India’s current Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for the age group 18-23 is pegged at 28% as per the population projection based on 2011 census. Though it has increased from 27.3 in 2020-21 and from 24.6 in 2017-18, there is still a scope for great improvement. The GER was 23.7 in in 2014-15. An estimated 2.6 Crore students are enrolled in 10+2 standards (UDISE+ report 2021-22), of which only around 30 Lakh students enroll for higher education courses in STEM fields (AISHE report 2021-22).

Department of Higher Education has prepared five-year action plan with aim of achieving target of 39% GER by 2028-29. Action plan for enhancing the GER includes scaling of Vidyashakti (free pre-university/degree college) across HEIs for improving transition rate. The proposed Vidyashakti Scheme, with a specific focus on enhancing enrolment (including women) in STEM branches, targets to increase GER to 7% which is more than double the existing 3.3% (average year-on-year increase over last five years).

Background

• As the emerging areas are evidently technologically driven and require adequate workforce in the STEM streams, the Department of Higher Education envisions to implement a scheme with dedicated focus on increasing enrolment in this area.
• The Vidyashakti Scheme is therefore ideated to fulfill this vision and pave the way for a sustainable method of improving foundation knowledge of rural children and encouraging them to enroll in STEM courses.
• The scheme aims to engage and run 10,000 Rural Interaction Centres (RICs) for two years of its implementation and reach a minimum of 5,00,000 students from 8th to 12th standard annually, with special focus on encouraging female students.
• Rural students will be handheld through a stimulating curriculum enriched with practical exercises and cutting-edge simulation software, developed by “Mentor Institute”, i.e. IIT Madras.
• Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the local surrounding areas will be onboarded to lead in the implementation of the scheme as the “Hub Institutes”.
• Students from the Hub Institutes will be engaged to participate as local student mentors, or “Shiksha Saarthis”. Shiksha Saarthis will be chosen to take the additional responsibility based on Expression of Interest.
• The RICs will be established in Schools with Common Services Centres (CSCs), established under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as the “Spokes”, as per availability.
• CSCs have been chosen as the spokes as they have already been functioning successfully as local education centres and have piloted the project in 300+ centres across two States, with the Mentor Institute, over two years.
• IIT Madras will also provide training along with constant guidance and support to Shiksha Saarthis, through the Hub Institutes.
• For the Shiksha Saarthis, this model is envisioned to,
  (i) generate a stipend amount to support their own education,
  (ii) provide best mentorship under the guidance of IIT Madras,
  (iii) mould them as future academicians through the exposure,
  (iv) encourage competitive spirit among Shiksha Saarthis through their Grading and Assessment.

Topics to be Brainstormed

• The current educational spread in higher education must be analyzed. This will provide details about district-wise college details, graduates based on degrees/discipline, year over year trend for the last ten years.
• To create more awareness on the scope/opportunities/value-addition that students get by going through a college education. A coherent effort must be taken to create a mindset “college is important” among all students and parents.
• Motivating and guiding students at the school level (at least from 7th grade onwards) on the kind of exposure they get and how they can improve their quality-of-life through college education is essential. Leaders of various organizations, accomplished people, and brand ambassadors must keep emphasizing this fact, again and again.
• Introduction of basic skills required in jobs early in schools will create more interest. These skills will include, but are not limited to, presentation skills, data analysis skills, writing skills etc.
• Conduct in-person reach through public meetings, competitions, melas, etc., to explain the current trend of requirements by the industry to the students, teachers and parents. A channel must be established to explain the kind of upskilling requirements for those who dropped out in 12th grade but want to pursue education now.
• Multi-channel communication through traditional media and digital platforms to create awareness about the various educational programs, scholarship opportunities, and academic procedures should be actively done. Community leaders and grassroots organizations should be engaged in these efforts.
• Exploration of ways for students to move to higher education.

Expected Outcomes

• Improved foundational & conceptual learning in school going children.
• Increased enrollment in the STEM courses in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and enhancement of GER.
• Enhanced self-confidence in learning and pursuing STEM courses.
• Valuable guidance for school students as well as the Shiksha Saarthis and the Hub Institutes to interact and learn from Mentor Institute.
• Implementation of multiple recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 including support to students from rural areas, strengthening of HEIs in underserved areas, holistic development of students, guided internships for students in HEIs, promotion of digital learning, promotion of STEM courses, etc.
• A list of current challenges faced in motivating students and parents. This will vary from region to region due to our varied demography.
• Best practices adopted by HEIs for enrolling more students.
• Points on job specific skills required (that are currently not imparted as per curriculum) to be listed out. This can include the need for inter-disciplinary skills as well.
• Improved employability prospects in the long run for rural students.
• Dignity of labor, respect for every profession and developing passion for work are key factors. On these aspects, motivational sessions need to be organized in schools and HEIs.

Roadmap for the Institutes

• Identify the territory for which Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the local surrounding areas will be onboarded to lead in the implementation of the scheme as the “Hub Institutes”.
• Coordinate with the schools in the territory, to identify the single point of contact for continuous participation. Since the local chapters are the last mile connect, institutes must establish the highest trust level with the local chapters.
• Coordinate with industry to percolate industry field visits to a mixture of students from schools and colleges.
• Identify the new/upskill requirements as required by the industry, and explain the same to school teachers. This will create a positive mindset in teachers and they can in turn motivate students.