Kerala
Challenged children sports program
Thiruvananthapuram, July 3. In collaboration with SCERT (State Council of Educational Research & Training), the state’s education ministry released an “inclusive sports manual” with the objective of promoting the track and field sports talents of differently-abled school children and ensuring their on-field participation.
“Steps are being taken to conduct competitions prescribed in the manual this year itself. A Healthy Kids programme which nurtures the physical and mental health of children by initiating them into sports and games, will be implemented for primary students of state-run schools,” said education minister V. Sivankutty addressing the media.
Moreover under an initiative to support autistic children, model autism complexes will be established in all 14 districts of the state at an estimated cost of Rs.37.80 crore, added the minister.
Delhi
Students’ crime scene visits
New Delhi, July 10. Delhi University’s (DU) forensic science postgrad students will soon be authorised to visit crime scenes as interns to examine forensic evidence. DU has mooted a proposal to the Delhi Police to allow them to visit crime scenes together with investigators.
DU’s faculty of anthropology has prepared the proposal tabled for approval by the varsity’s Academic Council, which will meet at month end. In a letter, the faculty has requested the police to enable forensic science students to acquire field experience. The proposal also seeks minor modifications in the curriculum of DU’s M.Sc (Forensic Science) course for final semester students to include visits to crime scenes through police stations.
Himachal Pradesh
Outstanding teacher awards
Shimla, July 14. The state government is all set to award teachers and school leaders for outstanding contribution to education.
“The objective of instituting these awards is to promote teaching as a career, encourage teachers to adopt best teaching-learning practices, and enhance the reputation of teachers within society,” said chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, addressing a press conference.
According to Sukhu, 24 teachers will be awarded in two separate categories. “In addition, six special awards will be presented to teachers who have made outstanding contribution towards innovation, implementation of state flagship programs, and special initiatives. Awardees will be shortlisted based on recommendations of a state-level committee constituted under the State Award Scheme,” he added.
Uttar Pradesh
Imperious teacher
Aligarh, July 28. Visuals captured on camera of a government primary school teacher in Gokulpur district sleeping in the classroom while her students waved handheld fans around her, have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage. Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh said that while the matter is being investigated, the teacher has been suspended.
Meanwhile, another video of the same teacher beating students has also surfaced. A probe by the Block Education Officer confirmed that the sleeping video and the footage of children being beaten star the same teacher, but the latter video footage was shot a few years earlier.
Assam
Inter-state cooperation
Guwahati, july 1: A 13-member delegation from Himachal Pradesh led by education minister Rohit Thakur, arrived in Assam’s admin capital for a detailed meeting with the state’s education minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu and team. The objective of the visiting delegation is to study innovative initiatives being implemented by Assam’s education ministry.
“This visit underscores the growing importance of inter-state cooperation to drive educational reforms, with Assam’s model providing valuable insights for Himachal Pradesh. The dialogue between the two states will pave the way for future exchanges and collaborative efforts aimed at enriching the educational experiences of students countrywide,” said Dr. Pegu, speaking on the occasion.
Arunachal Pradesh
Schools rationalisation programme
Itanagar, July 23. The state government has announced an initiative to close or merge over 600 government primary schools with zero or minimal enrolment. According to official sources, significant population shifts from remote areas to newly established circle and district headquarters has resulted in declining student enrolments in some schools.
“After thorough deliberations with all stakeholders, the government of Arunachal Pradesh has decided to merge 336 schools to create inter-village schools that can serve multiple neighbouring villages. This approach not only improves access to education but also allows more efficient use of educational resources and infrastructure,” said education minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, addressing a press conference. “We have also closed down 398 schools which had zero enrolment,” he added.
