Chandigarh Administration has its task cut out, vocational education to 50,000 children by 2025-26

Naina Mishra

Chandigarh, June 14

The Central Government has set a target for the UT of providing vocational education to over 50,000 students, starting from upper primary classes, in government schools in the city till 2025-26.

The target has been set under the five-year Perspective Plan for Samagra Shiksha, including year-wise outcome target, by the Ministry of Education.

As per the target, around 20,000 students will complete vocational courses and 25,000 students will be enrolled in vocational courses in Class IX to XII. Besides, 25,000 more upper primary students will be provided exposure to vocational education.

The aim of introducing vocational education in schools is to prepare educated and employable youth. Under the “vocationalisation” of school education, vocational courses are introduced along with academic subjects from Class IX to XII. Under this component, there is greater involvement of the industry in design, delivery and assessment of vocational skills.

An outlay of Rs 15.9 lakh has been approved for 106 government schools in Chandigarh to carry out activities related to exposure to vocational education for upper primary students such as a visit to a nearby industry or unit, interactive sessions or lectures and workshops by local artisans and craftsmen on local skills and crafts.

An amount of Rs 3 lakh was estimated for conducting job fairs in schools, which will provide students various vocational and career opportunities. An amount of Rs 23.25 lakh was estimated for introduction of vocational education in five schools — the GMSSS, Sector 23, the GSSS, Behlana, the GMHS, Sector 36, the GMHS, Sector 41-D and the GMHS, Sector 49.

Chandigarh has also been asked to ensure 100 per cent Net Enrolment Rate and Transition Rate. The dropout rate will be reduced to 0 per cent by the end of the five-year timeline. The dropout rate has improved over the previous year in Chandigarh. The UT has 0 per cent dropout rate now at the elementary as well as secondary level as per the UDISE 2020-21 data, whereas in the senior secondary level, the dropout rate stands at 4.45 per cent.

Improvement of infra on cards

• 78 schools to get e-classroom
• Six elementary and seven secondary schools to get sanitary pad-vending and incinerator machines
• Two elementary schools to get smart classroom
• Five schools to start vocational education