiene', Dr Seetharam said, operation of WASH facilities, virtual lecture. While more than 92% believe that online teaching is views of parents. However, there “School managements should which is insufficient (Rs 2500/100 different from physical classroom teaching, they have never created or has been a minority opinion show right spirit and be account- children per anum) as there is have had an exposure towards creating courseware for online teaching. about 'learn to live with Covid' able as the new requirements extensive damages to them due to Only 3% of the respondents have had the experience of preparing online all along who want the education may include rigorous compliance flooding, cyclones and other teaching content. Further, as per the survey, more than 69% teachers have institutions to reopen at the to maintaining distancing, issues. “ never used online platforms for assessments. In fact, 82% teachers have earliest. staggered timings, cough hygiene, In the same webinar Dr Anjlee noted that colleges have not offered any training to them on online According to Ambarish Rai, screening and monitoring of Agarwal, Co-Founder & teaching tools and techniques.This strongly reiterates their discomfort national convener of RTE symptoms and some amount of Executive Director Samarthyam with digital learning methods.The primary reason for the distress that Forum, the NEP has acknowl- quarantine, appropriate methodol- and member, CSO-Standing teachers are facing is the skill gap. edged that about 3.2 crore ogies of mopping and sweeping, Committee, NITI Aayog while Sharing his views on the findings, Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO, children are out of school and if ventilation of class rooms will be talking about the challenges that Schoolguru Eduserve, said, “We are all aware that in India, the shift to schools don't open, this number back in focus. Also, children need physically challenged and special digital learning has not been driven by choice, but rather by coerced need. would double immediately as a behavioral training on not needs children may face on Better preparedness is the need of the hour in the current situation. about 70% of country's children sharing common things they do in account of Covid 19 protocols Institutes should conduct continuous skilling and up-skilling programs to who lack access to online a classroom situation.” He also advocated a universal design for assist the educators to effectively use digital tools for teaching, preparing education aren't studying for past maintained that reopening has less toilets and ramps for access. course material, facilitating peer to peer engagement, conducting six months. “Child labor, costs than prolonged closures will assessments and providing feedback. A robust education continuity plan trafficking and child marriage have on its impact on education. “Right from the very moment should combine adoption of advanced technology and location agnostic have started showing a positive “Children have resilience and when they start studying in school, learning systems and continuous and constant knowledge upgradation of trend and in absence of school- behave better than adults,” he teachers give lessons like 'sharing the educators.” ing, this is going to get worse,” he added. is caring', 'help others', 'be adds. Availability of water including familiar', 'be kind' and 'care for PM asks states to widely deliberate drinking water in schools is each other'. But in the wake of While the reopening plan gathers already a major challenge for Coronavirus, we need to unlearn a on NEP 2020 before September 25 heat and urgency, WASH (Water, thousands of schools across the few of these things. We can no Sanitation and Hygiene country and as per current longer tell them sharing is caring, Exactly after a month, when he spoke on the New Education Policy Education) experts say the focus standards every school has to because for a certain time, it would (NEP) 2020 in great detail, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today (Sep 7) be advisable to refrain from this.” again shared his views on the policy in the inaugural session of Governors' Conference on National Education Policy.' While welcoming the wide- Contd from P1 ranging debate and discussion over the policy, he called on the governors to hold similar conferences on state level before September 25 so that a 'India Lockdown Learning' report by Vidyasaarathi... proper understanding is developed over it. The conference was also graced by the President of India and was attended by Governors & Lt. Governors Majority of students (79%) use Calls to be the most preferred taking online courses on art & of various states, UTs & Vice Chancellors of all the State Universities. smartphones to study online medium of 59% students for craft. This indicates a shift from PM said that sweeping reforms are bound to create doubts in the minds of reveals 'India Lockdown conducting online classes; the traditional learning methods. stakeholders and therefore it is necessary to take everybody along. Learning' report by followed by 30% of students using Majority of the students who took Questions like how about curriculum design, content in local languages, Vidyasaarathi. The report goes on their school's or college's online the survey were in the age groups means and resources all are questions are but natural. Emphasizing need to state that only 17% of students platform to attend online classes. of 12 to 28 years where 62% were of maximum flexibility in the implementation process, PM said every attend their online classes using While online classes are part of males. The respondents are in their aspect of academic, technical and vocational education has to be brought laptops and computers and rest the new normal, 75% of the undergraduate and postgraduate out of silos and simultaneously the administrative layers will have to be 4% students attend it through students still prefer physical courses. They come from middle reduced. mediums like tablets. classrooms over online learning. class families, with around 90% Saying that NEP 2020 is not a policy of the Government but of the Vidyasaarathi is one of the largest Poor internet connection was students belonging to families country just like foreign and defence, Modi said there is an all round scholarship management portals highlighted by 57% of students as with annual incomes below INR 7 acceptance of the policy and that there is a feeling that the reforms should in India - promoted by NSDL e- their biggest challenge for e- lakh have been introduced in the previous education policy itself. He Governance. learning. 31% of students finding Students are also well aware of the appreciated that there is a healthy debate on the policy and that it is Vidyasaarathi's 'India Lockdown it difficult to focus and 12% benefits of online classes. necessary as the NEP is not only directed at reforming the education Learning' report is based on a finding it difficult to get doubts Majority of them cited that the system but also at giving a new direction to the social and economic fabric nationwide survey conducted by clarified while studying online. biggest advantage of e-learning is of 21st century India. He said the policy aims at making India Self- collecting data from over 10,000 the accessibility of the course Reliant or AatmaNirbhar. students across 400 cities to Interestingly, over 60% of the content any time. Students also He said that NEP is important because it will give a direction to the understand the transformation students spend around 1-4 hours highlighted ease of use and economic and social life of 21st century. “The focus is on learning than happening in the educational eco- on e-Learning; followed by 31% convenient doubt clarification to study, beyond curriculum to critical thinking and more than process its system. The survey helps us to spending 4-8 hours and 8% be the other motivators for online emphasis is on passion, practicality and performance,” he added. He said take note of how students are spending 8-12 hours studying education. the new education policy focuses on learning outcomes and teacher adopting e-learning which is online. This shows that despite the Indian students are new to the e- training and empowering every student. becoming the norm and the challenges, the students' willing- learning culture. Online classes in He also talked about focus of policy on foundational learning, languages, challenges they face in the ness to learn and the commitment this pandemic situation has been a access and assessments. Prime Minister said that culture, language, transition. The survey is holistic of teachers towards online challenge for educators and for traditions at foundation levels makes education easy and simple. in capturing all the essential data education. students as well. This survey PM said that the policy has made a bold attempt to change the one size fits for us to discern the pros and cons highlights the need for good IT all notion in the education system. He also spoke about choices and of the new normal. Moreover, among the total infrastructure so that the chal- interests of youth being honored in this policy. He said that burden of bag The report that provides unique number of students who are lenges of digital learning do not , exams, expectations of family and society have been putting pressure on insights and perspectives on the e- utilizing online classes, 62% of weigh it down. students and now the attempt is to liberate the society so that he or she learning scenario in India further them are using it for curricular and pursues stream of his/her interest and aptitude. finds that WhatsApp and Zoom 38% for extra-curricular activities. Amongst the extra- curricular activities 39% are

4 Curriculum September 16, 2020 Lead News In post-pandemic reopening of schools, National Teacher Award winners 2020: healthy WASH will be critical factor 1. Manoj Kumar Lakhra, Teacher, Government Sr. Sec. School Bajghera For those who have been standards. Protocols may require 2500/100 children per anum) as Gurugram, Bajghera, Gurugram, Gurugram, Haryana; 2. Nardev Singh, either disappointed due to compliance to maintaining there is extensive damages to them Lecturer GSSS Biar, Biar, Bijhari, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh; 3. Rajinder unpunctual implementation distancing, staggered timings, due to flooding, cyclones and other Kumar, Teacher, Govt. Primary School WaraBhaika, Wara Bhaika, Jaitu, of the Right to Education Act, cough hygiene, screening and wsie. “ Faridkot, Punjab; 4. Surender Singh, Teacher, MCP School, Sarai Pipal 2009 or antagonized with its monitoring of symptoms and In the same webinar Dr Anjlee Thala-II, Adarsh Nagar, Delhi; 5 Dr. Kewalanand Kandpal, Principal, GHSS 'impractical' compliance, some amount of quarantine, Agarwal, Co-Founder & Executive Pudkuni, Kapkote, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand; 6. Geeta Kumari, Teacher there is at least a small reason appropriate methodologies of Director Samarthyam and S.K.S. Saruponi Maliyon Ka vas bandra, sar ka par bandra, barmer, to cheer up in these Covid 19 mopping and sweeping and member, CSO-Standing Barmer, Rajasthan; 7. Sindhu Prabhu Dessai, Principal, Government High pandemic times. The WASH ventilation of class rooms will be Committee, NITI Aayog while School Malkarnem, Malkarnem, Quepem, South Goa, Goa ; 8. (Water, Sanitation and back in focus.” He also main- talking about the challenges that Mahipalsinh Sajjansinh Jetavat, Teacher, Shree Tidana Primary Scool, Hygiene) facilities, which are tained that reopening of school physically challenged and special Tidana, Muli, Surendranagar, Gujarat; 9. going to be more critical to the has less costs than the impact needs children may face on account Prakashchandra Narbheram Suthar, Principal, Kanjeli Primary School, functioning of schools once prolonged closures will have on of Covid 19 protocols advocated a Kanjeli, Vadali, Sabar Kantha, Gujarat; 10 . Sanjay Kumar Jain, Teacher, these reopen, have improved education. “Children have universal design for toilets and GGPS Dunda, Dunda, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh; 11. Mohammad vastly if not fully in schools resilience and behave better than ramps for access. Shahid Ansari, Teacher, Govt. Higher Secondary School Khirsadoh, across India in the past adults,” he added. Dr Arundati Muralidharan, Khirsadoh, Parasiya, Chindwara, Madhya Pradesh; 12. Akhileshwar decade. From a meager 20% Radhika M Alkazi , founder and Manager – Policy (WASH in Health Pathak, Head Teacher, Middle School Chainpur Bhaiswara, Chainpur coverage in 2005, some head of ASTHA and a member of & Nutrition, WASH in Schools) – Bhaiswara, Garkha, Saran, Bihar; 13. Basant Kumar Sahu, Acting Head facilities like toilets and National Council of RTE Forum, ‎WaterAid India talked about Teacher, Govt. Upper Primary School, Sarasara, Harabhanga, Boudh, sanitation have gone past who moderated the webinar said Swachh Bharat Vidyalaya Odisha; 14.. Tapas Kumar Mohanty, Teacher, Bhima Bhoi School for the 80%; however, drinking the country doesn't have best porgramme and emphasized the Blind, BMC, Khorda, Odisha; 15. Misha Ghoshal, Head Teacher, water coverage is still around track record in WASH facilities need to augment it with sufficient Dhanapati Toto Memorial High School, Totopara, Madarihat -Birpara 50%. and provisions in schools and water, proportionate units and Block, Alipurduar, West Bengal; 16. Dr. Kalimul Haque, Head Teacher, unlike pre-covid days, now there disposal facilities especially for Nepalipara Hindi High School, Labourhut, Durgapur Municipal So, when schools reopen, which may be a need for finding local menstrual waste. Swachh Corporation, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal; 17. Sunil Kumar, these have to sooner than later, solutions while keeping Vidyalaya is the national campaign Teacher, Govt. Middle School Jakhar, Upper Primary Tikri, Udhampur, the key determinant in standards , “we have to be ready driving 'Clean India: Clean Jammu & Kashmir; 18. Rooohi Sultana, Teacher, B Kashiporatailbal, reopening will be school's and at the same time have a sense Schools'. A key feature of the Gulab Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir; 19. Sonam Gyaltsan, Head WASH preparedness to follow of urgency.” campaign is to ensure that every Teacher, Middle School Taknak Sakti, Kharu, Leh – Ladakh; 20. Vikas standard operating procedures Availability of water including school in India has a set of function- Kumar, Principal, S D Inter College Meerapur, Bhooma, Jansath, (SOPS), which will necessarily drinking water in schools is ing and well maintained water, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh; 21 . Mohammed Ishrat Ali, Head Teacher, include hand wash, clean toilets already a major challenge for sanitation and hygiene facilities. P.S.rajwana, Rajwana, Sultanganj, Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh; 22 . Snehil and sufficient water. That is thousands of schools across the Galvanizing SMCs, Gram Pandey, Head Teacher, PS Soharamau Nawabganj Unnao, Soharamau, what was precisely discussed country and as per current Pachayats and sensitizing commu- Nawabganj, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh; 23. Jyoti Arora, Principal, Mount Abu by some of top experts at standards every school has to nity to support and monitor WASH Public School, Rohini, Delhi, Central Board Of Secondary Education; 24 . 