February 6 and 7, VI State Meet at Kottyam(bachelor) for details please Contact Shalu John: 9400524282

Unexpected VHSE folding up

The move to wind up Vocational Higher Secondary Education (VHSE), as announced by Education Minister Abdu Rabb, has not gone well with parents, students and teachers who feel that more clarity is required in the matter.
“The proposal was made without proper discussions with stake holders and that too without any foresight or comprehensive vision. The perspective is not clear. Even the National Curriculum Framework of Yash Pal Committee Report in 2005 had recommended vocational education from Std IX to XII which would pave the way for job-oriented education courses for those in need. To augment it, community colleges or parallel centres of study can be set up,” said former Education Minister M A Baby.
When asked, General Education secretary M Sivasankar said VHSE schools would be wound up and vocational courses will be made optional at the higher secondary level.
“As it was found that most of the 42-odd courses offered at VHSE schools were not in demand, four market-driven subjects will be offered as optional as a 300-hour module course. In the first phase they will be offered only in 140 schools and 40 government colleges spread across all the constituencies, targeted at educationally and economically-backward students,” he said.
But the teachers, parents and students have opposed the move. “This was totally unexpected. That the vocational schools were set up after higher secondary came into being proves that they were set up for skill development and winning jobs. Once it is made optional its very aim and relevance are lost,” said Rajan, a teacher of Kaitharam Government Vocational Higher Secondary School.
Major subjects such as engineering and agriculture have been ignored. The new system will destroy the concept of VHSE, he said.
“The minister has taken a decision without holding discussions with the VHSC teachers or heads. The concept of vocational education will fade if they are made optional. Who will take the course and how many will land jobs,” he asked.
The vocational courses must be made compulsory in higher secondary schools, said Murali, a teacher of NIVHSS in Marampilly.
Parents and students are panic-stricken. “This was a bolt from the blue. We do not know whether new students can be admitted and are worried over the future of the present batch,” said another teacher.
Reforms are required but the VHS is doing a great job with many educationally and economically-backward students gaining skills and jobs. “The minister should have conducted surveys, discussions and made a practical decision instead of announcing it at an union meet. He should have helped boost the system,” said Manu Paulose. a parent. “VHSE should not be stopped, thanks to it my son and many others are doing apprenticeship now,” said a parent of an old student.
“The system should go on, it gives us a technical base and helps polish our skills and get jobs,” said Vinayak a student.
Crtsy: IBN LIve

Dies Non -may be recouped from the Salary of April - Sanctioning of casual leave - Circular



 Circular : Public Services-Dies-non on 28.02.2012-Non Availability of Public conveyance -
Sanctioning of casual leave and recouping of excess pay drawn -Clarification-Reg.
Ref:- G.O (P)No.47/2012/GAD dated 27.02.2012
                            
Government have examined the mater n detail and pleased to order that those who could not attend office on 28/02/2012 on the ground that there was no proper public conveyance may be granted casual leave after obtaining a written undertaking to the affect that they had no intention to participate in the strike
                                      
 Excess pay drawn in the month of February 2012 may be recouped from the salary for the month of April 2012