Delhi
Gender equality initiative
New delhi, september 10. Women depicted in roles traditionally associated with men and men performing household chores are some of the changes proposed to be incorporated in textbooks of Delhi government schools.
In a huge step towards promoting gender equality, Delhi’s State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) conducted a comprehensive audit of 53 textbooks and curriculums to identify gender biases and stereotypes in academic material.
An audit committee comprising personnel from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Delhi University, central institutes of education, and several NGOs analysed textbooks and curricula, identifying gender prejudices and stereotyping in school textbooks.
The committee flagged male-dominated content, illustrations and language and the depiction of women in submissive roles.
Arunachal Pradesh
Kendriya Hindi Sansthan
Itanagar, september 25. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the state government will provide land for establishment of a regional centre of the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, an autonomous organisation under the Union education ministry.
Addressing students during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Hindi faculty of Rajiv Gandhi University, Khandu said: “Our government’s proposal for establishment of a regional centre of the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan in the state has been accepted by the Centre and now sufficient and suitable land needs to be provided for it. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the North-east which has adopted Hindi as its lingua franca.”
Odisha
Ragging investigation
Berhampur, september 23. An investigation has been ordered after some first-year postgrad hostel students of Berhampur University in Ganjam district alleged that they were ragged by seniors.
In a complaint submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC), several first-year post-graduate students alleged that senior students had entered their hostel rooms around 11 p.m on the night of the incident.
The seniors reportedly interrogated them under the guise of “introductions” and continued asking questions, depriving them of sleep. The complainants, however, did not specify the names of the senior students involved.
On receiving the complaint forwarded by UGC, the university promptly launched an inquiry. Addressing a press conference, vice chancellor Geetanjali Dash said: “UGC has instructed us to investigate the matter and provide an action-taken report, which we have already submitted. We are committed to maintaining a ragging-free campus and have taken appropriate action to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
Chhattisgarh
Hindi medium MBBS
Raipur, september 14. Formal Hindi-medium medical education (MBBS) will be offered statewide from the academic year 2024-25. Chhattisgarh is the country’s second state after Madhya Pradesh to offer medical education in English and Hindi.
Addressing a press conference on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said his government intends to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to provide medical education in Hindi. “Our government has taken a big decision on Hindi Diwas. The MBBS programme will also be taught in Hindi with textbooks in Hindi introduced in the first year. The health ministry has been requested to provide books and study materials. This initiative will especially benefit students from rural areas since they are from Hindi-medium schools.” he said.
Assam
New IIGJ campus
Guwahati, september 23. The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), which has established campuses in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Varanasi and Udupi, is all set to inaugurate its sixth campus in Guwahati. A partnership agreement was signed between the North-Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDCL) and the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Addressing a media conference, NEHHDCL advisor Sriparna Barua said: “IIGJ will bring its skilling expertise to the Northeast, helping to implement the PM Vishwakarma initiative, which offers specialised training and business development support to artisans and entrepreneurs.”
Himachal Pradesh
Exposure excursions
Shimla, september 18. Eligibility criteria are being drawn up for sending meritorious class X and XII students on exposure excursions across India and abroad, said state education minister Rohit Thakur presiding over a meeting of ministry officials.
“The government has resolved to send 20 students each from classes X and XII, including ten students excelling in sports, cultural activities, NCC, NSS and Bharat Scouts and Guides. Selected teachers will accompany these students on these excursions,” said the minister.