'Preparing Schools to Reopen provide for 1.5 litre of water per infrastructure and behavior will be Sangeeta Sohni, Teacher, Atomic Energy Central Schools No 4, Mumbai, during Covid 19: Improving child. As of now according to supportive supervision and local Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Atomic Energy Education Society; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene', DISE data only 50% schools authorities need to ensure guide- 25. Sapana Soni, Lecturer, Government Higher Secondary School Jeora- a webinar hosted by RTE have proper drinking water lines and protocols for the same at Sirsa Durg, Jeora Sirsa, Durg, Durg, Chhattisgarh; 26. Saji Kumar VS, advocacy network, RTE Forum facilities. Now, when the the earliest. Teacher, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chennithala, Mavelikkara, on September 4. government is actively pursuing The covid 19 pandemic has Alappuzha, Kerala; 27 . Sudha Painuli, Vice Principal, Eklavya Model According to Dr. M. R. a reopening plan, district changed every aspect of life and Residential School, Jogla, Kalsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Eklavya Model Seetharam , an orthopaedic administrations could be people especially children will need Residential Schools; 28 . Chemmalar Shanmugam, Head Teacher, surgeon and President, Swami instructed to provide water to internalize the change and Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2 Jalahalli AFS (East), Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Vivekananda Youth Movement tankers where there is shortfall or emerge resilient and as agents of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan; 29. Ishita Dey, Vice Principal, Tarapore (SVYM), Mysuru, who is an no supply to meet the water change. School, Ja hedpur, Road No. 3 Agrico, East Singhbum, Jharkhand,Council authority on WASH and South demand once schools start for the Indian Schools Certificate Examinations; 30. Archana Gurung, Asia Region and Co-convener reopening . PM Modi: We remain Principal, Government Senior Secondary School Jorethang, Daragaon, of National Steering Committee Dr Pratibha Singh, WASH in grateful to the hardworking Jorethang, South Sikkim, Sikkim; 31. Lomas Dhungel, Teacher, FANSA (Freshwater Action Institutions specialist, UNICEF teachers for their Government Senior Secondary School Makha, Makha, Rakdong Tintek, Network – South Asia), if feels the Covid19 should be seen contributions towards East Sikkim, Sikkim; 32. Rahul Sankar Chatterjee, Lecturer, Shillong Jail existing sanitation and hygiene as an emergency and adjustments shaping minds and building Road Boys Higher Secondary School, Jail Road, Mylliem, East Khasi Hills, standards are met optimally by as standards can't be revised our nation. On Teachers Day, Meghalaya; 33. Sanjay Das, Teacher, Tilabazar HS School, Tilabazar, schools along with compliance immediately. “However, in my we express gratitude to our Gournagar, Unakoti, Tripura; 34. Goutam Dev Sarma, Teacher, Govt. H.S. to basic medical protocols, view an area of intervention teachers for their and M.P. School Kokrajhar, Kokrajhar, Kokrajhar, Kokrajhar, Assam; 35. meeting these SOPs should not would be the enhancement of remarkable efforts Smith Kumar Soni, Acting Head Teacher, Govt. Middle School Bano be a big challenge. Speaking at budgetary allocation for (Project Girls H/S Bano), Bano, Bano, Simdega, Jharkhand; 36. Nirupama webinar Dr Seetharam said, maintenance and operation of Kumari, Teacher, Ram Rudra 2 High School Chas Bokaro, Chas, Chas, “School managements should WASH facilities at schools, Bokaro, Jharkhand; 37. Thankaleta Thankappan, Head Teacher, Govt show right spirit and be which is insufficient (Rs LVLPS Chavara South, Thekkumbhagom, Chavara, Kollam, Kerala; 38. accountable to ensure WASH Madhu Babu Asapanna, Teacher, Z.P.High School Kasibugga, Kasibugga, Tekkali Division Palasa Mandal, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh; 39. Padma Priya Vummaji, Teacher, Government Nehru Memorial High School, Malakpet, Malakpet, Hyderabad; 40 . Yakub S. Teacher, Government High School Nada, Nada, Belthangady, Dakshin Kannad, Karnataka; 41. Surekha Jagannath, Teacher, Government High School Bandarwad, Bandarwad, Afzalpur, Kalaburagi, Karnataka; 42. Dhilip S, Teacher, Government Higher Secondary School Sathiyamangalam, sathiyamangalam, Gingee, Viluppuram, Tamil Nadu; 43. Saraswathi R C, Head Mistress, Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, Ashoknagar, T.Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; 44. Narayan Chandrakant Mangalaram, Teacher, Zhilla Parishad Primary School Gopalwadi, Chedgoan, Rahuri, Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra; 45 . Selvamuthukumaran Rajkumar, Teacher, Indira Gandhi Government High School Katterikuppam, Katterikuppam, Brc Iii, Pondicherry, Puducherry Special Category for differently abled teachers etc.: 46.. Joshi Sudha Gautambhai, Teacher, Secondary School for the blind, Vastrapurahmedabad, Na, AHMADABAD, GUJARAT, (Working with Blind students); 47. Sant Kumar Sahani, Head Teacher, Upgraded High School Kharmauli, Kharmauli, Birpur, Begusarai, Bihar, (Visually impaired)

Curriculum September 16, 2020 5 Spotlight Heritage Girls School, Udaipur, has taken certain steps to live securely with COVID-19 as students look forward to return By Tulsi Bhatia, Principal sures/protocols we are working as far as possible. Signages on. They will be advised to everywhere will announce the The time to open the doors follow them meticulously, with same. of the school to welcome members of staff being ever- them back has come!And vigilant at monitoring this. MEDICARE high in protein and boost systems, and high traffic areas with this the responsibility of Washbasins with adequate soap The Staff nurse is available inside immunity will be given to within school facilities. schools to ensure a safe environ- dispensers are provided the campus 24/7. If the student is children. We will also be ment, has also become sacred, everywhere. We would make unwell, she is shifted to the providing them daily ayurvedic VISITORS more so in a fully residential sure that students clean their infirmary, and if she develops a Kadha as an immunity booster. All visitors reporting to school school like ours. hands thoroughly and often, fever, cough or difficulty Students will be involved in will be screened for respiratory Students will be asked to report in using plenty of soap and water or breathing immediate medical physical activities for at least 60 symptoms and have their body a staggered manner. The first an alcohol-based hand rub to kill attention is given to the student. If mins in a day to build up their temperature taken as a precau- batch to arrive will be grades 9 to any virus on hands. Scrubbing any child shows cold or flu stamina and to help them stay fit tionary measure. Each visitor will 12. The juniors will come in at a for at least 20 seconds and symptoms, they will be separated and to build up their immunity. be screened privately using a later date. The Weekly Boarder making sure that their fingers, them from other children and kept touchless forehead/ temporal outing will be temporarily thumbs and palms are clean. in the infirmary. The Medical HOUSEKEEPING & SANITIZATION artery thermometer. It is compul- suspended. All other scheduled Signages regarding safety Officer will be available 24/7 on Deep cleaning of school facilities sory for visitors to wear a mask holidays remain cancelled. precautions to be followed in call in case of a need to attend to a along with disinfectant treatment inside the campus and also a Diwali will be celebrated in the case they cough or sneeze, and sick child. Parents will be of the entire school several times covering for the shoes. The school itself. on the safe disposal of tissues in requested to take the child home in per week will be routinely taken. Reception and lobby area will be trashcans are placed everywhere he deems it fit. Daily disinfecting of classroom Out of Bounds for students so that THE STARTING PROTOCOLS made visible in all areas of the Signages to share important health furniture and material, play- they will not come in contact with A questionnaire with detailed school. and safety information with ground equipment, transportation visitors. queries regarding the health students, staff, and visitors, have vehicles, building entry access condition of parents, relatives SOCIAL DISTANCING been placed all around the school. and friends they have been with, In order to maintain social has to be filled out for our record. distancing norms, it has been FOOD VIBGYOR Group of Schools In case there is someone who decided to have only 2 occupants Precaution is better than cure.The shows symptoms of the COVID in a dorm room. In classrooms daily menu of the students is announce Zero-Interest Easy-EMI fee 19 in their vicinity they will be too, desks are arranged with planned to meet the nutritional advised to quarantine at home. sufficient space between needs of children. Fresh fruits and loan The students will be required to students. vegetables, whole grains, food pack sufficient face masks, All events where there is need for VIBGYOR students in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Vadodara can avail loan gloves and sanitizers in their an assembly has been cancelled upto INR 2.5 lakh loan per child to meet education-related expenses. baggage, a few days before or the protocols changed. Under a financial assistance programme for COVID-impacted families, to arrival so that the bag is contami- Students and teachers are cover education-related expenses, each family can avail of a maximum of 2 nation free from inside. These advised not to share objects like loans for up to INR 5 lakh (INR 2.5 lakh per student) for 27 months. The will be provided in school in case books, clothes, stationary etc. loan is being offered interest-free for students with outstanding fees, with it is needed. Arrangements are made to VIBGYOR subsidising 100 per cent of the interest amount till 30th Only one person will accompany ensure distancing in the dining September 2020. The 27-month tenure of the loan also includes a 3-month the student to school. They will hall by opening up another hall to moratorium. not be permitted to enter the gate. serve meals. At the school gate, the tempera- Children are instructed not to ture will be taken and recorded touch their eyes, nose or mouths and sent back if necessary. There and to avoid touching each other is a sanitising station at the gate which all visitors are required to Over 1.20 lakh teachers brought on to Workplace use. The luggage will be left at the from Facebook: Adosphere gate and these will be thoroughly sanitized before being brought Adosphere, a digital services company announced completion of a project inside the dormitories. for training and curriculum support for over 1.2 lakh teachers. The project, Once they are inside the campus launched on Teachers' Day in 2019, has facilitated online collaboration and it is compulsory for staff and training for teachers across Gujarat, helping local students continue their students to wear masks to prevent studies despite disruptions from Covid-19. any respiratory infection. Signages with this instruction is Adosphere leveraged Workplace from Facebook, an online communication put up in all areas. instruction is and collaboration platform, to train and help in capacity building for put up in all areas. teachers in public schools across rural and urban areas. Workplace uses familiar Facebook features like chat, video calling, posts, and groups to WASH connect everyone in a team, school, or business. Ensuring Personal Hygiene and Social Distancing norms among Workplace has enabled the teachers to collaborate digitally, share the pupils, staff and support staff knowledge, and build an online community. The tech has helped them stay are but some of the mea connected and maintain education continuity despite the pandemic. With nearly 70% of the teachers on-boarded on the platform, this initiative is one of the biggest deployment of technology in education in rural India.

6 Curriculum September 16, 2020 Careerwise Real Estate Careers: The option most youngsters don't exercise because of not knowing about it Amit Modi, Director ABA Corp & President (Elect), CREDAI – Western UP, and Mohit Goel, CEO, Omaxe Ltd. offer some career guidance in this write up Real estate has never been the also exist and offer a good pay ŸReal estate and construction Here is a list of a few tips and skills that aspirants go-to career option for many scale better than what local must prepare themselves to have a better under- young graduates. Contrary to be brokers earn with every project. business require innumerable standing of the sector the most visible role of 'broker' After having understood about licences and registrations. Basic this sector provides a spectrum myths, now it is also important to knowledge about each one of 1) Know-how about the licensing and regulations of career opportunities ranging know the fundamental skills that them is a must. You would not Real estate is a vast sector, and the dealings involved in it are high-end from project engineers, facility human resources mangers look want to embarrass yourself and investments. For the residential category, more than the investment, managers, architects, designers, for in real estate jobs. the company by not knowing any sentiments of homebuyers take the lead. People are usually investing their corporate communication of these if a question from a buyer lifelong savings. A single glitch in terms of permissions or registrations can specialists, regional managers, Here is a way to prepare before arises! cost the stakeholders involved a fortune. It is of utmost importance for etc. starting a career in real estate! young entrants to closely study this area, and develop a habit of double- However, it is not getting the The real sector is so dynamic that ŸThere are several statesor local checking and approval from senior authorities. desired attention as a lucrative every day is a new opportunity to 2) Pick your segment career option, even though it learn and grow. The real estate bodies working in granting these Residential, co-living, co-working, and commercial are the three promi- promises humongous growth sector has been adapting a lot of permissions and licences in nent categories in real estate that offer a variety of jobs in different areas like any other sector or industry changes on account of policy construction and real estate. One of expertise. The housing and commercial needs of the people are being even after the RERA was changes, entry of foreign funds, must build liaison with them for a rapidly changing now, someone who is updated with lifestyle trends has an introduced. As a result it is now varying demands from deeper insight including on- added advantage because of their insights. Also, there are public and a sector run by professionals in homebuyers, emergence of Next- ground situations and challenges. private institutions and universities providing specialised degrees for an organized manner. The gen developers and several other infrastructure development and real estate. perception is mainly because of factors. Therefore, the career ŸResearch and pick a speciality. 3) Understand basics from an experienced person some common myths around it, opportunities are immense. ŸThe sector is highly specialised as An unbiased opinion from someone who has been in the industry for long so it is necessary to debunk Begin with the local is usually valuable before stepping your foot in. He/she will be able to give those myths step by step and a result young professionals must you not only a better understanding of the job profiles but also the open up the arena of opportuni- ŸReal estate is a humungous research thoroughly on what competitive trends apparent in the market. This will give you an edge in ties, this unconventional sector excites and interests them. The polishing your skillset as per the market standards. can actually provide. industry but highly localised. opportunities are unlimited in The trends in one micro market areas like sales, marketing, Haryana JEE Mains Topper wants to be Myth 1- Legacy business, no do not reflect in another and construction, architecture, like his brother hierarchy in jobs vice versa. As a result, young interior designing, law, corporate We know starting as a developer professionals must interact affairs to name a few. It is not a coincidence that Jankidas Kapur Public School, Sonipat (Haryana) is not a possibility at the with a lot of stakeholders like prepares to pride itself for the honor in giving the state its topper in JEE beginning of your career, but common people, real estate ŸEach one of the above mentioned Mains this year in a row after its student Manan Agarwal in 2019. In fact, then that is not the only option. consultants, bankers etc. and after Manan, it is turn of his young brother Harshvardhan studying in the Like every other sector, there is then read & learn to analyse areas of work are fast evolving same school, who has been declared state topper (AIR 3) this year in JEE an established hierarchy with what works in which market. and you must be prepared to Mains, the results of which were declared on September 11. careers under different upgrade yourself so that your Harshvardhan is now looking forward to take JEE Advanced slated for last specialisations. Not every ŸYou must be aware of govern- skills don't become obsolete. week of September to complete the circuit and is determined to join his person working for real estate brother at IIT Bombay in computer science if all goes as per plan. has come through a lineage in ment's infrastructure initiatives ŸListen to realty stalwarts so that So, how did he prepare? “Hard work and regular studies,” is his cryptic the sector. Marketing, finance, both ongoing and proposed in reply. “I didn't care much about board exams as I did for JEE and that helped interiors, engineering, customer the future. In majority of the you have better insights in the me in both, I suppose,” he adds. Harshvardhan Agarwal also gives credit to relationship managers, and cases, location becomes the world of real estate. his weekend coaching to FIITJEE Punjabi Bagh where he enrolled in class 9 analysts are few roles in real sales clincher. and coached for next three years. He also talks about his teachers estate that require an individual ŸOptimum market scenario. particularly in class 9th and 10th. “The study material, mentoring and with a degree and expertise in ŸThe purchases in real estate, concept clarity is that came from my teachers at both places but I added my the same field. Reputed 1.The demand scenarios keep seriousness and devoted 12 hours a day towards study,” he adds. companies even hire CEOs to unlike other sectors, are slower changing rapidly and that will give Harshvardhan as expected didn't go out as often as his age students would run the business who are not than usual. One must exercise young professionals a lot of go, but used daily gym practice to keep in shape. If the pandemic stress was from the real estate families. patience and during this period, headroom to innovate in their area indeed a stress or advantage, he feels it was boredom as he has prepared There are real estate companies continue to learn newer and of work. In today's time, that well in time and the uncertainly only dampened his spirit a bit. Sharing his that are being run by techno- smarter ways to sell. evolution in demand is happening unique mantra of success, he says apart from clearing concepts early, one crats with no family back- and the sector is fast adapting. should mark portions and questions that needs more attention and uses ground of real estate business. ŸYou must be absolutely 2. Digital is a reality in real estate