Odisha to Introduce Vocational Education from Upcoming Academic Session

Introduction of vocational education for students of 30 Government-aided schools has been decided by the Odisha School and Mass Education Department, from 2015-16 academic session.

At the Project Advisory Board (PAB) meeting of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), the Budget for the vocational course was approved. The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) will sanction an amount of Rs 8 to Rs 10 crore to Odisha under RMSA for the purpose.

Within the National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF), this move is a part of the national drive to provide vocational training to 550 million students by 2022. To check the dropout rate and promote skill development of students by introducing vocational training in Classes IX and X on a pilot basis is the target of the State Government.

With the goal to make students employable when they complete secondary education, the aim is to start the project at Level 1 (Class IX) in 30 Government-aided schools. Students can enroll in vocational courses at degree level, after clearing four levels for each year until Class XII.

The department has identified Industry-driven trades like computer repairing, automobile technology, travel and tourism and information technology, to be taught in schools. Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) in association with National Skill Development Corporation has set these trades on the basis of National Occupational Standards. However, the department to impart training on automobile technology to students is yet to receive nod from MHRD. The other subjects, carrying 100 marks each, will be offered as additional compulsory subjects by rationalizing the existing content for Classes IX and X on a pilot basis.

In 231 Government Junior Vocational Colleges (GVJCs) and 641 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in both private and Government sectors, at Plus Two Level full-fledged vocational courses are being offered.