Educational Bodies

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has submitted a plan of Rs. 100 billion to University Grants Commission (UGC) to improve its academic standards and over all infrastructure. AMU is planning to offer 168 new courses apart from creating well equipped laboratories, new libraries, filling up more faculty positions and creating new sections in campus. AMU is one of the leading and prestigious university of North India, with a rich heritage and history. Since the inception of new technology and courses, university has progressed at a steady pace and now wants to expand & standardize its academic structure. The modernization plan was handed over to the UGC team, who recently visited the university campus.

Hearing the plea of group of medical aspirants, Delhi High Court has issued notice to Delhi University over its alleged failure to give reservations to OBC candidates in various courses. In their petition the group has alleged, that despite of apex court upholding the governments decision to provide 27% reservation to OBC candidates, Delhi University has not fulfilled the same and has refused to give quota to OBC candidates in various medical colleges. The High Court has asked DU to clarify, why have they failed to provide reservations to OBC candidates in various colleges.

100 primary schools run by Municipal Corporation Of Delhi (MCD) have been chosen for self defense classes for girl students. Selective schools have been chosen that are more prone to sexual abuse and physical violence. Students will be given Judo and Karate training, along with deployment of security guards in the schools. Female attendants will also be appointed to keep watch at sensitive areas in these schools. Deployment of security guards was planned much earlier by MCD during the upgradation plan of schools. Key areas have been identified, where security situation is under question and schools from these areas have been selected for the aforesaid training program.

Following the complaints of legislators in Assembly about non-conformance by CBSE/ICSE schools, Maharashtra government is all set to assert their increased authority over these schools. Legislators complain that despite fee hikes, state government does not have enough control on these schools. Currently, the state has limited functionary control over these schools and is only involved in granting No Objection Certificate (NOC), after auditing the land and resources to meet the minimum pre-requisites. Minister of State for School Education Hasan Mushrif, has indicated the government intentions to formulate a policy for greater control over these schools. If the aforesaid policy is implemented, state government will be in position to have more say in fee structure and similar important decisions.

So far the primary and secondary education institutes in India have strived to stay put to their own standards. Private schools and government-aided schools have set forth their own standards regarding school governance and therefore have remained away from a universal accreditation system. However, the foremost accreditation agency of India, Quality Council of India, has started approaching the schools to get accredited. The board, called National Accreditation Board of Education and Training, has developed the procedures for schools that seek the accreditation. Schools have to apply for the accreditation process, which is followed by the inspections and assessment by a team of professionals from the agency. Schools are supposed to be fully prepared for the inspections as the inspection team checks even minute details. In case the school or governance is found as non-standard the school is given suggestions to act upon. If the school succeeds in plugging the loopholes and provides the best practices, the school is awarded the accreditation. Is School Accreditation Necessary? School accreditation is not obligatory. But by getting accredited the schools can enhance and improve the quality governance and management in the school. The accreditation provides uniform standards and also helps in identifying well managed and provided schools in India. The system is based on similar pattern as those in US, Netherlands and Australia. The agency has a checklist and awards score to the respective schools. Some important parameters in the checklist include: Education Quality Management Governance and Management Resource Management Education Service Realization The school accreditation, once it is awarded is applicable for four years and after that renewal is sought by the agency.