these markings in the final revision to become doubly sure about best today unlike a few years ago; and it attempt. Myth 2- Only extroverts can prepared about the product you will be the future of real estate sale survive are selling. As stated earlier, and purchase. A lot of opportunities Being an extrovert might be a purchases are slow because will be ushered in and use of requirement for some specific stakes are high and so questions technology will be extremely job profiles, but this is not a are many. Mis-selling may give critical. judgment criteria for all you short term gains but 3. The government's push for Vocal positions. Fluent and persuasive honesty will take you farther. for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat etc. in communication is a must- makes it an opportune time to enter have for professionals working ŸRERAunderstanding is must. the sector. Opportunities are being on the sales and investors front, ŸThe Real Estate Regulatory created in every which way not just rest the industry is embracing for real estate sector but also for the enough for an extrovert, Authority (RERA) was made ancillary industries which not only introvert, and even ambiverts. operational in 2017 to bring employ in large numbers but also about a transparency in the real fulfil the supply requirements of the Myth 3- Only profitable job estate sector and empower real estate sector. available is Broker homebuyers by bridging the 4. There is a level playing field This is the most baseless myth knowledge asymmetry that today in the way real estate in present times, being a broker existed between homebuyers organisations have evolved into a does promise some amount of and developers. well-run professional company commission. This cannot be with best HR practices. regarded as the only good ŸEvery young professional must Technology has brought companies paying job in the real estate and consumers closer today than sector. Corporate jobs like know the laws they are working ever before especially in the real project engineers, facility with. Earlier when the regulator estate sector and therefore doing managers, architects, designers, did not exist, the industry was business has become extremely corporate communication unorganised and mis-selling exciting. Even if the road ahead specialists, regional managers was rampant. But today, every seems bumpier than usual despite homebuyer is aware of the huge opportunities, it is important provisions and safeguards that you map the long-term benefits provided to him under the and exposure of the learning you RERA. will receive in your maiden career venture. ŸUnderstand the licenses and registrations

Curriculum September 16, 2020 7 Campus News 'Turning crisis into opportunities: AIMA – Chanakya (Business Simulation Game) Role of MBA graduates in building a healthy, resilient and National Management Games 2020, Team NTPC egalitarian India in a COVID affected economy beats 112 organisations to emerge winner IIMB's Public Policy Club hosted Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, former civil servant & Gen Secy, Foundation for Democratic Reforms Team NTPC overcame a stiff challenge to emerge as winner at the recently concluded All India Management Association (AIMA) - Chanakya Qu o t i n g A m e r i c a n equality before the law and examine issues without any (Business Simulation Game) National Management Games (NMG) 2020. economist Paul Romeron nobody above the law. Secondly, distortion and understand the The victory was also significant since NTPC won the prestigious National on how “a crisis is a the government has to deliver on power of the concept. “Managers Management Games for the first time in five years. The team from NTPC terrible time to waste,” General public goods such as must go by the problem at hand and Vallur, Tamil Nadu achieved the feat of being crowned the national Secretary of the Foundation for infrastructure, traffic seize the moment by systematically champion after competing against teams from 112 organisations from Democratic Reforms and management, and transport persuading”. different parts of the country. former bureaucrat Dr. facilities, which can only be built Quoting Bill Gates, Dr Narayan The team comprised Chinnathambi G, Manager, C&I Maintenance; Jayaprakash Narayan by the government. Thirdly, the observed how we tend to Senkguttuvan P J, Manager, Operations (Main Plant); Yoginderkumar J, explained to IIMB students government has to create a overestimate our capacity to bring Manager, Operation from NTPC Vallur. Team NTPC Vallur qualified for how, in a layered society, it is framework for quality education. short-term change and the regional rounds, which was held online and subsequently qualified for challenging to engineer change Without the government playing underestimate our capacity to bring the Finals. in a predictable manner. an active role and providing about a big change in the long- Located in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur District, the 1500 MW Vallur Thermal “However, a crisis creates a quality education, we would not term. “To bring change in the Power Station is operated by NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited convergence of circumstances be able to participate in wealth public policy domain, we must set (NTECL), a joint venture between NTPC Limited and Tamil Nadu that creates change,” he creation. Lastly, the government our targets with the twinkle of the Generation and Distribution Company (TANGEDCO). remarked in his talk on Aug 31 has to facilitate and provide distant star and not the lights of the More teams from NTPC brought laurels for India's largest power in a webinar hosted by IIMB. quality healthcare for everyone. passing ships,” he said. generating company with combined team of NTPC Talcher Kaniha and Dr. Narayan concluded his In his closing remarks, Dr. SSC-ER II (Shared Services Center-Eastern Region II) from Odisha Need for change lecture by saying that in a large Jayaprakash Narayan pointed out emerging as runner-up in the southern regional round of AIMA Chanakya Dr. Narayan explained that we proportion of these areas, India that most challenges have NMG 2020. all recognize the fact that in the has performed poorly. Thus, we politically feasible and socially Shri Deepak Ranjan Sahoo, Shri Khageshwar Pradhan & Shri Ramani public domain, there is a need change desperately. acceptable solutions. “We have to Kanta Jena from NTPC Talcher Kaniha & SSC-ER II were part of the team. yearning for change. “The understand these problems, 16 winning teams of NTPC Business Minds 2020 were nominated for the government is an artificial Drivers of change innovate on them regularly, and event and subsequently 2 teams qualified for the national finals. construct with an explicit Dr. Narayan emphasized that a hammer them until the last person NTPC won the competition earlier in 2015 while the power major had objective of fulfilling our crisis has always driven change. and policymaker pays attention. emerged as runner-up in 2016 and 2017. needs. Thus, individual needs He listed four change drivers: We are in a fantastic age where we AIMA Chanakya National Management Games, an online Business can be taken care of, but to take science, technology and can communicate with any part of Simulation Game conducted every year is aimed at ensuring that care of collective needs, the knowledge, cultural forces, the country that was not possible 30 participating executives from various industries get an introduction to the government has to step in,” he economic forces, and political years ago. We have the resources complexities of running an organisation and gain expertise and skills from said. forces. “In times of crisis, there is and technology; together, we can this event. a convergence of all four forces, develop genuine and innovative Role of government which leads to change,” he said. solutions that can scale this country Peebuddy case study secures 2nd place in Apart from the apparent to new heights,” he said. functions involving defence Role of managers CEEMAN & Emerald and currency regulation, the On the role of managers, Dr. Case Writing Competition government has to first take Narayan explained how one must care of the rule of law, i.e., A case study built around India's first female urination device PeeBuddy, has secured the first runner's up position in the 26th CEEMAN Case IIT Roorkee establishes Institute Chair Professorship Writing Competition, which is one of the world's most prestigious events in in honour and memory of Professor Anand Swarup Arya global case challenges. Neena Sondhi and Dr. Rituparna Basu (International Management Institute or IMI) authored the case study, Indian Institute of Technology interdisciplinary department of securing one of the top three positions from among 63 cases from 15 countries. (IIT) Roorkee announced Earthquake Engineering. He rose to The winner of the competition was Biotronik: Geoff Bick and Stephanie Barden, South Africa. The second runner's up position was secured by setting up of an Institute Chair the position of Head of Earthquake Sustainable growth in times of crisis: L'Oréal Russia, Daniil Muravskii, Snezhana Muravskaia, Elena Romanova, and Valeria Kudinova, Russia. Professorship in honour and Engineering Department in 1971, The top three winners will receive monetary prizes from Emerald, publication of the case in Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, and memory of the late Professor became Pro-Vice-Chancellor in full/ partial scholarships for CEEMAN's International Management Teachers Academy-IMTA. They can participate at the 28th CEEMAN Anand Swarup Arya on the 1988 and continued to serve well Annual Conference (23-25 September) for free, where they will officially receive their awards. solemn occasion of his first beyond his superannuation in 1989 PeeBuddy case study is about India's 1st female urination device PeeBuddy (portable and disposable), which enables women to Stand & Pee. It offers death anniversary today, as an Emeritus Professor. He the best solution to avoid touching dirty toilet seats and thus frees them from having to hold in pee or do uncomfortable squats and in turn UTIs. September 1, 2020. The Chair is remained professionally active and The case study would further contribute with impactful learning tools, relevant to understanding the unaddressed intimate hygiene issues women the result of a generous served the nation vigorously until other Institutions in India and face, especially in the Indian context. abroad. He authored & co- The competition aims to encourage and promote the development of donation pledged by Mrs. the very end when he left for the authored numerous papers and quality teaching case material relevant to dynamic and emerging several books, many of which economies. Kaushalya Devi Arya, his wife, heavenly abode at the age of 88. were written well after his Neena Sondhi, Professor at IMI, New Delhi said, \"Pee Buddy is a very retirement. The unique feature special case, on the face of it, it is about an innovative product and the and children Arun, Poonam, T h e w o r l d o f e n g i n e e r i n g of his approach as a professional decision dilemma of scaling-up with the right strategies. However, there was to engineer innovative and are deep layers of cultural barriers that go against its successful adoption; Anjali, and Anshuli so that Dr. recognises Professor Arya as a apt practical solutions while thus, it is insightful and thought-provoking. So, the first-runners up prize at addressing complex structural the 26th CEEMANS case competition and that too for Pee Buddy makes it A r y a ' s p r o f e s s i o n a l raraavis whose pioneering problems despite an uncertain a double celebration.” eco-system. Rituparna Basu, Associate Professor at IMI, Kolkata added, \"I am contributions continue to contributions in the fields of Professor Arya served many overwhelmed to receive this prestigious award. Writing the Peebuddy case national and international has been thoroughly enriching as it narrates a bold business story with a inspire generations to come. structural engineering, earthquake organizations. He co-founded wishful vision for a world that is inclusive and liberal in mind-set. I am and was a Director of the certain that the incomparable network of CEEMAN and Emerald would Dr. Arya was born on 13 June engineering and disaster mitigation International Association of help our teaching case reach real classrooms across the global academia as Earthquake Engineering during we will continue to cherish this wonderful recognition of our effort.\" 1931 in village Ambehta in the and management made him a 1977-84. He was a consultant to United Nations agencies such as Saharanpur District of the State legend in his lifetime. IIT Roorkee UNESCO, United Nations Human Settlements Programme of Uttar Pradesh in India. After was his Karm Bhumi where, during (UNCHS), the United Nations Centre for Regional his early education, he joined 36years of service, he earned the Development (UNCRD), and the World Bank. the University of Roorkee (now reputation as a teacher par IIT Roorkee) and obtained B.E. excellence. His students will (Civil engineering) in 1953 and always remember him for the M.E. (Structural Engineering) unforgettable lessons in Dynamic in 1954; joined the university as Analysis and Design of Structures a faculty, and later moved on to ranging from small to multi- the University of Illinois, storeyed buildings, arched and shell Urbana-Champaign, USA in structures, bridges, dams and 1959 where he obtained his atomic power plants. During his Doctoral degree in 1961. tenure, he introduced several After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. specialised courses to train Arya returned to the university. professionals on the diverse aspects He was instrumental in of earthquake engineering at the e s t a b l i s h i n g a n University of Roorkee and many

8 Curriculum September 16, 2020 VIEWS (Edit/Guest Column...) OPINION: New Education Policy's Impact on Pre-Schools – Does India need budget Survival of the Fittest private schools? Rajat Mukherjee and Monika Srivastava The Covid19 pandemic has shaken the earth, the invisible has become visible. Worst existential fears A new formulation 5+3+3+4 will Other states like Maharashtra have other hand, it brings us back to the have brought uncertainties of all kind. In all this replace 10+2. This isn't math attempted regulation in the past by point on increased regulation. erupting disorder, education systems have been exposed to magic. But a change in the framework proposing legislative change and Universal access to education is fullest scrutiny and not so trade secrets have begun to attract of India's school education proposed more recently by adopting an Early synonymous with the Right to attention. by the new National Education Policy. Childhood Care and Education Education Act (RTE). RTE formula- India's private schooling system, according to some estimates The '5' in the proposed new frame- (ECCE) policy. So, it would be tion of free and compulsory education is catering to more than 43% of student age population through work includes two years of pre- incorrect to state that pre-school has is currently applicable only to nearly 400,000 unaided private schools. And bulk of these schooling. The unmissable impact of not been regulated at all. Besides, children between the ages of 6 and 14 schools is low-cost or what is called as budget private schools this reconfiguration is that the efforts at regulation of this space years. The exception to this is K-12 charging a tuition fee of less than Rs 1000 a month. The previously unregulated (debatable, as have been ongoing in several states Schools which also run pre-primary popularity and expansion of these schools even to hinter land is discussed below) pre-school segment and the policy, in many ways, picks classes, where the applicability of attributed to a public favorable perception about them in terms will be brought within the fold of up on these threads. RTE is at the actual entry point i.e.pre- of better standards of education than government schools regulation and will likely be subject to Likewise, some ground work has primary level and not Class I, though nobody has conclusively proved that. not-for-profit parameters. already been done in terms of regardless of the age of the student. These schools have been glorified by likes of Prof James regulation of pre-schools, for The vast majority of pre-schools Tooley in his much talked about book The Beautiful Tree The policy is not explicit on whether example the recommendatory today, which operate on a stand-alone (published 2009) where he has likened mushrooming of these pre-schools will need to be housed Guidelines for Private Play Schools basis (i.e.not part of or co-located schools as an extraordinary grassroots revolution taking place under not-for-profit entities. But it prepared by the National with K-12 schools)don't fall within not only in India but across the developing world. He definitely does state that a regulatory framework Commission for Protection of Child this RTE construct. Assuming the looked at this through the lens of a tourist who marvels at will be instituted for all stages of Rights. The policy builds on these policy results in legislative change to unique things and then passed it as a compelling narrative for education including pre-school. It also previous efforts. Three other key expand the scope and applicability of which the host countries must feel proud of. goes on to acknowledge that public- areas of change suggested by the RTE, it will mean further disruption Like him, there is