Vocationalisation of School Education in India: Origin, Coverage, Status, Objectives, Schemes, and Challenges, 2023

Introduction

Education plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s future. In India, the education system has evolved significantly over the years, and there has been a paradigm shift in the approach toward education. There has been a growing emphasis on Vocationalisation of School Education in India in recent years. The government has taken several initiatives to integrate vocational education into the mainstream education system, but many challenges remain to overcome.

This article shall discuss the origin, coverage, status, objectives, schemes, and challenges of the Vocationalisation of school education in India. The CSS for VHSE scheme has also been discussed in length.

Origin of Vocationalisation of School Education in India

The concept of vocational education in India dates back to the early 20th century when vocational schools were established in different parts of the country. However, the real impetus for the vocationalization of school education came with the launch of the National Policy on Education in 1986. The policy recognized the need to impart vocational education to students at the secondary level to prepare them for the world of work. The policy envisaged integrating vocational education with the mainstream education system, which would provide equal opportunities to all students.

Objectives of vocationalisation of School Education

The main objective of the vocationalization of school education is to enhance the employability of students by providing them with skill-based training. This helps them to be self-reliant and self-employed. The program also aims to reduce the dropout rate and provide an alternative education stream for those not interested in formal academic studies. Moreover, the vocationalisation of school education also aims to bridge the gap between the industry requirements and the education system.

Coverage and Status of Vocational Education in India

Despite the government’s efforts to promote vocational education in India, the coverage and status of vocational education remain a matter of concern. According to the latest data available, only about 5 percent of students in India are enrolled in vocational courses. The lack of infrastructure, trained teachers, and industry-academia linkages are some of the major reasons for the low coverage of vocational education in India.

Objectives of Vocationalization of School Education in India

The primary objective of vocationalization of school education in India is to provide students with skills relevant to the world of work. The government aims to create a workforce that is job-ready and equipped with the necessary skills to contribute to the economy’s growth. Vocational education also provides students with an alternative career path and helps reduce the skill gap in the country.

Schemes for Vocational Education in India

The Government of India has initiated several schemes to promote vocational education in India. The most prominent is the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which aims to provide universal access to quality education from preschool to senior secondary levels. Under the Scheme, vocational education is provided to students from Class 9 onwards. The government has also launched the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which provides vocational training to youth nationwide. Some of these schemes are presented below:

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Samagra Shiksha is a flagship program of the Ministry of Education, that aims to provide equitable & inclusive education to all children from pre-school to senior secondary levels. The program strongly focuses on vocational education, and under the program, vocational education is provided to students from Class 9 onwards. The program also aims to strengthen infrastructure, provide inclusive education, and improve the quality of education.

National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF): This framework provides a set of competency-based qualifications to ensure that the skills acquired by students are relevant to industry requirements.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): A public-private partnership initiative provides vocational education and training to students in various sectors.

Challenges in Implementing vocationalisation of School Education

Despite the government’s efforts, there are still many challenges to overcome in the field of vocational education in India. The lack of infrastructure, trained teachers, and industry-academia linkages are some of the major challenges. Another challenge is the lack of awareness among parents and students about the importance of vocational education. A positive perception of vocational education among the general public is required to be created.

Vocationalization of school education is an essential step towards creating a job-ready workforce in India. The government has taken several initiatives to promote vocational education, but there is still a long way to go.  Despite the efforts of the government of India to promote the vocationalisation of school education, there are still several challenges in implementing this program. Some of these challenges are:

1. Lack of Awareness: Parents and students do not generally know the importance of vocational education which is resulted into low enrollment in vocational courses.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure: Many schools do not have adequate infrastructure to provide vocational education. This includes inadequate equipment, qualified teachers, and appropriate space for practical training.
3. Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum of vocational courses is often outdated and does not reflect the latest trends in the industry. This makes it difficult for students to acquire the necessary skills that are in demand in the job market.

Scheme of Vocational Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE)

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocational Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) is a government initiative to promote vocational education in secondary and higher secondary schools across India. The Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is designed to provide students with skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workplace.

Under the CSS for VHSE scheme, schools are provided financial assistance to set up and run vocational education programs for students in Classes IX to XII. The Scheme covers various vocational areas, including agriculture, business and commerce, engineering and technology, health and paramedics, home science, hospitality, and tourism.

The Scheme provides for the development of vocational education curricula, the training of vocational education teachers, the establishment of vocational education institutions, the provision of vocational education equipment and materials, and the conduct of examinations and assessments. It also aims to provide opportunities for vocational education students to gain work experience through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and internships.

The CSS for VHSE scheme is intended to benefit of students, including those who may not have access to traditional academic pathways and those who wish to pursue careers in technical and vocational fields. The Scheme is also intended to help address the skills gap in the workforce and to support the development of a skilled & competitive workforce which may contribute to the growth & development of the country.

Overall, the CSS for VHSE scheme is an important initiative that can significantly enhance the quality of vocational education in India on the one hand and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace on the other hand.

When was the CSS for the VHSE scheme started?

The Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) was started in the year 2008 by the Government of India. The Scheme was launched to promote vocational education and training in secondary and higher secondary schools nationwide and also inproviding the students with the skills & knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace.

Over the years, the Scheme has been implemented in various states in India to provide vocational education and training to a large number of students. The Scheme has successfully promoted skill development among students, and has helped bridge the gap between the job market & education. Through the implementation of the CSS for VHSE, the government has supported the development of a skilled workforce in India, which is crucial for the country’s economic growth and development.

How many states are covered under CSS for VHSE?

The VHSE scheme is implemented across all States & Union Territories of India. This means that students in all parts of the country can access vocational education and training through this Scheme. However, the extent of coverage and the specific vocational education programs offered may vary from state to state, depending on local needs and priorities. The Scheme is implemented in close collaboration with state governments, which are key in identifying local needs, developing curricula, and providing infrastructure and resources to support vocational education and training.

What grades or levels of education are covered under CSS for VHSE?

The Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) covers students in Classes IX to XII. This means that students in the secondary and higher secondary levels of education are eligible to participate in vocational education and training under this Scheme.

The Scheme is designed to provide students with skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workplace and to help them gain practical experience and on-the-job training. By focusing on vocational education in the secondary and higher secondary levels, the Scheme aims to prepare students for employment and help address the workforce skills gap.

Overall, the CSS for VHSE scheme is an important initiative that provides students with an opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge that can help them succeed in the modern workplace and contribute to the country’s growth and development.

Objectives of CSS for the VHSE scheme

The Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) has several main objectives:

• To provide students with relevant vocational skills and knowledge to help them succeed in the modern workplace.
• To promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among students by providing the necessary skills and knowledge to start their businesses.
• To address the skills gap in the workforce by providing vocational training aligned with the industry’s needs.
• To promote social and economic development by providing students with skills in demand in the local and global job markets.
• To help reduce the dropout rate in schools by making education more relevant and engaging for students.
• To promote equity and inclusivity by providing vocational training opportunities to all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Overall, the CSS for VHSE scheme is an important initiative designed to promote vocational education and training in India and help prepare students for the modern workplace. By focusing on practical skills and knowledge, the Scheme aims to help students succeed in the job market and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

What are the parameters of the CSS for the VHSE scheme?

The Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) has several parameters determining its implementation and effectiveness. Some of the critical parameters of the Scheme include:

1. Curriculum: The vocational education and training provided under the Scheme is based on a well-defined curriculum that is developed in consultation with industry experts and stakeholders. The curriculum is designed to provide the skills and knowledge that are relevant to the modern workplace.
2. Certification: Under the Scheme, students who complete the vocational education and training receive a certificate that the government and industry recognize. The certificate indicates the skills and knowledge the student has acquired, which can help them in their future career prospects.
3. Training providers: Vocational education and training under the Scheme are provided by accredited training providers with the necessary infrastructure and resources to deliver high-quality training to students.
4. Funding: The Scheme is implemented through a partnership between the central and state governments. The central government provides funding to the state governments to implement the Scheme.
5. Monitoring & evaluation: The Scheme is monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that it achieves its objectives and identifies improvement areas. This helps to ensure that the vocational education and training provided under the Scheme are of high quality and relevance.

Overall, the parameters of the CSS for the VHSE scheme are designed to ensure that it is implemented effectively and efficiently and provides students with the skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workplace. By focusing on these parameters, the Scheme may help students in succeeding in the job market and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Approx how many schools are covered under CSS for the VHSE scheme?

The ed Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) is implemented across several states in India and covers many schools. According to the Ministry of Education, as of 2021, the Scheme is being implemented in more than 20,000 schools nationwide. These schools include government and private schools, covering a range of urban and rural areas.

The Scheme is designed to provide vocational education and training to secondary and higher secondary school students and equip them with the skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workplace. By covering many schools, the Scheme aims to reach a large number of students and help them succeed in their future careers.

Are both Government & Private Schools covered under CSS for the VHSE scheme?

Yes, both government and private schools are covered under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE). The Scheme is implemented across various states in India and covers a large number of schools, including both government and private institutions. The Scheme aims to provide vocational education and training to students in secondary and higher secondary schools and equip them with skills and knowledge relevant to the modern workplace, regardless of whether they attend a government or private school.

What is the funding pattern of CSS for the VHSE scheme?

The funding pattern for the Scheme of Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education is shared between the state governments and central government. Under the Scheme, the central government provides financial assistance to the state governments to implement vocational education and training programs in schools.

The funding pattern for the Scheme varies depending on the state and the nature of the program being implemented. Generally, the central government provides a larger share of the funding for the Scheme, with the state governments contributing a smaller share. The funding is typically used to cover the costs of training and capacity building for teachers, the development of infrastructure and equipment, and other related expenses.

The exact funding pattern for the Scheme varies from state to state, depending on each state’s specific needs and priorities. However, overall, the CSS for VHSE is an important initiative that is helping to promote vocational education and training in India and equips students with the skills to succeed in the job market.

