Vocational Education under Samagra Shiksha
Vocational education had far reaching consequences in the context of providing skilled manpower enriched with entrepreneurial skills and competencies. The main objectives of this scheme were diversification of educational opportunities, reduction of the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled manpower and provision of an alternative of higher education. Skills necessary for self-employment and entrepreneurship are to be provided to all the students entering the field of vocational education. The Government is well aware of the important role of Vocational education and has already taken a number of important initiatives in this area.
The objectives of Vocational Education are:
- To provide diversification of educational opportunities so as to enhance individual employability;
- To impart education relevant to productivity, economic development and individual prosperity;
- To provide an alternative for those pursuing higher education;
- To attract a sizeable segment of population to varied vocational courses so as to reduce the rush to tertiary level of education;
- To prepare students for self-reliance and gainful employment;
- To fulfill the national goals of development and the removal of unemployment and destitution.
TARGET GROUP:
The students between the age group of 14-18 years, studying in the Classes IX and X for the Secondary schools, Classes XI and XII for the Higher secondary schools belonging to all sections of the society.
MIZORAM CONTEXT:
Being located on the corner most area of the country, Mizoram falls behind in several spheres as compared to the mainland. A petty thing which could be a usual day to day work for the mainland could be an obstacle in the state. Though the state has a high literacy rate, it is very sad note to point out that the state also has number of educated unemployed whose skills and knowledge has been unused. Keeping all these in mind, seeking alternate ways to solve unemployment becomes a ground reality for the state thus, it is believed that vocational courses from the secondary stage is an important catalyst for students to find job and make their ends meet.
Children with Special Needs(CWSN), girl child students and students who are not much scholastic in normal academic course were given top priority to join Vocational Education. In secondary schools and higher secondary schools, a number of students dropout from their normal studies due to weakness in normal academic studies. Therefore, they opt for job where they can earn and support their parents. If these students are given Vocational Education, they will definitely have the opportunity to develop their skills which will further help them in future challenges even if they dropout from schools.
Vocational education is taught as a 6th subject as per curriculum and courseware developed by PSSCIVE, Bhopal. The State Level Committee known as State Council of Vocational Education (SCVE) was reconstituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary of the State. SCVE is responsible for periodic review of the programme implementation.
Vocational Education was introduced in selected schools as per approval of Project Approval Board of the Ministry of School Education. Under Samagra Shiksha, we are having 14 Higher Secondary schools and 32 Secondary schools, a total of 46 schools where vocational course has been introduced.
Trades Introduced under Samagra Shiksha:
1. Agriculture
2. Apparel Made-ups and Home Furnishing
3. Automotive
4. Beauty & Wellness
5. Healthcare
6. IT&ITES
Assessment was done as per guidelines for competency based assessment and certification provided by PSSCIVE, Bhopal and adapted by the State Board and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and concerned Sector Skill Councils (SSC).
Introduction of Vocational education at the secondary and higher secondary level has been very fruitful for the students opting to pursue the scheme and vocational students were enjoying the opportunity to learn different trades. These students, by and large may not find government jobs but they are expected to be able to run their own business or get a chance to get a job in industries and companies which may give them a content life.