no dearth of people in India's civil society, spirited private schools or private policy, which will have a farreaching for pre-schools. Moreover, RTE government and political class, who hold the same opinion and philanthropic efforts will be encour- impact on pre-schools, are: requires a not-for-profit entity as a extend all possible protection to this enterprise fast turning into aged. But “all educational institutions Firstly, a complete revamp of the pre-requisite for registration of a well-oiled industry even though calling it 'mafia' will be an will be held to similar standards of curriculum which would be schools. Assuming such requirements exaggeration at this moment. This segment primarily grew audit and disclosure as a 'not-for- undertaken through development of a are extended to pre-schools as well, it because of enterprise and employment opportunities that it profit' entity”. As a general point, the “National Curricular and may potentially lead to a dual- created through there will be a small minority of these schools policy places significant emphasis on Pedagogical Framework for Early requirement for not-for-profit status which came up as a result of situation or leadership of and reinforces the no-profiteering Childhood Care and Education” by similar to the K-12 model where the dedicated educationists. The template of private education principle. When viewed holistically, the NCERT based on the vision of the not-for-profit requirements flow from traditionally was of charity and endowments without a motive even though there is no clear guidance policy and national and international state education laws as well asRTE. of profit. on how or to what extent the not-for- best practices. In short, at the very minimum, the pre- That template doesn't hold anymore. Be it big businesses or profit principle will be applied to pre- Secondly, creation of a distinct cadre school segment is looking at small street school owners, schools are now businesses for schools, it shouldn't come as a surprise of professionally qualified educators extensive changes in regulatory everyone irrespective of what laws say. The society has if legislative or regulatory change for ECCE who will be required for framework in the time to come, in internalized this as normal long ago but the 'ambiguous' (whenever they do come) go in this delivery of pre-school education. order that it is integrated with the politicians always keep looking the other way and not paved a direction. Creation of these cadres will be formal regulated K-12 segment. Until way for making schools as profit making social enterprises To put this in context and truly entrusted to state governments and legislative or regulatory changes on lawfully. The false façade of nonprofit official framework have appreciate the magnitude of change, will be based on specialised stage- the aspects discussed above are in promoted unscrupulous malpractices and deceit. it's important to look at the market and specific professional training, sight, it will be wait and watch. In pandemic situation today, parents are too frustrated in their the present regulatory landscape. Pre- mentoring and continuous develop- Having said that, taking cognisance of struggle to make ends meet with loss of jobs, businesses and school market at present comprises of ment. these changes will be an essential first income. Most of them are rightly agitated at being asked to pay both highly organised players And thirdly,restructuring of the state- step towards being prepared for the fees to schools and people know this fee is not only simply operating branded pre-schools in tier level regulatory regime with new and change. It's said that it's not the tuition fee but a bundled with a lot of other unnecessary 1 and tier 2 cities or corporate day lesser functions for the Department strongest that survive, but those who charges. And, lockdowns have actually brought schools and centres as well as unorganised mom- of School Education (the present are most adaptable to change. parents to a situation where they have becoming almost and-pop establishments. The common apex state-level body for regulation) (Authors are partners at Khaitan & warring parties. feature across the pre-school segment where their role will be limited to Co, LLP. Views are personal) With cash flow seriously disrupted, a lot of these budget is that most of these are, legally policy making and overall monitor- schools face danger of winding up permanently and a crisis for speaking, set up and operated as for- ing and creation of a new independ- For attention children enrolled in them may just be following it. While all profit entities. Therefore, if and when ent state-wide body called the State of institutions talk, rather sweet talk has been shifted to the New Education regulatory changes guided by the School Standards Authority (SSSA). Policy 2020, the fundamentals of schooling architectures policy are implemented, these could The SSSA will be responsible for Notices Beyond 200 remain vulnerable and is in disdain. be game-changers for the pre-school standard setting and oversight over words will be In India, education is a fundamental right and government is market. schools in a new model based on the considered classified well within its rights to regulate education of private schools. This brings us to the second question principle of self-regulation and advertisements and Delhi Education Act, 1973, despite its redundancies and harsh of whether pre-schools have so far disclosure. therefore published only clauses is a template which can be polished and written anew been completely unregulated and To round off these changes, the against payments. according to changed times and made a national law alongside consequently whether the impact of policy aims for universal access to RTE Act. Once, there is a friendly and reassuring regulation in the policy is in fact so drastic. The high-quality ECCE. It's solution is to Thank you place, the next thing would be making schools compliant. answer is ambiguous at best. Certain devote special attention and priority There is hardly a merit in pitting private versus government states, such as Delhi and Karnataka to districts and locations that are not schools, confusing quality narrative and blackmails. School have laws which treat pre-schools at currently adequately serviced or processes and finances must be transparent and parents must be par with K-12 even though the reality especially disadvantaged. On one part empowered through active SMCs. is removed from legal requirements. hand this puts in focus potential The recourse to politicization, protection and court battles business opportunities. But on the often to delay and derail rules and compliance must not be a road followed by school owners and politicians. Rather, they should move to address the trust deficit and correcting the fundamentals, which together have not allowed the beautiful tree to be so beautiful and fruitful when seen from a close quarter. Printed, Published and Owned by: Avtar Krishen Kaul, Saraswati Editor: Autar Nehru Associate Editor: Suneel Bhan W: www.curriculum-magazine.com REACH US Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun (Uttrakhand)- Editorial/Marketing : 248001 and Printed at Microsoft Technoprint India Private Limited, Consulting Editors: Sudha Passi, M K Bhat, Ramanathan Iyer Circulation 37 Old Cannaught Place, Dehradun (UttraKhand) and Published at [email protected] Dimple Nehru, Ganesh Saraswati Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun Advisory Board Members: Ashok Pandey. Dehradun: A K Koul; Meerut: Uzma Rizvi (Uttrakhand)-248001, Prof. Raj Kachroo, Navin Bhatia [email protected] Patna: Manoj Kumar; Jammu: Sandeep Dhar General inquiry Editor: Avtar Nehru RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Director Outreach: Farindra Pande call us at 011-28051642/22; 9868256512 Associates : Gurbinder Kaur, Akshay Sahu Business Development: Ashok Bhat, Vijay K Rajesh Kaul

Curriculum September 16, 2020 9 Focus NEP 2020 Debate Gentleman promises in New Education Policy 2020? Only future can tell The education policy is essentially concerned to perform holistic development of students by fostering high-order 'cognitive capacities' along with 'social, ethical and emotional capacities.' These educational objectives are not entirely new, these were mentioned in the previous policies also but the point is that how strong minded the government is in attainment of these high goals Komal Kapoor Despite so much efforts and English after class 5 in school education to come under essential functions like regulation, Assistant Professor, investment in primary education government schools does not the ambit of Department of School accreditation, funding, and academic Department of B.Ed., in previous policies, the students appear to be a great move. English Education, rest functions will be standard within one apex body. This SDPG College, Deoria U.P enrolled in government schools has global advantage and learning handled by Directorate of School was also pointed out in 'Yashpal in India lack basic reading, English is essential because Education. Committee Report' that an over OUR ECONOMY has writing and simple arithmetic overnight we cannot replace In the recent years the soaring regulated educational system curbs undergone skills. The reasons could be their English completely with Indian percentage of unemployment has innovation and experimentation.All transformation and background which is non- languages inhigher education, compelled us to think that our higher education will come under the eventually the role and focus academic, non-stimulating and and majority of content in higher education system is unable ambit of the Higher Education of education has also poverty stricken but we cannot technical and higher education is to produce employable candidates Commission of India (HECI). The explored new arenas shifting ignore the fact that there is available in English. So, those as demanded by the industries. functions of regulation, accreditation, the paradigm from national to scarcity of teachers in students who will learn this The multidisciplinary approach in funding, and academic standard global. In order to fulfil the government schools,and those language from beginning will education will give ample setting will be performed by distinct, demands of youths of the 21st who are there, they are engaged have an advantage over other opportunities to students to master independent, and empowered bodies century, and to attain in other works instead of students who learn it late because the skills of their choice in under the canopy of HECI. maximum outcomes from the teaching. NEP 2020 has some learning English from class 6 will different streams thus enlarging The policy is liberal towards education system, the present promising recommendations be a difficult task for Indian their canvas of learning and privatisation of education, educational edifice has been regardingrecruitment and children. This may widen the rift enhancing their chances of encouraging 'philanthropic' restructured and remodelled deployment of trained teachers between English speaking and employment. In higher education investment in education, it is a in the form of NEP 2020. in primary schools but if the non-English speaking students the students will be able to concept quite common in other Attention has been drawn same trend of engaging teachers just as it was created long ago customize their learning option by economies of the world. But this may towards Indianisation of in non-teaching task continues during the British period. having flexibility in choosing their cause education to become expensive education system in the recent then it will be very hard to attain The education policy is course options from a and out of reach for economically policy by inculcating a sense the goals of foundational literacy essentially concerned to perform multidisciplinary education weaker sections of society as of rootedness to the traditions, and numeracy set by the new holistic development of students system and they will be allowed to educational assets and management ethics, social and individual policy.The attainment of by fostering high-order 'cognitive have multiple exit points within will be handled by buyers or non-state values as well Constitutional foundational literacy and capacities' along with 'social, the course duration with profit-making bodies. However, numeracy in children by Grade 3 ethical and emotional capacities.' appropriate certifications. The government has planned to fix upper lvalues. This is what was as set by NEP 2020 will reduce These educational objectives are provisions in the NEP 2020 are fee limits in all institutions and drop-out rate in later years of not entirely new, these were more inclined towards practicum, encourage private institutions to offer required immediately after schooling as many children mentioned in the previous training and internship to improve free-ships and scholarships in independence to develop a dropout due to disinterest policies also but the point is that the employability skills of sufficient numbers but the impact of national system of education, created by lagging behind in the how strongminded the students. privatisation can only be assessed totally Indian in character and class. The idea of including the government is in attainment of The system of affiliation of once the laws regarding it will be to do away with the non- unorganized pre-school these high goals. The colleges in higher education has passed and implemented. Indian nature of the education education into an organized decentralisation of regulation and deteriorated the quality in higher Finally, the new education policy steadily, but unfortunately it mainstream will be a boon as monitoring of school education education. The policy has dealt considers all aspects of education i.e. was not achieved even after now mid-day meal scheme will system is another step towards with the problem of 'large the student, the teacher and the the policy of 1986. The NEP be extended to children right improvement in quality school affiliating universities' by learning environment, it encourages 2020 envisions education from the age of 3 years and also it education.Presently, the proposing graded autonomy to experimentation, innovation and out- system which shall be able to will improve and supervise the Department of School Education colleges so that these would of-box thinking but to attain the create a vibrant knowledge 'readiness' of children to receive is charged with theall the develop into either an novelties the government needs to society and at the same time primary education. functions of governance and Autonomous degree-granting take strong steps of implementation. gives due respect to deep The concept of primary regulation of the school education College, or a constituent college of It will require determination, political rooted Indian ethos and education in local and regional system which results in a university. Another will, repudiation of any individual or values. language till class 5 is a good ineffective management. The revolutionary step proposed in the group interest in the path of move to encourage regional new policy has proposed only policy is 'light but tight' regulatory implementation. languages but introducing 'monitoring and policy making' in framework carrying out the Greater flexibility in UK Visas and Immigration this year United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced greater Additionally, staff also carry out preventive measures such as disinfecting flexibility in visa rules, allowing students to apply for visas when they are high-contact surfaces, body temperature screenings, use of hand able to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their studies, with health sanitisers, regular hand washing, etc. precautions throughout the visa system along with visa services partner To limit disruption caused by ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, VFS Global, to ensure a comfortable and safe environment throughout the UKVI is allowing incoming international students to apply for study (Tier visa application process. 4) visa when they are due to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their Study visa applications for the UK can be made in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru course. This means students who have already gained admission can begin (Global Tech Park only), Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Kochi, their courses online and apply for a UK study visa when they are ready to Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (Mahalaxmi only), New Delhi (Shivaji do so. David Ratcliffe, UKVI Regional Director, South and South East Metro Stadium only), and Pune. Asia said: “For those travellers, our message is clear: your safety is our In order to ensure a safe environment for customers and employees, VFS highest priority. Throughout the visa application process and your travel to Global has established standardised protective measures to be followed the UK, we are taking measures to ensure you are safe and secure. In across all its UK Visa Application Centres. To ensure health and safety addition, the new Graduate Route is guaranteed to open next summer – norms are followed, the centres have implemented a mandatory online meaning those students heading to the UK this autumn will be able to appointment system, besides checking body temperature of all customers apply for 2 years additional post-study leave to kick start their career in the at the entrance, and maintaining physical distancing measures. UK.”

