SUMMERY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
 

1. To ensure effective implementation and to gain experience which will help in wider expansion of the programme a modest beginning be made in the first phase by introducing the proposed vocational subjects in institutions where the three year degree courses in arts, science and commerce are available and which will have autonomy and flexibility in the implementation of the programme. 100 institutions-30 universities and 70 colleges including autonomous colleges be allowed to introduce vocational subjects as part of their first degree programme.

2. With a view to preventing any disruption in existing academic programme, the basic structure and form of the first degree courses be continued. While the introduction of a new three year vocational course at the first degree level would be a desirable development, in the first phase, a student be required to select only one vocational subject along with 2-3 non- vocational subjects prescribed under university/college regulations.

3. 35 vocational courses have been proposed in four discipline areas: science; engineering and technology; arts, humanities and social sciences;and commerce, economics and management. Experts have worked out detailed syllabi for each of the courses and indicated infrastructural needs, modes of implementation etc. These are indicated in Volumes I-III appended to the report.

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4. While some changes might needed to be made In them, in the context of local conditions, It is suggested that any modification of subject contents undertaken at the Institutional level, should lead to their enrichment and not their dilution.

5. The subject contents have been worked out assuming the semester pattern. Each subject will have 12 papers and should be taught for six semesters. Each semester should consist of a minimum of 15 weeks and an institution should work for at least 180 days in an academic year. The contents have been worked out in such a way that two semesters' work can be amalgamated and taught In one academic session in institutions where the semester pattern has yet not been introduced.

6. The basic objective of the proposed courses is to prepare university graduates for employment. Considering the limited absorptive capacity of the organized sector, the courses emphasize the development of capabilities which will enable students with support from financial and other institutions to set up their own small enterprises. These capabilities would also enable them to diversify and upgrade the productivity of domestically managed occupations.

7. Apart from Institutions where students are enrolled, practical work should be undertaken in institutions and employing establishments which have laboratory/workshop facilities related to the new content and where supervision by qualified personnel can be more adequate.

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8. On-the-job training is an essential part of the proposed subjects. This training will be given in employing establishments under joint supervision of the establishments' supervisory personnel and the faculty of the institutions. The objectives will be to expose students to the requirements of the world of work and to develop in them skills which are needed for specific jobs. On-the- job training should be provided during vacations after every semester so that other academic activities of an institution are not disturbed.

9. There must be provision for regular modification of subject content and introduction of new subjects for newly emerging skills which are likely to change in the light of scientific and technological advancements.

10. Since the capability to become self- employed is a major objective, emphasis Is on the development of enterpreneurieal capabilities among students. With this purpose a paper, common to all subjects and compulsorily taught, has been included. As part of enterprenurial development, enrolled students should, with guidance from local employing establishments, be encouraged to set up small ventures. Institutions should establish facilities for production of goods and services needed in the community. Such facilities will generate resources for the institution and what is more important make training more realistic and attuned to the actual requirements of the job market.

11. The selection of institutions should be on the basis of well defined criteria. The report proposes a set of criteria which could be kept in view. Among other things they stress the desirability of identifying those institutions which can count upon the support of nearby training institutions and employing establishments, would not require large investments for development of infrastructural facilities and faculty competencies.

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12. Each institution should sign a memorandum of understanding with local training institution and employing establishments detailing out the support that the latter can give to the institution for effective implementation of the programme. The University Grants Commission should develop a model memorandum for the guidance of institutions.

13. Evaluation of students' performance will generally be on the same pattern as presently available for other subjects. However, in the case of practical work and on-the-job training performance assessment should be carried- out with the assistance of personnel of institutions/employing establishments where this training is undertaken.

14. The preparation and production of textual and non-textual teaching-learning materials and faculty development will be the two vital tasks which must be accomplished before the introduction of vocational subjects. Lead institutions, possessing the requisite infrastructure and staff competencies should be identified and entrusted with responsibility for these two tasks. If the programme, as the Committee hopes, is to be introduced from the 1994 academic session, generally beginning in july, materials and staff should be available in institutions by the beginning of June 1994.

15. There is a need for creating general awareness among various segments about the nature, objectives and the implications of the programme.Apart from workshops and conferences. support of mass media and print (materials for wider circulation would be needed.

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16. The University Grants Commission should provide full support for the first phase. Steps should, however, be initiated to ensure that some alternative funding also becomes available. It would be desirable to encourage direct beneficiaries to pay for the programme. Students may be charged differential fees. Employing establishment, who will benefit from upgraded knowledge and skills of the work force should meet part of the cost. Institutions should set up production/service facilities for which users can be asked to pay. The state governments should commit to take over the programme after UGC support ceases.

17. The Apprenticeship Training Act should provide for payment of stipends to students during their on the job training. The stipend should be equal to that at present being paid to diploma level students.

18. A cell should be established in the UGC for quick approval of the institutional proposals. Workshops of representatives of these institutions should be organised for assisting them to develop worth while proposals.

19. Appropriate mechanism for monitoring and evaluation should be established. The assessment of the impact of the programme would be particularly important from the point of view of gaining experience for widening the coverage of the programme which is necessary in the context of the large number of institutions providing undergraduate education in arts, commerce and science and the large number of students enrolled in them.

20. Workshops of the representatives of institutions selected for the programme, lead institutions and employment establishments should be organised to orient the personnel to the requirements of programme.

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21. Guidance and counselling services should be established in institutions to assist students to make informed educational and vocational choices, for establishment of liaison with employing establishments and for undertaking follow-up studies of students.

22. The Committee has estimated the four years requirements of funds to be about Rs. 111 crores. The UGC should initiate steps to ensure that these funds are allocated.