Union HRD Minister Smiriti Irani today asked National Bal Bhawan authorities to rope in children to create awareness about the 'Swachh Bharat' initiave at the local level through art and cultural programmes and celebrate cleanliness as a festival.
"I have requested Bal Bhawan authorities if they can celebrate cleanliness as a festival and in every district, Bal Bhawan teams can spread this message through art and inspire our children," Irani said at an event where 'Bal Shree Awards- 2013' were conferred on children for excellence in fields of performing arts, visual arts, creative writing and scientific innovation among others.
Later, the Minister told reporters since Bal Bhawan has centres in every district, she hoped the message of 'Swachch Bharat' initiative could be spread across the country through them.
The HRD Ministry is working with the Urban Development Ministry to carry forward the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign. Recently, UGC and CBSE had asked institutions to administer a cleanliness pledge to students and make them an active stakeholders in making India clean.
Noting some differently-abled children were among the awardees, Irani suggested a conference of teachers should be held to discuss how the talent of "children with special needs" can be developed.
During her interaction, Irani also said because of the
prevailing 'No Detention policy', "learning outcomes have been constantly falling".
Referring to recent reports about Bihar toppers not being able to answer questions, she said probably this was also one of the manifestations of the same issue.
To a question about the recent reports about Bihar state board exams, she again referred to the same policy.
Under the No Detention policy, which came into force during the previous regime, children are not failed till class VIII and various states have written to the HRD ministry to revoke it.
Irani's comments criticising the policy come at a time when the ministry is learnt have sought legal opinion on the issue.
Responding to a question on the inadequate standard of education in Amethi, from where she had contested the last Lok Sabha poll against Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Irani said she has asked the Bhim Rao Ambedkar University in Lucknow if it is possible for people of the area to provide low cost quality education.
"The way things have come out in Amethi as per a research survey, it is an indication that for years this area has been ignored education-wise," she said.
The Ambedkar University has set a satellite campus, she said, adding admissions are expected to begin from June.
To another question, pertaining to Delhi where AAP is in power, Irani said it was the only state government which has not finalised its higher education plan under the Rashtriya Uchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
"Delhi is probably the only state government, whose higher education plan we have not received," she said.
Referring to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) she said from next year Law and Medical colleges will also be ranked by her ministry.
She said during the process of ranking, when institutions uploaded date, there were cases where irregularities were detected and appropriate action would be taken.
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When asked whether her ministry plans to start a Vedic and Sanskrit board, Irani replied three different commissions had recommended it.
She said experts need to propose a pathway, only then such a decision can be taken.
Referring to a question as to why a panel of names including HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh to head the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad ( IIM-A ) was not accepted by HRD ministry, she said it had the right to assess valid reasons adding that such issues are often dealt at Joint Secretary level.
Responding to a question about the mushrooming of coaching centres, Irani said the IITs have assured in writing that the JEE exam will be based on Class XII level curriculum alone and thus the pressure on children to join such centres will be reduced.
She said states have been advised to create a transfer policy regarding teachers who have primarily taught only in urban areas and are reluctant to go to rural areas.
She said her ministry hopes to launch a programme 'Vidyanajali' in June under which ordinary people can contribute in schools.
She also claimed that the present government was much ahead of the UPA government in terms of grievance redressal with regard to scholarships and also granting scholarships.
