Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

In a significant step towards enhancing the education system, Samagra Shiksha has partnered with the Magic Bus India Foundation to introduce a comprehensive program aimed at students of government schools of state from Class IX to XII. The objective of this partnership is to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the complex challenges of the modern world, while also aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.

Empowering Youth through Employability Education Program (EEP)

The newly introduced Employability Education Program (EEP) under this initiative is a structured approach aimed at enhancing the employability of students. The program will focus on three main areas:

1. Financial Literacy: Understanding basic financial principles such as budgeting, saving, investment, and the responsible use of credit will be central to this education. With financial knowledge, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their future.
2. Career Awareness: Through career counselling and exposure to various professional fields, students will gain insight into different career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their aspirations.
3. Life Skills: The initiative emphasizes the development of essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership. These skills will enable students to tackle real-world challenges with confidence and resilience.
4. Alongside, a Holistic Progress Card (HPC) will be introduced for students in Class VI to VIII to track their overall development across multiple domains.

The agreement between Samagra Shiksha and Magic Bus India Foundation, signed by State Project Director Rajesh Sharma and Regional Director Pratyush Das, highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening the connection between education and employability. This collaboration will also empower teachers through capacity-building efforts, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver skill-based education. 

Samagra Shiksha Scheme: A Holistic Approach to Education

Launched in 2018, the Government of India introduced the Samagra Shiksha scheme under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The administration of this integrated scheme for school education, which covers all stages from pre-school to Class XII, is overseen by the Department of School Education and Literacy. Its objective is to provide inclusive and equitable education, ensuring that every child receives quality learning opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background.

Samagra Shiksha subsumes earlier programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE). The scheme reaches over 1.16 million schools, 156 million students, and 5.7 million teachers, including government-aided institutions. It focuses on improving the quality of education while addressing various educational needs through an integrated administrative structure. 

• The scheme is implemented through a 60:40 funding ratio between the central government and states.
• The fund-sharing pattern in the North-Eastern and Himalayan States is currently set at 90:10, with the central government providing 90% of the funds and the state government contributing 10%.
• For Union Territories without Legislature, the central government fully funds the scheme.

Key Features of Samagra Shiksha

1. Holistic Approach: Covers school education from pre-school to Class XII, treating education as a continuum.
2. Inclusive Education: Emphasis on equitable access, especially in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) and Special Focus Districts.
3. Focus on Quality: Strengthening teacher education institutions like SCERTs and DIETs, focusing on capacity building and learning outcomes. SCERT is the nodal institution for in-service and pre-service teacher training.
4. Digital Education: Enhanced use of digital technology in classrooms through smart boards, ICT labs, and virtual learning platforms.
5. Skill Development: Vocational education integrated from Class VI onward to prepare students for future employment.

Samagra Shiksha 2.0: Expanding Educational Horizons

Samagra Shiksha 2.0 builds upon the initial framework, with additional features aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It introduces a range of interventions aimed at enhancing both foundational and vocational learning.

Notable Features of Samagra Shiksha 2.0:

1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Child-centric interventions such as textbooks, uniforms, and transport allowances are provided directly to students through DBT.
2. Pre-Primary Education: Support for pre-primary sections in government schools, including teaching materials and training for Anganwadi workers.
3. NIPUN Bharat: Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy for early learners, providing resources for assessments and teacher training.
4. Digital Initiatives: Support for ICT labs and smart classrooms to promote digital learning and bridge the technology gap in education.
5. Out-of-School Children: Financial support for children aged 16-19 to complete their education through open schooling.

Magic Bus India Foundation: Building a Brighter Future

Magic Bus India Foundation, established in 1999, is one of India’s leading NGOs in the education and skill development space. Its mission is to guide young people, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, towards meaningful employment by equipping them with essential life skills and career guidance.

The foundation operates with a strong focus on breaking the cycle of poverty by ensuring that children complete their education and youth are prepared for the workforce. By engaging communities, parents, and local institutions, Magic Bus creates a supportive ecosystem for young learners to thrive.

Objectives of Magic Bus India Foundation:

1. Life Skills Education: Equipping students with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
2. Employability Skilling: Preparing youth for job opportunities through vocational training and career awareness programs.
3. Education Enhancement: Supporting adolescents in completing secondary education to improve their future prospects.

Linking the Initiative with the State’s Current Educational Developments

This partnership between Samagra Shiksha and Magic Bus India Foundation is a timely intervention that aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By focusing on financial literacy, career awareness, and life skills, this initiative will prepare students in the state for the challenges of the 21st century. It also ensures that students receive a well-rounded education through the Holistic Progress Card, which tracks their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Additionally, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and employability, providing students with practical skills that can translate into meaningful careers. With the support of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), this program is poised to revolutionize education in the state, contributing to the overall goal of creating a more skilled and capable workforce.

The initiative is a clear demonstration of the state's commitment to preparing students for life beyond school, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the modern world successfully.