5.6.1 A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Restructuring and

Reorganisation of Teacher Education is being implemented since 1987- 88. It aims at strengthening the teacher education system in the country to enable it to provide effective training and academic support to schools and adult and non-formal education systems. The Scheme has the following five components:-

-Mass Orientation of about five lakh School Teachers (MOST) annually till 1989-90 to familiarise them with the major thrusts envisaged in the National Policy on Education - 1986, and to improve their professional competence. The scheme has discontinued now.

-Setting up of about 400 District Institutions of Educational and Training (DIETs) either by upgrading suitable existing Elementary Teacher Education Institutions or, where necessary, by establishing new ones so as to provide total academic and training support to the elementary and adult education systems at the districts level.

-Strengthening of about 250 Secondary Teacher Education Institutions (SIETs) development of about 50 of them as Institutions of Advanced Study in Education (IASEs) and the rest as Colleges of Teacher Education (CTEs);

-Strengthening of State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs); and

-Establishment and Strengthening of Departments of Education in Universities by the University Grants commission.

5.6.2 During the year 1992-93, 49 DIETs and 6 CTEs were sanctioned. Four States/UTs, namely, Bihar, Meghalaya, Karnataka and Pondicherry, joined the States/UTs already implementing this Scheme.

5.6.3 Achievements under the scheme during the period since 1987- 88 have been given in the Table below,

Teacher Education: Achievements

  
                                          
 
        
        Sl.No.                                       Cumulative Achievements
                                                     1987-88 to 1992-93
        
                                          
 
        
        1.                     2.                           3.
        
                                          
        
        1.        Amount Spent (Rs. in crores)       Rs. 199.76
        
        2.        No. of persons oriented under      12.96 (in addition,
                  programme for Mass Orientation     4.66 lakh teachers
                  of teacher (MOST) ( in lakhs)      had been covered
                                                     in 1986)

                                          
        
        1.                    2.                          3.
        
                                          
        
        3.        No. of District Institute of            307
                  Teacher Education (DIETs)
                  sanctioned.
        
        4,        No. of Colleges of Teacher              31   
                  Education (CTEs) sanctioned
        
        5.        No. of Institutions of Advanced         12
                  study in Education (IASEs)
                  sanctioned.
        
        6.        No. of State/UTs covered                26

5.6.4 Eighteen training programmes have been organised during 1991-92 by NIEPA, NCERT and its Regional Colleges and NIC for the faculty of DIETs/DRUs which were attended by participants. It is proposed to continue the programmes during 1992-93.

5.6.5 Setting up DIETs, CTEs and IASEs is a long-gestation activity in view of the time it takes to put up necessary buildings, and create and fill up posts. Yet, 162 DIETs have become operational and have started conducting training programmes. Appraisal of a few selected DIETs has been undertaken. The reports that have so far been received have pointed out certain deficiencies and have made certain suggestions. Necessary action is being taken accordingly.

5.6.6 Guidelines for strengthening of SCERTs are being finalised. Implementation of this component will begin shortly.

5.6.7 As regards strengthening of University Departments of Education, UGC's panel on Education is seized of the matter.

National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE)

5.7.0 The National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) was set up to maintain the standards of teacher education. The National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986 provides that the NCTE will be provided with necessary resources and capability to accredit institutions of teacher education and provide guidance regarding curricula and methods. The Programme of Action, 1992 envisaged conferring the Council with statutory status. Accordingly a Bill on NCTE has been introduced in the Parliament with the objective of making the NCTE responsible for the determination, maintenance and coordination of standards in teacher education, laying down norms and guidelines for various courses, promotion of innovation in this field and establishment of a suitable system of continuing education of teachers. The Bill seeks to empower the Council to make qualitative improvement in the system of teacher

education by phasing out sub-standard institutions and courses for teacher education. The NCTE would also be empowered to grant recognition to institutions for teacher education and permission to recognised institutions for new courses or training in teacher education. The Bill further provides for delegation of various powers to Regional Committies functions of the Council.

Bal Bhavan Society India

5.8.1 Bal Bhavan Society India (BBSI), New Delhi was founded at the initiative of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and established by the Government of India in the year 1955. It is an autonomous organisation fully funded by the Department of Education. The Society has been contributing towards promotion of creative activities among children in the age group 5-16 years. The children, specially from the economically weaker sections of society and others, find a place in Bal Bhavan to pursue activities of his/her choices ranging from creative/ performing arts, environment, astronomy, photography, integrated activities, physical activities to science related activities. The Society has 62 Bal Bhavan Kendras spread all over Delhi and is also funding two Jawahar Bal Bhavans - one in Srinagar and one in Mandi. The National Training Resource Centre at Bal Bhavan imparts training in methodology to interested persons including teachers and teacher-trainers. The State and District Bal Bhavans in the country are affiliated to BBSI which provides them general guidance, training, facilities and transfer of information. Bal Bhavan aims at the all round growth of a child in a free and happy atmosphere.

5.8.2 Science related programmes were undertaken to create a scientific temper in the children:

a) April 22, 1992 was observed as Earth Day with much emphasis on environment.

b) From 26th May, 1992 a programme for integrated approach to performing arts was held to introduce children to the different aspects of performing arts and its use for personal development. Folk dance and music was also presented on the occasion.

c) Photography exhibition and workshop on explaining miracles were conducted.

5.8.3 Environment Week was organised between 2nd and 5th June, 1992 to create environment awareness among children. it was a unique attempt to provide the children with a platform to put forth their ideas and opinions on the state of environment. A scheme to plant a sapling by an eight year student was introduced with percentage of marks for the upkeep of such saplings planted so that there would be greenery all around.

5.8.4 A three week Traditional Art and Craft Workshop with the participation of National Awardees was conducted between June 2-

27, 1992 to make the children aware about our rich cultural heritage. Creative Writing Camp and Mass Painting Activity on Road Safety were also conducted.

5.8.5 Bal Bhavan organised sports week from 1-7 July, 1992 with the interaction of eminent sports personalities to imbibe in children the spirit to challenge and the ambition to be healthy and fit.

5.8.6 As a finale to the summer activities, a summer camp was organised to inculcate in children the sense of togetherness and feeling of brotherhood.