Open schooling system should eye vulnerable sections: Raju

"It has been estimated that at least 15 per cent of the relevant age group between 14 and 16 years will be channelised through the open distance learning system at the school level.

"This accounts for more than one crore children in the context to be provisioned for secondary level education through this alternative schooling systems, as many of them just cannot go to a regular school due to their socio-economic disadvantage," said HRD Minister M M Pallam Raju.

Therefore, open schooling system would have to take up this agenda "vigorously so that vulnerable sections of the society and those living in difficult contexts may also reap the benefits of education", he said at the 24th foundation day of the National Institute of Open Schooling.

The basic philosophy of such approach is to reach the unreached and unreachable, he said.

Talking about the challenges for skilling the youths, he said NIOS is working towards linking their vocational courses with the National Vocational Educational Framework.

Besides NIOS, there are 17 State Open Schools.

The function was also graced by former president APJ Abdul Kalam.