NEW DELHI, Jan 6:
Taking up a subject of choice and migrating seamlessly from one university to another is set to become a reality from the coming academic session across the country as almost all the states today “unanimously” decided to adopt a choice-based credit system.
A suggestion was also accepted at the State Education Ministers’ conference here today to set up a joint working group comprising Central and state Government nominees to sort out critical issues in implementing the choice-based credit system.
The meeting which was chaired by HRD Minister Smriti Irani also agreed that the joint working group will resolve issues arising out of the implementation of credit framework on skills which seeks to mainstream vocational education and bring respect to the skill programmes.
The meeting was called to seek a consensus among the states to implement the system in all state universities as the Centre has already announced implementing them in the Central universities from the coming academic session.
Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, which already have the choice- based credit transfer system in their respective states, had suggested setting up of the working group.
The ‘choice-based credit transfer’ system will enable students to opt for courses of their choice, learn at their own pace, undergo additional courses and acquire more than the required credits and adopt an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Adoption of the grading system will facilitate seamless mobility of students across the institutions of learning in the country.
The minister also agreed to setting up a ‘grievance cell’ in UGC, addressing challenges arising out of the implementation of the programme.
“Ministers from all states endorsed the credit framework for skills and the new choice-based credit system guidelines issued by UGC.
“A presentation was also made on reforms in teachers education and recently approved regulations of the National Council of Teacher Education for improving the quality of B.Ed courses. The states welcomed the initiative,” the statement said.
Earlier, inaugurating the conference, Irani had appealed to the states to implement these two systems from the coming academic session.
“I also appeal to the states to hold discussions with vice-chancellors and principles and also appeal to UGC to provide guidance to the vice-chancellors,” she said.
She said her ministry will also hold consultations with states next month as part of the steps to frame a new national education policy which will also take into consideration the views of stakeholders like students and parents.
Prime Minister Narendera Modi is expected to announce initiation of the exercise soon. (PTI)
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