10 Curriculum September 16, 2020 Edu Leaders Viewpoint ‘How the new education policy has addressed the challenges in the old education policy' By SumitaAmbasta, Founder & Trustee: Plaksha University 2020 is a year for disruptions The most significant shift tion. The policy outlines a range of the revisvate and ions in the go abroad every year. By building and reconstruction. The embedded in the NEP2020 is the proposals for elementary education Higher Education policy. The India as an educational hub, and pandemic has resulted in renaming of the Ministry of emphasizing foundational literacy setting up of a National Research strengthening the knowledge unprecedented reviewing of the Human resource Development to and languages in early years. To this Foundation to develop a culture of economy, the NEP envisages a larger ways in which we view policy. the Ministry of Education. With goal it emphasizes the need for research by providing funding and more ambitious vision than any In India, a new Educational this move, the policy makes it strong teacher education. The goal and coordination for research by past policy. However, while the goal is Policy, The NEP2020, released clear that citizens are not human of school education is to start with different agencies, academic to spend up to 6% of the GDP on on July 29, 2020, after 36 years, capital alone, and shifts the focus activity-based education and institutions and private and education, a historically tall task. has been met with enthusiasm, to a knowledge economy and slowly moving to critical and philanthropic organizations can Covid-19 and the contraction of the curiosity and a healthy level of sustainability. It is important to multidisciplinary education, in a support the Higher Education economy might present challenges to skepticism and criticism. It's view the document as a way to sharp move away from the arts, sector to create peer reviewed, such plans. vision is ambitious: signal change in policy direction commerce and science streams of and innovative research. While in school education, higher education. Public school education the NEP2020 opens the doors for The intentions and goals on paper are “National Education Policy education, vocational training in India has been left behind for international universities to enter encouraging and seem progressive. 2020 envisions an India-centric and teacher education and not as decades, aiding the rise of a private the country, policies regarding The challenge in India, like with education system that contrib- a blueprint for implementation. school and education market, this still need clarification. One of everything else, will be one of aligning utes directly to transforming The policy will be fully opera- making the issue of affordability of the biggest challenges for such the interests of different stakeholders, our nation sustainably into an tional by 2030-2040, asthe education for marginalized international universities as seen and hence of implementation. With the equitable and vibrant knowl- herculean task envisaged in populations a big one. Some in countries like Singapore are inclusion of many voices in this policy, edge society by providing high- implementing these policy unverified sources of data state that twofold: One in terms of a path has been set to imagine India as quality education to all.” changes is evident in this long- private schooling has moved from adaptation to the local needs and a knowledge economy. The policy term implementation timeline. 30% of the student population to culture, and two in terms of seems to shift from a two-tier structure India's Education system is the Nothing will happen in a hurry, almost 48% in 2018. By strengthen- affordability. The issue of cost and of colonial education; one for the second largest in the world, and the strength of the policy will ing the pedagogical concerns, and relevance will push all private as elites, and one for everyone else. If the second only to China. Therefore lie in how well it is implemented. emphasizing teacher education for well as public universities to NEP2020 succeeds to do that in action, the process of producing a public schools, the NEP makes a redesign their curriculum, and then it would be a progressive view to policy for a democratic country The NEP makes some bold policy commitment to public education, in focus towards research, and how democracy is enacted, through becomes an exercise in large changes for school education in a move that can have long term better-quality teaching. The gross critical thinking, through innovation, debate. The policy is the first moving from a content-based effects on social and class mobility. enrollment ratio in higher and lived knowledge. The issue of comprehensive Educational education to a pedagogical education is 26.3% and will see a social cohesion towards one goal of Policy since India's liberaliza- approach, much more in line with The higher education sector has rise, opening up opportunities for building an equitable, knowledgeable tion in 1991, and the resultant global trends. By providing been given unprecedented many educational players. and caring society through education economic reforms that marked guidelines for a language policy, flexibility in creating interdisciplin- However, in combining voca- will be the determining factor. a shift from a centralized but in leaving the decisions up to ary education, an academic back of tional skills with a flexible higher economic planning model to an states in its implementation, there credit, many exit points to suit education structure has the opening of markets to global- is an intent to align with people's goals. 3- and 4-year potential to create employment, ization, and hence addresses the educational research, but degrees, 1- and 2-year masters skilled workers, and expand the needs of a completely different language issues have always programs, and an overarching focus knowledge economy. According country from the one in 1986. been fraught. This is no excep on research and technology frames to MEA, almost 11 lakh students Schools as stakeholders of society should tackle poverty as a challenge; at our school, we're making effort Alka Kapur development goal no.1 No provide opportunities to the paving way for आत्मनिर्भर रभारत initiative where teachers and Poverty which intends to “End young learners to become aware i.e a self reliant and a sufficient students bring roti packets, fruits etc. As long as poverty, injustice and poverty in all its forms every- and sympathetic towards their India. and deposit in the Roti bank of the gross inequality exist in the where.” Poverty is a multidi- underprivileged brethren. In addition to this , Modern Public school, which later is distributed to world, none of us can truly mensional social issue which Engaging in social work, School, has also been collaborating the needy. The school has opened its exist.” …Nelson Mandela bereft human beings of their donation activities, visit to the old with innumerable organisations gate to the nearby slum children who basic needs and holds them back age homes and orphanages, which work selflessly and tirelessly can't afford to have quality educa- To achieve a better, peaceful, from achieving their full making hand made things can to remove this blot of poverty from tion. A free learning space is more equitable and a sustainable physical, emotional, social and facilitate to achieve a society of the society. The MPS family has provided to them where they can world, the United Nations economic growth. Rightly equality and inspire them to work taken many initiatives to deal with play and learn and develop entrepre- designed a set of SDG goals, quoted by Nelson Mandela, the hard and come up with scientific this issue and contribute our bit to neurial skills . These children also which are to be achieved by the champion of Human rights, \" we and technological solutions to make this city, country and the pay their visits in many of the school year 2030. Hence it becomes our human beings cease to exist, if erase this misery. world, a peaceful and a prosperous programmes wherein they have fun moral duty to act now to make a poverty and inequality exist Our school, Modern Public home for every being. Education is a with the school students. better tomorrow and a more alongside with us.\" Since School, Delhi as a responsible tool to lift people out of poverty and Eradicating this blot of poverty is not humane and sustainable world poverty has emanated from the member of the society, has been provide them an opportunity to live a one man's job nor it is a one day for everyone to prosper. social environment, the solutions following and implementing the a decent life . affair. We need to work consistently Poverty is one of the hindrances also lie in it. very spirit of this goal proudly MPS , cherishing this same ethos, and tirelessly with a smile on our on the path, towards attaining the Education alone can combat the and zealously, since it was has been part of the Interact Cub for face spreading positivity and sustainable globe. Eradicating underlying structure of poverty. brought to light by the many years. It is one of its kinds gratitude all around . We all need to poverty in all its forms remains Schools have the capacity to International Forum. The school which not only prepares students for come together to achieve this one of the greatest challenges make a significant contribution has brought entrepreneurship into technical and scientific skills but sustainable goal of NO POVERTY. facing humanity. To eradicate towards the achievement of SDG mainstream education through also works for the welfare of the We are happy and privileged to place this roadblock, United Nations goals. They can play a vital role myriad of activities. Furthermore, society. The school carries out a brick in making the path, towards has brought forth the sustainable in addressing this grave issue. it promotes vocational education donation drives wherein the achieving this goal of Equality and Schools provide a platform by giving exposure to different Modernites donate clothes, food, No Poverty, a small initiative in the where the young budding skills like Horticulture, Beauty & books and some utility items like journey of making a Sustainable generations can interact with the Wellness, Health care, Tourism hand towels, moisturisers, creams, World. educationists, intellectuals and etc . The students quite often hair oils and soaps with their experts in educational and social interact with the experts in these underprivileged friends on regular Alka Kapur, Principal Modern life to understand the origin of fields and get hands on training. basis. MPS has also joined hands Public School Shalimar Bagh is the cycle of poverty and how we The idea behind this entire with “Roti Bank” an NGO which CBSE and State Awardee. Expect as responsible citizens can work venture is to create more works to provide food to those for minor headline editing, we have with the government to tackle entrepreneurs with an ability to people who can't afford to have two not edited the write up. Views this issue.Also, Schools can create employment rather than meals a day .It is a wonderful expressed are personal absorbing the existing jobs, thus

Curriculum September 16, 2020 11 Higher Education update HBSP lists Amara Raja Group's HRM Practices; IIT Roorkee to share expertise with Odisha The case study developed by IIM Ahmedabad University of Agriculture and Technology Harvard Business School perform at world class levels have Way®” that was evolved and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R) has signed a Memorandum Publishing has listed an been the hall mark of this institutionalized over the years of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha University of Agriculture and educative case-study based on organization. We are proud that was another major force in making Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneshwar to generate frontier technologies and Amara Raja Group's HRM our model of generating non- the Group as a people driven produce quality manpower in the field of agricultural research and education practices, titled - “The Amara migratory employment and at the growth organization. The People for addressing the challenges faced by the rural communities and improving Raja Group (A): Building HRM same time our people processes, in Practices and Processes that has their quality of life. The MoU was signed by Prof. Ajit K Chaturvedi, Capabilities”. Impressed by the creating a world class evolved well through the years and Director on behalf of IIT Roorkee and Dr. Pawan Kumar Agrawal, Vice- effectiveness of the Amara Raja organization has been made to a that is amenable to the infusion of Chancellor, OUAT. Dr. H. Patro, DPME, Mrs. L. Mohapatra, Registrar, and HR Organization structure and case study by one of India's top latest developments will augur Dr. S. K. Dash, Dean CAET were present on the occasion. the culture, the case study was Management Institute IIM- well for the future of Amara Raja. According to the MoU, both institutions will collaborate in research developed by Professor Biju Ahmedabad and now being listed The organization itself is currently programmes where IITR and OUAT would work jointly in the field of Varkkey, IIM Ahmedabad and by HBSP is humbling” at juncture of generational change Agriculture in the field of Genomics, Transgenics and Metabolomics, crop PhD Student of IIM Trichy, Ms. P r o f . B i j u Va r k k e y, I I M and is well poised for improvement, Information and Communication, application of Sensor in Farheen Fathima. Professor Biju Ahmedabad said, “I was transformation with people at the agriculture, information and communication, IT-based societal development Varkkey initiated a deep dive impressed by the simple down to center. and related aspects of Agriculture leading to the creation of rural livelihood study with the support of earth approach at the highest Prof. Prakash Gopalan, Director of opportunities. The MoU has been signed for five years. Jaikrishna. B, President (Group levels of leadership, who at the TIET said, “We see this “The agricultural sector is the foundation of the Indian economy and the HR) and the HR team, into how same time were highly committed partnership as a step towards largest employer in the country. Low farm income, climate change, and low the HR design model works and to produce world class products, providing our students with better productivity are some of the potent challenges in the sector. We are glad to the factors behind the success. using world class technology. The opportunities in their careers. partner with Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology- one of the The case study also discusses the people-connect of the Founder Being a pioneer in engineering oldest agricultural research institutions in India. The partnership will strengths and areas of Chairman was unmatchable. The education, research, and augment the government's efforts towards capacity-building and will be a improvement of the functioning leadership of Jayadev Galla as innovation, and ranked 27th step forward in achieving the goal of 'AatmaNirbhar' Bharat” said Prof. Ajit of HR withinAmara Raja. Vice Chairman of the Group, amongst top universities by the K Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee. Prof. Biju Varkkey went on to making people as one of the Ministry of HRD, we wanted to After signing the MoU, Dr. P. K. Agrawal, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT develop a case study on the strategic asset and the build a strong foundation for our expressed that this collaboration will create new avenues for success of HRM Practices of the commitment of the top leadership students with the latest technology interdisciplinary research with the involvement of scientists from OUAT and Group, published it in 2018 and it in making Amara Raja, a people trends. This collaboration with IITR. Several farmers' problems can be solved with the outcome of this became a case study to be used in oriented organization is Xebia is to strengthen our students' MOU. It is in line with our vision to provide socially sensitive, the prestigious institution IIM, outstanding. I was also able to see capabilities and equip them with environmentally responsible, and economically beneficial education, Ahmedabad. Looking at the the same heightened energy and the knowledge of the latest research, extension, and outreach services in agriculture and allied sciences. value of the case in imparting enthusiasm in the next generation technology to make them industry- Besides, there will be joint research projects having common interest to both insightful learning to students of promoter family members Mr. ready. Xebia is a global enterprise, the institutions. and practicing managers, IIMA Harshavardhana Gourineni and specialized in Digital The MoU entitles both institutions to establish mutual relations between selected this case to be Mr Vikramadithya Gourineni with Transformation and emerging their scientific and technical divisions and create facilities for the exchange recommended to Harvard whom I interacted recently. The technologies and therefore we of scientific technologists and experts and their proper placement. As per the Business School Publishing, leadership and commitment of JK believe our students will also MoU, a Joint Working Group will be set up with representatives from both which is the global platform of (Mr. Jaikrishna) as Group HR benefit from Xebia's knowledge institutions to meet once in two years to review the execution of this MoU Harvard Business School to Head and the HR leaders across and experience.” and recommend necessary measures for its development. promote learning. Listing in businesses on 'People and Culture Anand Sahay, CEO of Xebia, said, HBSP provides a global reach to Building' was inspiring. I deeply “Our focus at Xebia has been to Krea University establishes Atal Incubation the case, and educators across the appreciate the openness of the strengthen the industry-academic globe can adopt the case in teams to receive feedback and the alliances and help improve Centre 'Catalyst' in Jaipur various courses. urge to make it better for the employability in students by Commenting on the publication future, without which, we couldn't training them on emerging Krea University has set up an Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), Catalyst, under of the case study at a global level, have made this study with technologies. We have the aegis of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which is a flagship initiative Jayadev Galla, Vice Chairman, constructive criticism for learning experienced the need for skilled of NITI Aayog. Established as a Section 8 entity, Catalyst AIC seeks to Amara Raja Group said “We purposes.” manpower and are always looking accelerate innovative, disruptive and inclusive tech solutions for the last have always believed that we are Amara Raja Group was one of the for bright students who can join mile. Over a five- year period, the program will work towards building a an organization that has excelled earliest adopters (2007) of the Xebia, upskill themselves and get robust support system for entrepreneurs working to enhance livelihood at getting ordinary people do famous Dave Ulrich's model of industry-ready. Our collaboration opportunities for underserved segments in rural India, with a focus on rural extraordinary things. Our strong HR Organization Structure with with TIET only fortifies our belief artisans. philosophy of non-migratory HR Business Partners, Centers of in our course design and approach Home to a 200 million-plus strong artisan community, India's handicrafts employment, which was the Expertise and Shared Services. towards industry-specific training and handloom sector is deeply linked with its cultural heritage and is a crucial Vision of our Founder Chairman The group has made significant education. We aim to hire students pillar to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas. With the Dr. Ramachandra N Galla, our time and effort to make this model from this programme, provide exception of a few supply chains, the sector is largely unorganised, and commitment to skilling our successful and was one of the key them internship and placement artisans have poor access to formal capital, weak exposure to new predominantly rural workforce factors in the exponential growth support to make them a part of our technologies, and markets. Inclusive tech applications, combined with and setting up systems and of the Group. The culture of the future workforce.” relevant livelihood initiatives, can bring artisans into the fold of the formal processes that enable them to organization “The Amara Raja economy, nurture greater inclusion and growth in rural areas. The Catalyst AIC focuses on solutions that seek to strengthen access to Keeping students engaged has been a colossal digital financial services, improve supply chain management, skill challenge for teachers throughout history development and workforce management, among others. It is unique in its value proposition as it provides startups with real-world test environments to “Covid-19 seems to have turned great opportunity for all our subjects are. The knowledge rapidly test, iterate and deploy their solutions and integrate data-driven the teaching profession on its teachers to 'make an impact' on a delivery modes established by insights on their consumer segments to improve product design and delivery. head. As we celebrate Teacher's larger audience. Keeping schools must ensure an overall Located in Jaipur, the Catalyst AIC offers a dedicated incubation space of Day 2020, a big thumbs up and students engaged has been a development of their wards. With approx. 