Majority of States but Bengal agree to new structure
The HRD Ministry on Tuesday received a shot in the arm as a majority of States, except for West Bengal, agreed to adopt a new grading system named Credit Framework for Skills and the Choice Based Credit System to facilitate seamless mobility of students across the institutions of learning in the country.
While Credit Framework for Skills signals respect for skills and vocational courses in mainstream higher education — an initiative that will help change the mindset about vocational education being an inferior option, the Choice Based Credit System opens up possibilities for students pursuing skills and courses of their choice to enhance their employability.
Terming it one of the best ways to bring about changes to meet student aspirations and employment needs, the Ministers or representatives of States endorsed guidelines at the meeting of all State Education Ministers looking after Higher/Technical Education. The meeting was chaired by HRD Minister Smriti Irani. “I appeal to the States to implement these two systems from the coming academic session. I also appeal the States to hold discussions with the vice-chancellors and principals and also appeal to UGC to provide guidance to the VCs,” Irani said addressing the Ministers.
Smriti accepted the suggestion of the Ministers from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to set up a Joint Working Group comprising Central and State Government nominees to sort out the critical issues in the implementation of the Credit Framework and the Choice Based Credit System. She also agreed to the setting up of a Grievance Cell in the UGC addressing challenges emanating from its implementation.
On the occasion, a presentation was also made on reforms in teacher education and the recently approved regulations of the National Council of Teacher Education for improving the quality of B. Ed. Courses. MoS HRD Upendra Kushwaha and Prof Ram Shankar Katheria were also present.
The Credit Framework for Skills in education by UGC was launched on the National Education Day. It was followed by a two-day national consultation with the best of Universities and Colleges implementing Community Colleges and Bachelors in Vocational Study Course, besides Career Oriented Courses on 6-7 December, 2014.
Referring to the new national education policy, Irani said a workshop will be held with State education Ministers next month in this regard and simultaneously views from a cross-section of the society including parents and their wards will also be included in drafting the new education policy.