Articles by Niraj Pandit
BMC school denies admission to 7 students
Seven students from Dharavi, Mumbai, who were expelled from private schools for nonpayment of fees, have been denied admission to a BMC-run school despite legal provisions. The parents of the affected students, who are daily wage workers, sought help from the civic body's education officer and the child rights commission, but were unsuccessful. The private school management refused to issue school leaving certificates until the pending fees were cleared. The parents then approached the BMC-run school, but the principal asked the children to take an exam before admission and ultimately refused them entry.
Updated on Feb 12, 2024 06:42 AM IST
IIT-B students complain of construction noise
Construction noise at IIT Bombay's Hostel-11 is disrupting students' studies and sleep. The noise exceeds permissible limits and efforts to address the issue have been limited.
Updated on Feb 09, 2024 08:06 AM IST
Now, pre-primary, primary kids can catch up on sleep, start school at 9 am
All private and government schools in Maharashtra have been asked to change the timings of pre-primary and primary sections. Classes will now start at 9am and end at 2pm, causing concerns for school managements and parents. The change comes after a study on the impact of early morning classes on young children's sleep deprivation. The government has mandated that the change does not disrupt teaching hours. School managements and parents have expressed anxiety over the decision, with logistical challenges and concerns about the entry age for nursery. Some suggest schools should have the flexibility to decide on the matter.
Updated on Feb 09, 2024 07:42 AM IST
200 universities to introduce four-year UG programme: UGC chairman
Around 200 universities in India will introduce a four-year undergraduate program with an internship component from 2024-25, according to the chairman of the University Grants Commission. The move is part of the implementation of the New Education Policy and aims to provide students with different skill sets and job opportunities. The universities will also introduce a credit system, storing students' achievements in a digital platform called the Academic Bank of Credit. Additionally, three colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai have been granted autonomy by the UGC.
Updated on Feb 08, 2024 07:42 AM IST
Some BMC-run CBSE schools fail to attain 50% response for admissions
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has seen a decline in interest from parents for its CBSE schools, with some schools receiving less than 50% response for admissions. The model of having a single CBSE school in each ward is being questioned, and some parents are hesitant due to the extra financial burden and need for additional academic attention compared to state board schools. The BMC plans to conduct a lottery to allocate the available seats.
Updated on Feb 06, 2024 06:36 AM IST
CET cell opens doors for distance university graduates in law admission
The Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell in Mumbai has announced that students who completed their degrees through open and distance learning programs are now eligible for admission to the three-year LLB course. This decision comes after a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the previous restriction that only regular degree students were accepted. This move has been welcomed by students and law student activists.
Updated on Feb 05, 2024 07:02 AM IST
BMC announces ₹3,497.82 crore budget for education
BMC announced financial assistance to the 100 top scorers from BMC schools for their higher education where the civic body will provide ₹25,000 or college tuition fees whichever is higher per student per annum up to the degree education
Updated on Feb 03, 2024 08:44 AM IST
Free higher education proposed for female students with family income below ₹8 lakh
The state government has principally sanctioned the provision of free higher education to female students from families with incomes below ₹8 lakh, as announced by higher and technical education minister Chandrakant Patil
Updated on Feb 03, 2024 07:48 AM IST
BMC education budget: Civic body earmarks ₹3497 crores for financial year 2024
BMC has earmarked ₹3,497.82 crores for its education department for the financial year 2024-25.
Published on Feb 02, 2024 02:13 PM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai
Soon, VJTI to get university status, making it second tech varsity in city
A committee comprising faculty members is preparing a formal proposal based on a consensus, confirmed by multiple sources from the college. If the plan materialises, VJTI will be the second technical institution in Mumbai and the third in Maharashtra to be converted into a university
Updated on Feb 02, 2024 07:16 AM IST
Foreign grad faces hurdles in registering as doctor
A medical graduate from China, who passed the FMGE and completed a year-long internship, has been denied permanent registration as a medical practitioner by the Maharashtra Medical Council due to a two-year internship requirement imposed by a new notification. The graduate argues that the requirement does not apply to her since she cleared the FMGE before the notification was issued. The council has rejected her application twice and she is considering legal action. There are several similar cases pending with the council, which is currently operating without a committee.