10,000 sq. ft. to incubatees. As part of the incubation program, gratitude to the teaching staff colossal challenge for teachers Covid-19 overstaying its selected incubatees will receive support in identifying target customer world over. Post lockdown, they throughout history. Online welcome and schools segments, piloting solutions, access to domain experts and fine-tuning adapted to online teaching classes have raised the bar higher. overcoming the tech challenge, business models, drawing on Krea University's thought leadership and platforms with such ease. They This I believe calls for a greater focus shifts back on teaching research centre LEAD at Krea University's deep expertise in field-based need our assistance now. Schools collaboration between teachers methodologies, course content research. Drawing on a broad spectrum of partners from the IFMR-Krea would do good to incorporate & parents. At home, parents are and delivery. It is time for ecosystem, the Catalyst AIC incubation program will also facilitate relevant continuous learning equally responsible for providing teachers to take the stage once partnerships with educational and research institutes, corporates, startup methodologies for their teaching a viable environment for their again and lead this education ecosystem players, and investors. staff. Thus regulating online children to take up online classes. revolution” by Nilesh Gaikwad, teaching techniques across their They must monitor their children Country Manager, EDHEC SRMAP's liaison with Northeastern board. Knowledge sharing during these classes. Business school among teachers can help iron out Developing socio-emotional University, Boston the finer issues. An online world skills & peer-to-peer learnings knows no boundaries. This is a among students is as vital as other SRM University-AP now has formed a liaison with Northeastern University, Boston, USA, with a vision of mutual endeavours towards the advancement of education and research. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed recently in this regard between the two universities.The following activities are possible with the current MoU that has been signed- ·Mobility of faculty, scholars and students between Institutions ·Joint teaching, research, or cultural activity ·Student services and support ·Professional development programmes for faculty and staff. ·Program based partnerships ·Joint development of ongoing and new curricula and academic projects & Collaboration in academic publications and other materials of mutual interest

12 Curriculum September 16, 2020 Higher Education update Shiv Nadar Univ researchers develop Sulfur copolymers Mukesh Patel School of Technology as an alternative cathode material Management & Engineering It will be India's first sustainable including tech gadgets, drones, reflects Shiv Nadar University's Lithium-Sulfur Battery electric vehicles (EV) and several commitment to addressing receives ABET Accreditation Technology leveraging elements more that depend on such challenges of local and global of Green Chemistry. New battery batteries. importance, and help elevate SVKM's NMIMS's Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & technology has potential to offer The new battery technology has Indian research on the global Engineering (MPSTME) received ABET Accreditation for 5 programs - up to 3x energy density and is been developed after an extensive map.” B.Tech. degree programs in Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, more cost-effective and research of five years by Shiv Elaborating on her research work, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Mechanical environmentally sustainable Nadar University's Associate Dr Bimlesh Lochab,said: “The Engineering have been accredited by Engineering Accreditation than what is currently available Professor in the Department of research focusses on the principles Commission (EAC) of ABET while B.Tech. in Information Technology has for common use Chemistry, Dr Bimlesh Lochab. of Green Chemistry to find a been accredited by Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET, Shiv Nadar University, Greater The research reveals that this Li-S solution that addresses the the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and Noida and an Institution of battery technology – once put into requirements of industries and the natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Eminence (IoE) as chosen by the production – will be significantly environment, simultaneously. The NMIMS is the first engineering institution in Maharashtra and in Western Government of India announced cheaper and sustainable, while capability of 3x energy density, India to receive ABET accreditation for its programs. NMIMS will join a the development of a technology offering up to three times higher coupled with being a significantly small number of elite universities around the world to receive this honour. of Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) energy density with intrinsic safer technology, holds the ABET accreditation assures that programs meet global standards and batteries. The research will aid flame-retardant properties. Dr promise of accelerating the produce graduates that are ready to enter critical technical fields and lead the the production of cost-effective, Lochab's team has partnered with adoption of clean, battery-led way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare compact, energy-efficient, safe Indian Institute of Technology- energy across multiple domains. and safety needs of the public. and environment-friendly Li-S Bombay's Professor in the For example, an electric car with a On the occasion, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, NMIMS said, batteries, offering a viable Department of Energy Science 400 km range using conventional “ABET evaluation involved careful scrutiny of what the students learned in alternative to Lithium-ion and Engineering, Dr Sagar Mitra, Lithium-ion batteries can now their degree program, curriculum details, faculty qualifications, adequacy of batteries commonly used at to use this research for the quadruple its range to 1600 km on facilities and compliance with norms expected by engineering professional present. The Li-S battery development of a Li-S battery a single charge with this societies like American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American technology by Shiv Nadar prototype. technology, while being compact Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Institute of Electrical and University leverages principles Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh, Vice- in size and much safer to use than Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and Computer Science Accreditation Board of Green Chemistry, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar traditional Lithium-ion batteries. (CSAB). Accreditation of five programs is a huge achievement for the incorporating usage of by- University, said: “It is a very proud To put this in perspective, it could school. “ products from the petroleum moment for all of us at Shiv Nadar mean driving from Delhi to industry (Sulfur), agro-waste University. This breakthrough Mumbai on a single charge and Hinduja Foundation launches 'iCare' elements and copolymers such as research by Dr Lochab underlines still being left with power.” cardanol (a by-product of cashew the need for clean energy solutions The new battery technology More than 5500 students were impacted through online education as part of nut processing) and eugenol at a time when our dependence on synthesises a bio-based molecule, this initiative in which 608 employees from 11 Hinduja Group Companies (clove oil) as cathodic materials. battery-operated devices has capable of commercial-scale participated in the volunteer from home programme. The volunteers It has the potential to aid multi- increased manifold. It is one of our production. The research includes conducted 197 online sessions and submitted 112 offline learning videos billion dollar industries priority areas of research that a new type of cathode for Li-S which was uploaded on iCare's YouTube channel Hinduja Foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, launches 25th AIMA convocation ceremony held online 'iCare: Volunteer from Home'initiative that engages Hinduja Group Companies' employees as COVID-19 warriors. The mission was to reach out At the 25th convocation of All Dr Nishank declared that the new regulation to go online though to the deprived and the underprivileged students across the country and India Management Association curriculum of management and AICTE had faced stiff resistance deliver quality education. As part of this initiative, employees of all Hinduja (AIMA) held online on Aug 20, engineering institutes would be for two years in digitalizing the Group Companies including Ashok Leyland, Gulf Oil, Bharat Financial, 17 students were presented PhDs developed in partnership with the approval process. NXTDigital, Hinduja Foundation and Hinduja Tech among others were in Business Administration, a industry. He also stated that now given an opportunity to interact with students of government schools and course run by AIMA in onwards 50% of the students of Dr Sahasrabudhe said that giving their families across the country and engage with them in a wide range of partnership with Aligarh Muslim IIMs and IITs would work with online degrees will enable rapid activities through technology based online and offline interactive modes. University. AIMA's flagship the industry during their studies. growth of gross enrolment ratio in With the programme being underway, the foundation looks to progressively Post-Graduate Diploma in India's higher education. It would examine the possibility of enhancing the scope of the program to support its Management was presented to “Now, we will stop both talent and be difficult and expensive to set up (Road to School) RTS target group of 80000 kids across multiple states. 603 students. The Post-Graduate patent from leaving the country,” new physical universities in big Diploma in IT Management was the Minister proclaimed. He cities and towns, he pointed out. The interaction of the volunteers under iCare program was through given to 13 students and 925 pointed out that 7.5-8 lakh Indian He applauded AIMA for technology whereby the volunteers, while staying at home, had a choice to students were awarded students go overseas looking for pioneering the open and distance conduct 30 minutes sessions using live audio/video calls or pre-recorded certificates and diplomas for their future and, in the process, Rs learning model in management in audio/videos sessions using commonly available communication mediums, completing various short and 1.5 lakh crore flows out of the the country. thereby ensuring accessibility to all the beneficiaries. specialized management courses. country. “India is contributing to As part of this initiative, children were engaged in diverse activities that More than 3000 students, the excellence of other countries,” “Now, curriculum revision has to focused on helping them learn subject-based content better and build skills academics and delegates attended he remarked. He added that the be annual and new courses have to critical in these challenging times. These included 'fun with math' activities the virtual convocation through proof of our education's be added all the time,” AICTE and others that centred on the theme of COVID-19, which were aimed at video conferencing and social excellence is that the CEOs of Chairman said. He pointed out that generating awareness on preventive measures to be taken during the media channels. Google and Microsoft studied in AI, machine learning, robotics, pandemic. In addition, story-telling sessions, poetry sessions, mentoring India. 3D printing, AR, VR, cloud and sessions, wellness sessions and craft activities kept students interested and Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, data analytics were among the gave a boost to their self-esteem and confidence while also nurturing their union Education Minister, who The Minister said that India would new subjects that needed to be physical and emotional wellbeing. was the chief guest told the lead the online education added to higher education, and for The programme covered more than 8 states namely — Rajasthan, students that India's $5 trillion revolution and efforts would be that the faculty had to be trained Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Tamil economy would come through made to offer online courses from first. He informed that AICTE had Nadu, Telangana. In order to reach out to students from different them. He added that when India the world's top 100 universities. been able to ramp up faculty geographies, 6 different language preferences were offered wherein the achieves the $5 trillion economy He appreciated AIMA's initiative training substantially by holding highest number of sessions were undertaken in Hindi, followed by Tamil. target, 1.5-2 lakh new managers in promoting online education and workshops online during covid. Learning Links Foundation, an NGO working with several of the Hinduja would be needed in the country. testing, and asked the Last year, AICTE had managed to Group Companies, also extended its support to the iCare program by organization to promote the train 9,600 faculty in the physical implementing all the on-field volunteering activities.ental, and social- The Minister said that the New objectives of the NEP. mode whereas in the past three emotional health a priority during these challenging times.” Education Policy (NEP) was the months, it had trained more than foundation stone of a new golden AICTE Chairman, Dr Anil 18,000 faculty. COACHING INDUSTRY floats advocacy/ lobbying India. “The NEP is India centric Sahasrabudhe delivered the and technology centric,” he said. keynote address of the AICTE Chairman said that though platform- Coaching Federation of India (CFI) He pointed out that India would convocation. He appreciated questions were being raised about be the first country in the world to AIMA for holding the country's the effectiveness of online The recently formed Coaching Federation of India (CFI) will be the first introduce Artificial Intelligence first entirely online convocation. education, the experience of large- industry governing body aimed at protecting and furthering the interests of as a subject from the 6th standard He pointed out that covid had scale shift to online classes during classroom coaching industry which is projected to touch USD 500 million in in school. allowed higher education and covid had shown that the quality next couple of years. “CFI has been formed to safeguard the interests of all of education was not affected if the the stakeholders primarily students, parents, teaching and education management professionals,” noted a statement of the new body. CFI comprises of members from the leading coaching institutions across the country like Bansal Classes, ALLEN, Vidyamandir Classes, etc. who have joined hands to represent this supportive industry critical for the success of a student Speaking on the formation of CFI, Vaibhav Tiwari, CFI President said, “Coaching is a pivot around which the education system revolves. It assumes the form of a shadow especially for deserving strata of our student community enabling them to achieve their career goals. Their importance, thus, can't be understated. With the coming together and the formation of CFI, we are hopeful that the incumbent government will acknowledge our industry and bring out favourable reforms to strengthen the coaching industry.”

Curriculum September 16, 2020 13 Useful News ACCA and BIMTECH collaborate to launch NEWS YOU CAN USE PGPX-Professional Accountancy programme Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) changing environment. GMAC is Participation Certificate from The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Birla 2021 to be held online on building on this effort in India, ASDC andAutobotAcademy. Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) will jointly start a January 3 providing test center options with The Program is specifically PGPX-Professional Accountancy programme, where students will be social distancing protocols along designed to build the industrial taught key skills such as business model planning, strategic thinking, Xavier School of with the option for candidates to knowledge development decision making and digital ecosystem and applications, which are the Management,one of India's take the online proctored exam experience with most basic need of the hour to be future ready professionals. premier B-Schools today from the comfort of their home. concepts for the development Commencing in September 2020, the PGPM-International announced the date for the Entering its sixth year, the NMAT and calculation of an Electric Accountancy Programme is a 13 month programme that BIMTECH is upcoming Xavier Aptitude Test by GMAC exam has opened Vehicle while performing the inviting applications for currently. This programme can be opted by a (XAT) 2021 to be held on 3rd doors for candidates to apply to calculations for one at the same CA candidate or a ACCA student who has completed 9 ACCA papers. January, 2021. XAT 2021 global schools in India, time. This course will also The PGPX-Professional Accountancy programme is an integrated registration has started from 12th Philippines, South Africa and benefit building your fundamen- programme for 15 months, commencing in October 2020. Both of the September 2020. The last date of Nigeria. tal base and will give a fine programmes are recognised byAICTE. applying is 30th November 2020. guideline that how to select the Commenting on the collaboration, Sajid Khan, Head of International The duration of the test will be of Gaurav Srivastava, Regional suitable powertrain for EV Development, ACCA said, “The ACCA qualification is forward- three hours, i.e., from 9:30 AM to Director, South Asia, GMAC applications. thinking and delivers the cross-sector accounting and finance 12.30 PM. said, “At GMAC, we are The key learning benefits from knowledge, skills and professional and ethical values needed in all Candidates who are holding a committed to creating best-in- this course: organisations and every industry. ACCA is delighted to partner with recognized Bachelor's Degree of class products and services for Industry-focused modules BIMTECH which is one of the oldest educational institutions in the minimum three years duration or candidates and schools. During Concept development on EV country and shares values with ACCA. We look forward to working equivalent in any discipline and these unprecedented times, we technology closely with BIMTECH to help their future business leaders get access those completing their final have added a number of test Hands-on learning using to rewarding careers in Accountancy, Finance and Management here in examination by 10th June 2021 enhancements for candidates that calculations, problem state- India and globally. may also apply. All Indian include an online option of taking ments and case studies 20 Hrs of Dr. H. Chaturvedi, Director - BIMTECH said, “We are excited to partner candidates must appear for XAT the exam from the safety of their