The Department of Education (DoE) is all set to introduce vocational education in 100 secondary schools across the country from the new academic session.

According to School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP 2009-2015) — which also incorporates vocational courses at the school level — the programme aims to make school education practical and skill oriented so that students can easily find jobs after completing school level education.

Though, education from grade I to X is considered school education and grades XI and XII are called higher secondary education, SSRP has defined education up till grade XII school education.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) plans to launch vocational education in 100 schools in the pilot phase.

According to MoE, schools are selected in such as way that at least one school is incorporated from each district.

DoE has selected five subjects for vocational education namely agriculture, livestock rearing, electric, electronic and automobile.

The selected schools will have to teach at least one subject from the new academic session. Rose Nath Pande, assistant spokesperson, MOE, said the ministry intends to incorporate vocational courses in all schools after studying its impact. Pande said fund for trainers will be sent through the schools.

“The schools can select and appoint them,” he said, adding, “The government has given priority to those applicants who have passed at least Plus Two level or diploma level education in related subjects.”

DoE also decided to launch ‘Profession, Business and Agriculture’ as part of vocational education in grade VI.

The government had been carrying out pilot projects for these subject in various schools for the past two years.

source: the Himalayan times,9 april 2013