Updated on Feb 01, 2024 07:46 AM IST
We shouldn’t fear China, says EAM Jaishankar on geopolitics shaped in ‘China’s way’
Jaishankar emphasised the need to help neighbouring countries during difficult situations. “We are the first country who helped Sri Lanka in its crisis,” he said. He further emphasised that rather than complaining about what China is doing, he said India’s response is, “Let me do better than that”
Updated on Jan 31, 2024 07:30 AM IST
IIT Bombay cancels lecture by GN Devy
IIT Bombay cancels lecture by Ganesh Devy, leading to concerns among students about the institute's practice of cancelling lectures.
Updated on Jan 31, 2024 07:12 AM IST
Invalid courses: Universal Business School in Karjat asked to repay fees to complainant students
Maharashtra's Universal Business School (UBS) has been ordered to refund fees to students after running BBA and BABM courses without permission. The education department has also fined the institute ₹5 lakh ($6,800). UBS had collaborated with Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK for the courses, but students found their degrees were not equivalent when they applied for higher education. UBS has appealed the order, but students also want equivalency for their degrees from the apex body.
Updated on Jan 30, 2024 04:57 PM IST
Maratha survey: Ticklish questionnaire, reluctant public make exercise painful
It is a challenging task as there is confusion among a section of public about the survey while others are refusing to part with information.
Updated on Jan 30, 2024 12:58 PM IST
BMM to introduce Maharashtra state curriculum in US schools teaching Marathi
The Brihan Maharashtra Mandal of America has signed an MoU with the State Board of Education to integrate the Maharashtra state curriculum into 80 schools across the US where Marathi is taught. This is the first time the state education board has extended its curriculum beyond national borders. The agreement aims to safeguard and propagate the Marathi language among the diaspora and connect them to their roots and culture. The curriculum and textbooks will be integrated into the educational framework for students in classes 1 to 10, and Marathi language certificate examinations will be administered for classes 1 to 5.
Updated on Jan 29, 2024 07:44 AM IST
218 city schools without RTE approval to face action
218 private English medium schools in Mumbai operating without Right to Education (RTE) approval for over 5 years may face action from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The schools have failed to secure RTE approval despite reminders, leading to inspections and potential cancellation of recognition. Some schools argue that current norms are unrealistic for them. Concerned for the students' future, a complaint has been filed and a Public Interest Litigation may be filed in February.
Updated on Jan 25, 2024 08:18 AM IST
Midday meals: Red dot for eggs, green for banana
The government's decision to use red and green dots on students' ID cards to indicate their choice of eggs or bananas for midday meals has sparked debate among teachers about potential discrimination. Critics argue that food choices should not be made public and that teachers should handle meal distribution sensitively. Education experts also question provisions in the government resolution, such as the requirement for alternative meals if a percentage of students refuse eggs. They call for a revised circular to avoid introducing caste and religion into the school menu.
Updated on Jan 25, 2024 08:14 AM IST
Principals grapple with classes as 50% teachers out on survey duty
Around 50% of teachers from government and government-aided schools in Mumbai have been assigned to conduct surveys for the Maratha reservation, causing disruptions in managing classes. Over 1 lakh teachers have been deployed for the enumeration, which aims to establish the 'backwardness' of the Maratha community to grant reservation. Principals have expressed concerns about the limited time given for the survey and the impact on academic activities. Teachers have also complained about falling behind schedule with their teaching work.
Updated on Jan 24, 2024 08:48 AM IST
State edu department proposes cluster schools, Raigad district first in line
The Maharashtra education department is planning to establish cluster schools, starting with the merger of 82 schools into 33 in the Raigad district. The proposal aims to address the issue of schools with only one student and improve facilities and access to quality education. The proposal is now under review and has been submitted to the government for consideration. The Bombay High Court has also taken notice of the decision and directed the government to respond. Concerns have been raised about the potential closure of around 15,000 schools in the state.
Updated on Jan 22, 2024 07:14 AM IST
‘Sakhi Savitri’ committee to set up in schools across state
Maharashtra Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson, Susieben Shah, has expressed concerns over the non-compliance with the directive to establish 'Sakhi Savitri' committees in schools. Shah has called for urgent formation of the committees to ensure student safety. The committees would include representatives from school management, teachers, parents, doctors, and students, and would be responsible for monthly CCTV scrutiny and reporting any objectionable findings. Shah also advocated renaming the committee as 'Jyotiba-Savitri'. The committee's responsibilities include training staff, handling abuse complaints, and providing counseling support.
