Education in Pune is on the verge of transformation as Maharashtra’s School Education Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, unveiled plans to amalgamate 12th-grade marks with State Common Entrance Test (CET) scores for professional course admissions. Alongside this pivotal change, modern technology will play a significant role in the education sector, with the introduction of face recognition technology to monitor attendance.
In a state-level education meeting, Minister Kesarkar discussed these groundbreaking proposals, hinting at a meeting with the Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, to further delve into the details. He has entrusted the School Education Department Secretary, Ranjitsinh Deol, and Education Commissioner, Suraj Mandhare, to draft the proposal.
Merging Academic Excellence
The proposal to combine 12th-grade marks and CET scores aims to simplify the admission process for professional courses. By considering a student’s academic performance in the 12th grade alongside their CET scores, a more comprehensive evaluation will be possible. This change is expected to make the admission process fairer and more merit-based.
Embracing Technology for Attendance
The utilization of face recognition technology to monitor attendance is a progressive step towards modernizing educational settings. With this innovative solution, absenteeism due to private tutoring will be curbed. It will also relieve teachers of administrative tasks related to attendance management.
Minister Kesarkar emphasized that this technological advancement is not just about monitoring attendance but also about improving the overall efficiency of the education system.
Reinventing the Examination System
Another noteworthy decision taken by the state government is the reinstatement of students who fail their fifth and eighth-grade exams. Starting this year, students who do not perform well in these exams will have the opportunity to retake them and remain in the same class if unsuccessful.
This move is aimed at reducing the stress and burden on students and allowing them to progress at their own pace. Minister Kesarkar’s focus on providing flexibility within the education system is evident.
Encouraging Tutors to Establish Junior Colleges
Addressing the issue of private coaching classes associated with junior colleges, Minister Kesarkar has encouraged tutors to consider establishing their junior colleges. He has assured that permissions will be granted to those who apply.
This suggestion aims to create a more streamlined and regulated system, ensuring the quality of education imparted in such institutions.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Minister Kesarkar made it clear that the education department has a zero-tolerance policy for corruption. Currently, 33 officials are under investigation for various corruption charges. These individuals will be given ‘side postings,’ and strict actions will be taken against them, reflecting the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the education system.
The proposed changes and innovations in the education sector are expected to have a profound impact on the way students learn, teachers instruct, and administrators manage educational institutions in Pune.