Project-based learning with ACCA to introduce forward looking courses for our students. In 2021. However, NRI and Foreign home in addition to taking it at Quiz and Assessments Live today's era, the industry requires professionals with a good mix of candidates may apply through test centers where available. Q&A session accounting and management skills. These programmes will cater to the their GMAT scores. GMAC is committed to enabling Gain a dual certificate from enormous demand of the skilled professionals who need to be ready to XAT 2021 will accept applica- our schools to recruit top talent AutobotAcademy andASDC face business challenges in any field.” tions for XLRI Jamshedpur and and this year they will have the Who Can Apply for this XLRI I Delhi-NCR campus. A ability to roll out early admission Program? JK Lakshmipat University launches BCA candidate can choose two offers to students as NMAT Any Undergraduate students preferred test cities for the test. scores will be available to them Any Post Graduation student program More than 89 institutes are using within 48 hours of a candidate Any industry professional who the XAT score for their respective writing the exam.” is new to EV technology JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur has commenced Bachelor of admission process. Some of the unique features of the Entrepreneurs are interested to Computer Application (BCA), a 3-year program to train and guide exam that help candidates gain knowledge of EV students to a career in Computer science. The program is open for XAT 2021 will be conducted perform better, assess their “Gaining knowledge Electric students coming out of schools with one of the subjects as Mathematics, from 185 centres all across India performance and play to their Ve h i c l e D e s i g n a n d Physics, Economics, Accountancy, Computer Science, and Informatics in the following cities – Agra, strengths with added convenience Development will impact every Practice. The university is offering BCA in the field of Data Analytics, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Ambala, and flexibility this year are: possible aspect of the automo- Cloud Computing & Cyber Security and Robotic ProcessAutomation. Amravati, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Long testing window bile industry. So, if you are The course will also enable students to cash in on the great opportunities Berhampur, Bhatinda, Bhilai Equal weightage to all sections working in an enterprise or an in government and private jobs in various domains right from Web Nagar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and no negative marking Auto industry vertical that is on Developer, Web Designer, Network Administrator, System Manager, Bokaro Steel City, 108 questions instead of 120 the leading edge of digitization, Computer Programmer, Software Developer to Software Tester Chandigarh/Mohali, Chennai, questions while exam duration I encourage you to take depending on the skills a student has acquired during BCA. Coimbatore, Cuttack, Dehradun, remains 120 minutes advantage of the Electric In this program, the students will acquire knowledge through live Delhi-NCR, Dhanbad, Two retake opportunities to Ve h i c l e D e s i g n a n d projects, internships, graduation projects and eventually they will also Dibrugarh, Durgapur/Asansol, improve score Development Program that is get an opportunity to study at globally reputed institutions in the USA or Ernakulam, Gandhinagar, Goa, Instant score preview and official being made available now,” said UK. Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Gwalior, score card within 48 hours for Ashwini Tiwary, CEO Autobot “These graduates will be the best for the industry and society. Students Hooghly, Hubballi(Hubli), Candidates and Schools Academy also have an option to go for higher education in MCA, MBA post BCA. Hyderabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Testing options at test center with This gives them an additional edge against equivalent graduates,” said Jaipur, Jammu, Jamshedpur, social distancing norms & online IGNOU July 2020 Dr. R.L. Raina, Vice-Chancellor, JK Lakshmipat Kannur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Kota, proctored at home Kottayam, Kurnool, 52 conveniently located testing session: Admission, Kurukshetra, Lucknow, centers across 62 Indian Cities & Ludhiana, Madurai, Mangalore, 4 international centers re-registration dead- TCS iON announces the 3rd Edition of Mumbai, Mysuru(Mysore), The NMAT by GMAC™ is a line extended till Nagpur, Nashik, Patna, Pune, computer-based exam and has September 30 IntelliGem Raipur, Rajahmundry, Ranchi, three sections – Language Skills, Roorkee, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Quantitative Skills and Logical Indira Gandhi National Open TCS iON IntelliGem is a pre-designed, methodological test which helps Siliguri, Surat, Reasoning. The testing window University (IGNOU) has once young learners develop relevant transferable skills in five key areas – Thiruvananthapuram will open the first week of again extended the deadline to Creativity and Innovation, Communication, Financial Literacy, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupathi, November2020 and extend apply for admission and re- Universal Values, and Global Citizenship. Tiruvallur, Udaipur, Udupi through the of January 2021, registration for July 2020 The 3 stage contest, a national-level contest for students in class 5 to 9, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vijayawada, allowing candidates to choose the session. Students can now apply includes of Qualifying Round comprising of online assessments from Visakhapatnam, Warangal.. exam mode, date, time and till September 30. Moreover, the the comfort of homes, Pre-Finals in a Phygital mode & a National level The details of XAT 2021 are location of the exam as per the last date to register for online grand finale. Winners and finalists of IntelliGem have a chance to win available at https://xatonline.in/ candidates' convenience. programmes and ODL exciting Cash Prizes, New age toys, Trophies, Medals and Certificates, programmes has also been Books & Subscriptions as well as Leadership Training. The top- NMAT by GMAC™ exam Certification program on extended till September 30. performing schools will also receive School Excellence Awards and Earlier the last date to apply was gain national recognition. registrations to open until Electric Vehicle Design & September 15. Candidates can The registrations of the third edition of TCS iON IntelliGem are now apply online for all programmes open for schools across the country and will close on 15th Oct 2020.For Nov 30 Development at ignou.ac.in. more information and to register your school, log on to The programmes offered by http://intelligem.tcsion.com/ The Graduate Management September 16, 2020 - IGNOU include all Apart from winning exciting cash prices, the participating students will Admission Council (GMAC), Announcements undergraduate, postgraduate, also have access to free and fun-filled learning material inclusive of administrator of the NMAT by The Automotive Skill diploma, certificate, PG digital booklets on 21st-century skills, webinars, puzzles, games and GMAC™ exam and a global Development Council (ASDC) Certificate and much more. The students will also have the chance to IntelliGem proves association of leading graduate announced the launch of its new appreciation/awareness level to connect with industry veterans and helps them broaden their learning business schools, has announced premier training and certification programmes. horizons. the commencement of NMAT program on Electric Vehicle Further, an IntelliGem Quotient Report will be provided to participants exam registrations from Design & Development with providing them with a personalized assessment on their knowledge and September 14, 2020 to Autobot Academy. The course understanding of 21st-century skills. November 30, 2020. From the will start on 21st September 2020 outset of COVID-19, GMAC's and the last date of registration is singular focus has been to help 19th September 2020. On candidates and schools continue completion of this program, to operate in a virtual, ever- candidates will get a Program

14 Curriculum September 16, 2020 Entrepreneurships/ India Skills Shipping sector upskilling to be jointly undertaken Role of Trainers both essential & crucial in by MSDE & Shipping ministry skilling: PM Modi With umpteen focus laid on new-age skills.” teaching aids, continuous lifelong Speaking at Kaushalacharya Samadar 2020, Narendra Modi praised nation's skilling and building quality In consultation with the ports and learning, recognition of prior trainers for their remarkable efforts in building the skilling ecosystem during manpower in the shipping sector maritime sector, MSDE will also learning, teaching methodology, the second edition of Kaushalacharya Samadar 2020 where 92 skill trainers and address the increasing need develop relevant course qualifications, credits, technology were awarded under the five categories- Long term training, short term for skilled workforce in the ports curriculum, content in use, learning systems and training, Jan Shiksha Sansthan, apprenticeship and entrepreneurship training and maritime sector, the Ministry conjunction with the suitable research, etc. in the skill The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Sep 10 of Skill Development and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). For development field organized a digital conclave for the second edition of Kaushalacharya Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and example, Tourism and Hospitality Facilitating the enhancement of Samadar 2020. A total of 92 trainers from diverse backgrounds across The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) Sector Skill Council (SSC) for skill levels of personnel in priority geographies from different categories such as Entrepreneurship training, have signed a Memorandum of Cruise Tourism, Logistics SSC for areas through setting up of Trade National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS), Jan Shikshan Understanding (MoU) for logistics, Agriculture SSC for Specialization Centers/Centres of Sansthan (JSS), Short Term Training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas creating a robust framework fisheries, Strategic Manufacturing Excellence especially for Ports & Yojana (PMKVY), Long Term Training under Directorate General of driven by the concerted efforts of & Capital Goods SSC for ship Maritime sector Training (DGT) and Industrial Training Centres (ITI) were felicitated at the the two ministries. The building, ship repair and ship Setting-up Multi-skill digital conclave held on Sep 10. collaboration will provide a breaking, other appropriate SSC Development Centres for higher Prime Minister Narendra Modi's addressed the conclave. In his written pathway to existing and retired for Dredging, Offshore supply order skills in collaboration with address, Prime Minister congratulated all the awardees. PM stated that it is employees of institutions under chain, tsunami preparedness, DGT or NSDC through PPP model the government's skill agenda to create a workforce that matches the global MoS to work as assessor or multi-task assistant technician and for skill training demands and with this vision, several efforts have been undertaken to enable trainer basis the training under more. MSDE will facilitate access Facilitating Training of Trainers a strong skill development ecosystem. The whole nation has come together relevant courses. Basis the and leverage its existing (ToTs) and Training of Assessors under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission and it is also the need of the hour to assessment, the ministries will infrastructure at Industrial (ToA) through empanelment with be self- reliant for every Indian, as we live in the changing times. There are establish a coordinating Training Institutes, National Skill relevant SSCs or through any other many sectors witnessing the growing demand for skilled youth. This is an committee to monitor and Training Institutes (NSTIs), mechanism opportunity for our young workforce to convert the present challenges into manage the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras Raising the quality of work in opportunities and become the strong pillars of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. It is the MoU. MSDE will also assist (PMKKs) and other training institutions under MoS to hire integral that we lay enough emphasis on skilling, reskilling and upskilling. in mobilizing of private sector centers to train manpower skilled and certified personnel, The Skill Ministry's 'Kaushalacharya Samadar', an annual event embraces and CSR funding for skill required as per the skill gap putting in policy for incentivizing and recognizes the contribution made by skill trainers in the vocational development efforts in the port analysis with a focus on the needs skill training and certificate in training ecosystem and maritime sector. of river districts, backwater recruitment process and districts and coastal districts. certification of RPL (Recognition Shahani Group launches Banking Skills The partnership will help in The support in funding the of Prior Learning) of skilled/semi- effective implementation of implementation of various skilled people Initiative training modules, assessment skilling initiatives wherever Maximizing apprenticeship and the certification process of applicable and feasible under the training in coordination with The Shahani Group in association with the Sindhi Chamber of commerce, the candidates. In crucial times Sagarmala Mission will be NSDC and DGT, as permitted has tied up with the Nanaji Deshmukh Foundation and Atal Seva Kendra, to like these, there is an immense extended by the MoS. Under the under the amended Apprentices launch the Banking Skills Development Initiative. The institute aims to need to build strategies for partnership, MoS will facilitate Act, 1961 provide employment for 1,000 young professionals in the first phase, which skilling, reskilling and upskilling implementation of activities will then be extended to 5,000 professionals in the second phase. In the workforce in key sectors. related to skill development and India's StudyIQ recognition of the project by Ask.Careers, the Banking Skills Development MSDE will identify existing upgradation not only through Initiative was launched by Devendra Fadnavis, Former Chief Minister of Qualification Packs and develop institutions under MoSand Education got 100 Maharashtra. new Qualification Packs - autonomous bodies but also The Banking Skills Development Initiative will impart training to fresh National Occupational through the involvement of million views graduates and final year students, to improve their employability for banks Standards (QP – NOS) aligned private sector. and financial institutions. Under this programme, students will be trained for with NSQF levels for various job MoS will also facilitate the Delhi-based StudyIQ Education, a period of 1 month (to be conducted online), following a preliminary roles in the sectors as per the identification and availability of an edtech start-up focused on the selection test. Upon completion of the course, they will be provided with the existing demand of ports and infrastructure that can be government exam preparation opportunity for white-collar jobs with leading banks and financial maritime unit. leveraged for development of skill space, has achieved a major global institutions in Mumbai. With its vision to create a skilling development centers and milestone. It crossed 100 million Speaking about this initiative, Dr. Akhil Shahani, Managing Director, The ecosystem of global standards, utilization of the same as In-situ monthly views (90 million on Shahani Group said, “ The Banking Skills Development Initiative comes at a MSDE will perform the mapping Training hubs. This would include YouTube & 10 million on its' time when many across the country have lost their jobs and are facing of curriculum to QP – NOS for developing 5-10 shipping cabins mobile app), which is higher than constraints in getting another due to the lack of job-specific skills. In the standardized training delivery to deploy remote training and the combined views clocked by aftermath of the pandemic, the banking and financial sector is undergoing through selected training practical whereby instead of flagship channels of its' 4 key rapid evolution, to adapt to a 'new normal'. Through the Banking Skills partners of National Skill investing in developing classroom global & Indian competitors. Development Initiative, we aim to create a pool of skilled and future-ready Development Corporation training infrastructure, some ships StudyIQ Education YouTube banking professionals, who will be able to lead the sector to its rightful (NSDC). can be customized with mobile channel now boasts 8+ Million position in the Indian economy.” Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Skill classrooms to deploy training to subscribers and is arguably the Development and remote areas. most preferred choice for millions Edubridge India sets up in-house digital arm Entrepreneurship minister, said, Maritime Transport is an across India aspiring to get a “Maritime transport is a critical imperative for the social and government job. It's mobile app E-ON segment that propels the economic development of a launched in April'20 has already economic development of our country. It influences the pace, clocked 1 million+ downloads. EduBridge India, skill development and vocational training organization is country. This strategic structure and pattern of Remarkably and in a first for the marking its entry into the Educational Technology space through E-ON, the partnership with The Ministry of development. The Ministry of ultra competitive edtech space in-house digital arm. It will provide learners a high-quality education from Shipping is also derived from the Shipping encompasses within its dotted with hyper-funded players, the comfort of their homes, anytime, anywhere, and with any device. same motto. It is aimed in the fold shipping and ports sectors StudyIQ has been able to achieve Launched on 5th September on the occasion of International Teachers Day, it direction in which our initiatives which include Shipbuilding and this milestone without burning aims to train an additional 15 million youth from different corners of the support our workforce by Ship-repair, Major Ports, National cash to acquire views/subscribers. country in the coming years. skilling them and builds their Waterways, and Inland Water The venture has been profitable India has more than 15 million youth, who are looking to enter the workforce competencies up to global Transport. since its inception and has 200+ each year but are not employable (Labour Ministry, GOI). In 2020, COVID- standards. It is my belief, that Other significant outcomes courses catering to 120+ 19 has only aggravated the situation. With the global paradigm shift towards with the right assistance, training under the MoU are: government exams. Virtual Learning, there is a clear need for players in the market who not only and exposure our youth will Facilitating development of port train the workforce of the country online but also help them get their dream reach newer heights and will and maritime sector through jobs. E-ON will help in accelerating this by reaching out to every corner of contribute in the growth of the TVET agreements signed for skill India through their high-end skill and career development programs. shipping sector. I congratulate development with international The online education market in India was valued at INR 39 billion in 2018 the Ministry of Shipping for partners and is expected to reach INR 360.3 billion by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of undertaking this endeavor which Providing best practices from ~43.85% during the 2019-2024 period. Also, the government has proposed will help create a job-ready relevant institutions in public and providing about Rs 99,300 crore for the education sector in 2020-21 and Rs workforce and support in private sector pertaining to 3,000 crore for skill development in this year's annual budget announcement. imbibing both- traditional and We expect to be able to capture a significant part of the Online Education and Skilling market and impact over a million youth over the next 2 years through 250+ courses delivered by 5000+ trainers online.