Updated on Jan 20, 2024 08:08 AM IST
Only 46% of primary teachers in state have required teaching qualification: Report
Only 46% of primary school teachers in Mumbai have the appropriate qualifications, according to a report by the Centre for Excellence in Teacher Education (CETE). The report also highlights discrepancies in subject qualifications, with a significant number of teachers lacking mathematics qualifications. The report calls for increased government funding to improve teacher quality.
Updated on Jan 19, 2024 08:08 AM IST
45.7% adolescents in Nanded struggle to read English sentences, finds survey
Around 65.6% of adolescents in Nanded district struggle with basic division, 45.7% have difficulties reading English sentences, and 22.7% cannot read class 2-level English text, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023. The report also highlights gender differences in smartphone ownership and usage, as well as a lack of awareness of online safety settings. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and the implementation of the New Education Policy in rural areas.
Updated on Jan 18, 2024 07:14 AM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai
BMC shuts down 32 vernacular schools over the past decade
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has closed down 32 civic body-run vernacular schools in the last ten years, predominantly impacting Marathi and Urdu medium institutions. This information was revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) application by activist Godfrey Pimenta. The closures have raised concerns about access to education for marginalized and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Updated on Jan 14, 2024 06:08 AM IST
BSc statistics students face unexpected low scores, demand re-evaluation
Students of BSc Statistics at the University of Mumbai are demanding a re-evaluation of their answer sheets after receiving unexpectedly low scores due to a technical error in the examination software. The students have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the marking system and have sought the support of university officials in reviewing the grading process. They have also sought the intervention of Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray. The university has acknowledged the error and promised a timely response.
Updated on Jan 10, 2024 08:24 AM IST
Bond served in BMC hospitals through parallel counselling null and void: DMER
The one-year mandatory bond served by senior resident doctors in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation-run medical colleges will be considered null and void. This decision aims to prevent the BMC from giving preference to their students, leaving other students from the state at a disadvantage. The move has been welcomed by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors, but the BMC MARD opposes it and threatens to go on mass leave from January 15. The centralised state-level counselling conducted by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research is seen as more transparent and merit-based.
Updated on Jan 09, 2024 07:46 AM IST
MUHS launches mental well-being programme for resident doctors
The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has proposed a mental well-being programme with the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) to address the mental health issues of resident doctors in the state. The decision was made during a townhall meeting held at the university's headquarters in Nashik. This is the first time MUHS has held a townhall with resident doctors in response to conflicts between professors and resident doctors, along with allegations of mental harassment. MUHS has also suggested introducing scientific and hobby clubs to help doctors with stress.
Updated on Jan 08, 2024 08:10 AM IST
TISS students stand united against CUET-PG implementation, other policies
Six student organizations at TISS Mumbai unite to address concerns over non-implementation of entrance test, restrictions on financially disadvantaged students, and ban on events. They argue that these issues align with a government agenda aimed at centralised control over education. The coalition demands dialogue with the administration to address these concerns and calls for larger changes in favor of students' rights and equal opportunities for education at TISS. TISS officials state that outstanding fee amounts have reached crores due to non-payment.
Updated on Jan 08, 2024 07:48 AM IST
Govt school uniforms could be delayed again in logjam over stitching charges
Government school students in Maharashtra may face a delay in receiving their uniforms as the stitching process has not yet started. The responsibility for stitching the uniforms has been shifted to the Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), which is reluctant to undertake the task at the allocated rate. Discussions between the school education department and MAVIM are still ongoing. Small uniform-stitching units in Solapur have been impacted and many have closed down. Women self-help groups attached to MAVIM lack the infrastructure to fulfill the large order.
Updated on Jan 08, 2024 07:32 AM IST
State govt launches ‘NEP Connect’ campaign to boost GER
In a bid to enhance the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and create awareness about the National Education Policy (NEP), the state government has initiated a 15-day outreach initiative called ‘NEP Connect’ in junior colleges
Updated on Jan 07, 2024 07:40 AM IST