Are the CSS for the VHSE scheme and Vocasalisation of secondary education initiated in 1988 the same?

No, the Centrally Sponsored Vocational Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) differs from the vocationalisation of Secondary Education scheme initiated in 1988. The latter Scheme was launched to promote vocational education at the secondary level and was primarily focused on providing vocational education to students in the 9th and 10th grades.

On the other hand, the CSS for VHSE is a more comprehensive scheme that covers both secondary and higher secondary education and aims to provide vocational education and training to students at these levels. The Scheme provides financial assistance to schools for the development of vocational education infrastructure, including the provision of equipment and teaching aids. Also, it supports the development of curricula and training programs.

While both schemes share the common objective of promoting vocational education in India, they differ in scope and focus. The CSS for VHSE is a more recent initiative that has been launched to address the changing needs of the modern workplace in a rapidly changing job market.

• The National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986, revised in 1992, called for integrating vocational education into the mainstream education system in India.
• The Scheme for vocationalisation of Secondary Education was launched in 1988, to provide vocational education to students in the 9th and 10th grades. The Scheme was later expanded to cover the 11th and 12th grades and was renamed the vocationalisation of Higher Secondary Education (VHSE) scheme.
• The Scheme for vocationalisation of Secondary Education was replaced by the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of vocationalisation of Secondary Education (CSS for VSE) in 2009, which was subsequently revised and expanded to cover both secondary and higher secondary education. The Scheme was renamed the Scheme of Vocational Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) in 2013.
• The objectives of the CSS for VHSE include providing vocational education and training to students at the secondary and higher secondary levels, promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among students, and equipp them the skills & knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workplace.
• The CSS for VHSE provides financial assistance to schools to develop vocational education infrastructure, including equipment and teaching aids. The Scheme also supports the development of curricula and training programs and provides funding for training vocational teachers and trainers.
• As of 2021, the CSS for VHSE is underg implementation in all States & Union Territories of India, and covers both government and private schools. The Scheme has helped to expand access to vocational education and training in India and has contributed to the development of a skilled workforce in the country.

What is there about the vocationalisation of education in NEP 2020?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strongly emphasizes vocational education as a means to prepare students for the workforce and promote lifelong learning. It recognizes the need for a shift in education from a rote-learning-based approach to a skill-based approach and emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary, flexible, and holistic education system that provides a range of vocational and academic pathways.

The NEP 2020 envisions integrating vocational education into mainstream education, focusing on promoting experiential and hands-on learning. It calls for establishing vocational education institutions and skill development centers, and encourages collaboration between industries and educational institutions to develop relevant vocational courses and training programs.

The policy also emphasizes the need to provide career guidance and counseling to students, and to establish partnerships with industry and employers to create apprenticeships and internships to enable students to gain practical work experience while they study. Overall, the NEP 2020 recognizes the importance of vocational education &  aims to create a responsive system that is the need of the economy of the country.

Who is responsible for implementing the Scheme at the all India & state level?

Implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of vocationalisation of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education (CSS for VHSE) is a joint responsibility of both the central and state governments. At the all-India level, the Ministry of Education is responsible for the overall planning, policy formulation, and funding of the Scheme. At the state level, the respective State Education Departments are responsible for implementing the Scheme and ensuring its smooth functioning. National Council for Vocational Education and Training has been set up to oversee and coordinate the implementation of vocational education & training programs nationwide. The NCVET is responsible for the accreditation, quality assurance and regulation, of vocational education and training providers.

National Council for Vocational Education & Training

National Council for Vocational Education & Training is a regulatory body established in 2018 to oversee and coordinate the implementation of vocational education and training programs in India. It was set up under the provisions of the National Council for Vocational Training Act 1986, which was amended in 2018 to incorporate the establishment of the NCVET.

The primary objective of the NCVET is to ensure the standardization, regulation, and quality assurance of vocational education and training programs across the country. The NCVET is responsible for:

1. Accreditation: The NCVET accredits vocational education and training providers based on specific criteria such as infrastructure, faculty, curriculum, and assessment practices.
2. Regulation: The NCVET regulates the functioning of vocational education and training providers to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
3. Quality assurance: The NCVET ensures that vocational education and training programs meet the required quality standards and are aligned with industry needs.

The NCVET also aims to create a database of skilled personnel to better understand the job market and help formulate policies related to vocational education and training.

A chairperson with representatives from various stakeholder groups, including industry associations, educational institutions, and government bodies heads the council. The NCVET has the authority to formulate policies, issue guidelines, and provide financial assistance for implementing vocational education and training programs.

In summary, the NCVET plays a crucial role in developing and regulating vocational education and training programs in India. Its objective is to promote skill development and that can contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Conclusion

Vocationalisation of school education is an important initiative of India’s government to enhance students’ employability and provide an alternative stream of education which aims to bridge the gap between education system and industry requirements. However, several challenges in implementing this program need to be adequately addressed by the Government and other stakeholders.

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