Curriculum September 16, 2020 15 News Updates NASSCOM FutureSkills® and Microsoft AI ICS Career GPS, a mobile app to offer expert career counseling to Modern Public School youngsters across the country especially in small cities and towns. This Skilling initiative aims to skill 1 million app empowers both students and parents by providing them the much- launches Book Writing needed authentic information and helping them make informed choices. students in AI by 2021 The ICS Career GPS guide users get the latest information about Club campuses (worldwide), courses, eligibility criteria, emerging trends and As part of its ongoing efforts to promote skilling as a national priority, career paths. The user can also opt for a personalized career counseling In a bid to promote literary NASSCOM FutureSkills and Microsoft have joined hands to launch a session, which is free as of now owing to the Covid scenario. enthusiasm among the students nation-wide AI skilling initiative. The initiative aims to skill 1 million Dr Amrita Dass, Founder-Director, ICS, and a leading educationist and and help them improve their students inAI by 2021. career consultant, said, “In the 35 years of my counseling experience, I reading and writing skills, The collaboration will provide Microsoft's AI, machine learning and have found that the ideal approach to move from confusion to clarity and Modern Public School, Shalimar data science expertise to students through easy to consume modules make informed educational and career decisions is to know yourself, Bagh, New Delhi, announced the including live demos, hands on workshops and assignments. These inform yourself and plan for yourself. The ICS Career GPS handholds launch of a Book Writing Club on introductory sessions on AI will be available for undergraduate students as well as professionals, through these easy and essential steps to 8th September, the International students at no cost and will cover the basics of data science, machine bring instant career clarity.” Literacy Day. learning models on Azure, and understanding of cognitive services to The expansion of ICS Education Ltd. into app comes in wake of build intelligent solutions. company having raised USD 320,000 (about Rs 2.45 crore) in funding By establishing this club, The partnership with NASSCOM FutureSkills is an extension of from an angel investor, Rishi Bagla – promoter of Bagla Group. This Modern Public School will be Microsoft's global skilling initiative to help 25 million people strategic partnership is keeping in view geographical expansion and able to give literature-oriented worldwide acquire new digital skills, needed to thrive in a digital entering new markets by directly taking its robust counseling and students a platform to showcase economy. guidance services to millions of students and parents across the globe. their skills to a wider audience - Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Rohini Srivathsa, National not to mention that this will also Technology Officer, Microsoft India, said, “As economies start to Microsoft developing program on Quantum aid the students in building their recover from the pandemic, expanded access to digital skills will be co-curricular profile besides the one of the key drivers of an inclusive economic growth. Technologies computing skills training for 900 faculty mem- academic one. This would be in like AI are becoming enablers for every business today, making the line with the recent CBSE need for creating an AI ready ecosystem vital for India's economic and bers from India guidelines that have stressed the social value creation. Microsoft is deeply invested in creating a digital importance of student participa- skills ecosystem to equip India's youth with AI-ready skills for Microsoft is creating a new program to build quantum computing skills tion in non-academic activities, evolving job-roles and our partnership with NASSCOM FutureSkills and capabilities in the academic community in India. As part of this such as art, literature, and sports, is a strong step in that direction.“ initiative, Microsoft Garage is organising a 'Train the Trainer' program in as it is essential for the all-round Speaking on the launch, Amit Aggarwal, VP & CEO, IT-ITeS Sector collaboration with Electronics and ICT Academies at Malaviya National development of the students. Skills Council, NASSCOM said, “With disruptions and shifting Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur and National Institute of The growth of digital media in customer preferences changing technology and skill sets in demand Technology, Patna. This program will train 900 faculty from Universities recent years has reduced there is a rise in new job roles and occupations; skill sets are rapidly and Institutes across India through E& ICT Academies at Institutes of children's ability to process emerging as must haves for current and prospective tech employees. National Importance such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, information critically. Critical The joint initiative with Microsoft aims to not only build future AI MNIT Jaipur, NIT Patna, IIIT-D Jabalpur, and NIT Warangal, equipping thinking skills help students skilled talent but also nurture job creation through constant reskilling academics with the required skills to start building their quantum future. achieve more than a cursory and upskilling for the years to come. We should look at this as a golden The training program will be conducted virtually, from August 24 – Aug understanding of any topic and opportunity for students to imbibe AI and enhance their current skills 29, 2020. The program will also cover practical coding for participants they also help them form their sets to be future-ready.” using Microsoft Q# & Quantum Development Kit. own opinions. When a person Commencing from September 21, 2020, the AI Classroom Series will The quantum training program through the E &ICT Academies, supports reads and writes, he/she be paced in three modules.The online classes will include live demos, an initiative by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology processes information in a much hands-on workshops and assignments through self-learning, virtual (MeitY) to enhance the skills of the academicians in imparting next level better fashion as compared to instructor-led training, and mentoring. The teaching sessions will be technological skills for future generations. Key themes that will be watching television. conducted by various experts, including experts from Microsoft and covered include – an introduction to quantum information, quantum Another major advantage of NASSCOM. Students will have the option to choose from multiple concepts such as superposition and entanglement, processing of indulging students early in time slots and plan their own learning pace. Registered students will information using qubits and quantum gates, as well as an introduction to literary activities is that it helps also have access to content and developer tools from Microsoft and quantum machine learning and quantum programming. them develop good communica- GitHub. A participation certificate from NASSCOM and Microsoft Quantum computing applies the properties of quantum physics to tion skills. Having a solid will be awarded to students at the end of the series. process information. Quantum computers will enable new discoveries in understanding of languages and The partnership will also steer collaboration with various academic the areas of healthcare, energy, environmental systems, smart materials, knowing how to express oneself institutes and colleges to integrate new cloud and AI technologies into and beyond. Microsoft is bringing the capabilities to develop for this clearly and precisely is some- the curriculum, with a vision to make India the global hub for skilled quantum future, to the cloud with Azure Quantum. Azure Quantum is an thing that has become highly talent inAI. open cloud ecosystem enabling developers to access diverse quantum desirable among corporations. software, hardware, and solutions from Microsoft and its partners. It is This is also something that would IIM-K & WileyNXT collaborate to launch AI, built on Azure, a trusted, scalable and secure platform, and will continue become more and more desirable to adapt to Microsoft's rapidly evolving cloud future. Moreover, it in the future as the individual Blockchain and Design certification programs delivers the ability to have impact today through quantum inspired markets merge into one global solvers running on classical hardware and to explorations on classical market and people from different The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with hardware using the open source Quantum Development Kit and the Q# backgrounds would need to education company WileyNXT will launch three executive programs- programming language. interact with one another Advanced Management Certification in Transforming Customer Inaugurating the program, Reena Dayal, Director, Microsoft Garage efficiently. Experience with AI and Design, Advanced Management Certification India & Chair for IEEE Quantum SIG, said, “Quantum computing holds “Time spent learning reading and in Blockchain and AI for Fintech and Advanced Management the potential to solve some of the most pressing issues our world faces writing skills is an investment in Certification in Services & Supply Chain Transformation. today. Through this program, we aim to equip academia in India with the the future. The students would Each program is targeted at the professionals in the domain of requisite knowledge to develop a comprehensive quantum learning not only develop an invaluable Technology, Data, Marketing and Supply Chain in a wide array of curriculum in their institutions and help develop these skills among some skill-set by joining the Book sectors such as Fintech, Manufacturing, IT, Retail or Service industry. of the brightest minds in the country.” Writing Club, but they would also These programs will offer a joint certification from WileyNXT and Prof. Pradip K Jain, Director, NIT Patna said, “The COVID situation has be able to develop other facets of IIM Kozhikode along with Executive Alumni Status to the partici- given an opportunity for going digital with this program. This partnership their personalities as well. As an pants. will ignite the passion in faculty members who will in turn share the educational institution, we've Announcing the tie-up, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM knowledge with their students.” always kept the future of our Kozhikode said “Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain have the students at the center of our ability to revolutionize the banking sector and strengthen security. The Turnitin comes up with plagiarism checker tool attention and the inauguration of current crisis of COVID-19, combined with rising security and the Book Writing Club is another privacy issues, has intensified the need to foster 21st century skills to 'Turnitin Originality' step in that direction. I am quite meet the emerging challenges of post-covid world. We are delighted to positive that the students will collaborate with WileyNXT to launch this program to help fulfill our Turnitin, a leading edtech company has launched a comprehensive pounce at this opportunity and goal of preparing our future workforce for Industry 4.0.” academic integrity solution called Turnitin Originality that combines the benefit greatly from it,” said Alka The 8-month intensive learning programs will provide experiential text similarity checking functionality such as contract cheating and teach Kapur, Principal, Modern Public learning experience by integrating concepts alongside business students the value of original thinking skills. School. content. Vikas Gupta, Managing Director, Wiley India said, “This Turnitin Originality uses comprehensive technology to help deter partnership is an amalgamation of WileyNXT's global standard unoriginal work and support students in learning how to properly courseware and andrological methodology co-curated with an attribute ideas and concepts to others. When reviewing submissions, experienced industry advisory council and the academic excellence of Turnitin Originality examines whether the work is similar to other known IIM Kozhikode. These rigorous certification programs are meant to text, or if it has indications that it was not authored by the student. This equip professionals with Industry 4.0 skills.” data facilitates conversations between instructors and students about how to discover and express their authentic voice. ICS launches Career GPS Mobile App for The need for this combined solution is clear: as schools and universities move to online instruction, they must be even more thoughtful and students and professionals holistic about their approach to academic integrity.This best-in-class plagiarism checker tool will help institutions in addressing the whole Lucknow-base Institute for Career Studies (ICS), on Aug 15 launched spectrum of plagiarism types. “Supporting academic integrity is a multi- layered process of setting expectations, providing tools to students so

16 Curriculum September 16, 2020 NewsPlus 12th grade student innov1a2teths Eg-rriacdksehsawtuidnetont 9-years old girl writes her book innovates - The Adventures of Anvi E-rickshaw into Ajnaa Dvivedi, in all nine years of age from Delhi and a class V student, during the recent lockdown, sat to author her first book of more than 20000 garbage collection vehicle words in 120 pages. The line illustrations were also done by her. A year back, she had requested her mother Vertica Dvivedi to gift her mini- blogging page where she can pen down her thoughts and share with the world. That was the starting of Ajnaa's writing. She is an avid reader who loves to be called a 'bookbird' instead of the usual 'bookworm'. Though most of her book was complete during the lockdown and beginning of unlock period in New Delhi, a lot of finishing work and illustrations needed her time when the school started. Her father did not like the way she was staying awake at night and getting late to get up in the morning. Ajnaa says, \"I felt bad to get scolded but it is for my good. With this book, I will make Papa feel proud of me.\" The fiction, 'The Adventures of Anvi - not an ordinary beginning' is the story about struggles, love, hope, and friendship. Ajnaa has dedicated this book to animals of the world who are as much a part of this planet as we are. One step away from a full-fledged novel, it is about a little alien girl who rises from being different & disliked to being strong & confident. The story takes the readers through different instances & characters to tell that we Seventeen-year old, Trishlaa will be e-rickshaws that would be she adds while acknowledging cannot do great things without taking responsibility. Love makes the world Gupta, a resident of Delhi and a manufactured for this kind of that the experts from the Grade 12 IB student of the The work as well but when she started neighboring workshop were very go round. It is also about pain & loss. The author Ajnaa Dvivedi has created the plot around the possibility. Shri Ram School, Moulsari, enquiring, there weren't. She helpful and lent technical Intense characterisation is seen in The Adventure of Anvi. It is like a peep Gurgram, has converted an E- wrote to several manufactures, assistance to her. All this work into the imaginary world of children where possibilities are greater than rickshaw into a garbage but all said, there is no such took place during lockdown pain. The description of this book ends with, 'Will Anvi be able to keep her collection cum transportation design. “Several rejections later, I period. promise?' Ajnaa Dvivedi's book promises to make the readers want for vehicle in her colony and has was delighted to receive an email “Having finished building the e- more. She says, \"I have worked very hard to write this book during also applied for a patent for from Hero Electric—they agreed rickshaw last month, I am now lockdown. I wanted to make it possible for a 9-year-old to do so. I think mechanical compression to donate a disassembled working closely with the Resident children would love to read books written by children. It is about our world, innovation for an Electric passenger-rickshaw prototype for Welfare Association (RWA) of in our way. Do read my book.” Rikshaw. my project. And even though it my residential enclave to ensure Her school has conferred upon came with lead-acid batteries smooth implementation of this Teacher specific NGO launched in Maharashtra her the Innovator Award of this instead of the fast-charging initiative and hope one day, these year and she is loving every bit lithium-ion ones, I couldn't have type of vehicles become part of International Teachers Guild Foundation, a non-profit company set up in of attention she is getting both been happier!” our municipal waste management August this yaear, with the objective of teacher empowerment was in her neighborhood and school Once the prototype was system,” she says. Obviously, launched by Sanjay Dhotre, Union Minister of State for Education, due to this green initiative. assembled, the next step was to after she wrote and shared with Communications, IT, on Teacehrs Day through a webinar. The company is Talking about the idea of this design a load body and a her school, the project outcome, promoted by Shripad Joshi, Jameet Kaur, Ajit Singh Arora, Vindo Tewari special vehicle, Trishla credits compression mechanism that the school lost no time in and Neet Nagarkar. LEARN - CONNECT – SHARE is the motto of it to her cycling hobby. “Just would prevent the dry leaves from recognizing her as the Innovator International Teachers Guild Foundation as it aims to connect like-minded before the Covid lockdown, blowing off. The design went 2020. A STEM enthusiast, she people who specializes in the field of education. The organization aims to when I was cycling in our through multiple AutoCAD hopes to contribute more towards build a resource center for the educational needs of various bodies by residential colony, I'd always iterations, which she did herself. safe environment as she grows up providing a range of facilities including information, latest research, catch the sight of this rusty, Finally she settled on the final and moves in life. training, ideas, solutions, and counseling. tuta-foota (broken) old diesel design, using a linear screw load carrier talking garbage and instead of the initial horizontal rod spilling it over besides releases that was more susceptible to leaf- WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME PART OF noxious smoke fumes. So, clogging. “As soon as the design whenever, I encountered it, I was ready, I shipped the raw wished I could do something materials to a local workshop, INDIA'S EDUCATION STORY! about it. And then, the idea of where we built and welded the electric vehicle struck my load body and compression mind,” she says. mechanism on top of the Initially she thought that there passenger-rickshaw prototype,” Cymatic launches 5DAssessment Framework' for K12 learning You can advertise in curriculum magazine or and also put an Re-imagining the role of Technology in education, Cymatic, a Bihar advertorial highlighting your company/services/campus/ products etc. based EdTech start-up became the first company in India to launch '5D This will greatly support your marketing effort and enhance your Assessment Framework' for K-12 learning. visibility and recall value with your current and potential clients This framework can customize evaluation from expert teachers and help students understand their progress under five dimensions: OUR FOCUS purpose, student engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment for student learning, and classroom (peer) environment and culture. — We cover latest news, product launches, current events and trends This tool can be used as a lens for observing progress and growth, and — News features, Guest Articles, Expert columns help students deeply analyze their strengths and weaknesses, thereby — Career counselling, Skill India, Entrepreneurships allowing to work on the exact gaps affecting their studies, in their — School/College /university events learning curve. — Achievements by students, faculty, institutions To further ease learning among students, Cymatic has also announced — Education Technology — Study Abroad the launch of their Live Video Interactive class along with 24*7 — Institution/people profiles Doubts assistance. The Live Video interaction will allow room for peer learning as well as generate personal coordination between students and teachers, giving each individual an equal opportunity to voice their opinions. This feature will also assist the teachers in monitoring and assessing the users, forming a reference point for the 5D assessment. Additionally, the 24*7 Doubts Assistance will enable students to solve their doubt at their convenience, encouraging them to keep their