TWENTY POINT PROGRAMME, 1986 AND
 ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR THE
 DISADVANTAGED
 

Education of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

14.1.1 The Programme of Action in respect of National Policy of Education (1986) envisages a number of steps for the improvement of education status of SC/ST and other weaker sections. In order to review and advise on matters relating to educational programmes for SCs and STs at the national level, a CABE Committee has been formed (already referred to) under the Charimanship of Smt. Rajendra Kumari Bajpai, Minister of State in the Ministry of Welfare. The Second meeting of the Committee was held on 25th August, 1988. The Committee deliberated on the existing programmes, schemes, etc. meant for the educational development of the weaker sections and has come (jut with a number of recommendations in respect of implementing the programmes, timely disbursement of scholarships and other incentives, introduction of remedial and special coaching, microplanning, etc.

14.1.2 Special emphasis has been laid on the removal of disparities and equalisation of educational opportunities by attending to specific needs of those who have not been able to take full advantage of the present educational provisions and facilities.

14.1.3 During the year 225 students were covered under the scheme "Upgradation of merit of SC/ST students" by special and remedial coaching in 12 approved schools in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Orissa and Rajasthan and 113 students were selected for nomination in approved residential secondary schools all over India.

Education of Minorities

14.2.0 The programmes for the educational development of minorities were pursued during the year under report according to Prime Minister's 15 Point Directive for the improvement of minorities. A brief account of the programmes is given below:-

(i) Vocational Training

In the ten community polytechnics in areas of minority concentration, more than 10,000 persons were trained through short-term vocational courses in various skills/crafts.

(ii) Coaching Classes

The UGC implements a scheme for providing assistance to universities and colleges for coaching students from educationally backward minorities. The coaching is done by preparing the students for competitive examinations. The coaching is being conducted at present in 20 universities and 14 colleges.

(iii) Review of Text-books

The school text-books are being evaluated from the view point of national integration. (This has been dealt with under "School Education" as well). The aim is to remove materials and approaches which directly or indirectly perpetuate untouchability, racism, regionalism, casteism and communalism from text-books prescribed in schools and colleges with a view to promoting national integration and emotional unity. The NCERT has prescribed guidelines for developing curricula in various subjects. At the State level the SCERTs, the State Textbooks Boards/Corporations have taken steps to revise the curriculum in the light of national curricular frame-work.

96

Education of Women

14.3.0 In the formulation of Educational Schemes, the need for providing access to education for girls/women in a significant way was kept in view. Details of such schemes have been furnished under the relevant chapters-dealing with Elementary School, Adult and Technical Education.

14.4.1 Under the 20-Point Programme, progress in Elementary Non- Formal and Adult Education has to be closely monitored with reference to predetermined targets. In the case of Elementary and Adult Education, targets are to be fixed, according to instructions from the Ministry of Programme Implementation and Planning Commission, in terms of enrolment. Monitoring of Non-Formal Education is to be evaluatory.

14.4.2 Consistent with NPE 1986 and POA, the Department of Education has wanted establishment of a new Monitoring system, emphasizing "retention' as well as attainment of competencies. The matter was discussed in the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Programme Implementation. Finally, it has been decided in the Cabinet Secretariat in a meeting of Committee of Secretaries that until the new Monitoring system is established, targets may be fixed and monitoring done in terms of enrolment as regards Elementary and Adult Education.

97