published by, sheen kachru
Last Update: April 20, 2023, 12:38 PM IST
UGC has proposed that HEIs can provide various part-time engagement opportunities to enrolled students (Representational image)
The draft also stresses that suitable sensitization programs for all teachers, administrators, office bearers and students of HEIs should be initiated and conducted regularly.
“Earn-while-learn” scheme may be introduced in Haier soon Education Institute (HEI) as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) to help students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups to earn and support their education.
The UGC has proposed that HEIs may offer part-time engagement opportunities to students enrolled in any academic department of the HEI within the campus.
As per the draft Guidelines for Equal Opportunities for Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in HEIs, the rate of remuneration for each student will be a consolidated amount on an hourly basis for the part-time service rendered by them Maximum 20 hours per week, 20 days per month.
UGC has noted that payment may be made on actual basis and the services of the student shall be provided after class hours.
“The Earn-While-Learn (EWL) scheme is a means for SEDG students to earn and support their education and help them acquire skills and abilities that will enhance their employability. It seeks to reduce the economic difficulties of learning and increase the adaptability of the learner. Both will improve the quality of education and make it a purposeful endeavour.”
“It provides opportunities to the students to develop their personality, acquire technical skills and build their entrepreneurial potential, which will help them to take up professional assignments relatively faster. Under this scheme, needy students are provided opportunities for part-time engagement Opportunities are provided,” read the draft guidelines.
The UGC has also listed an indicative list of opportunities for such engagement, which include working on research projects as an assistant, library assignments, computer services, data entry, laboratory assistants.
“The Heads/Directors/Coordinators of Academic Departments having students eligible for this scheme should prepare a pool of such candidates in consultation with Dean and Equal Opportunity Cell and get it approved by a competent authority – Vice-Chancellor/Principal, for each academic session should,” read the draft guidelines.
The guidelines have been prepared in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which emphasizes on addressing the issues of students belonging to Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
NEP 2020 has taken into account gender identity (especially women and transgender persons), socio-cultural identity (such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and minorities), geographic identity (such as students from villages, small towns, and aspirational districts), disabilities (including learning disabilities), and socioeconomic conditions.
The draft also recommends “bridge courses” for students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups at the beginning of their courses.
“The purpose of the bridge course is to help SEDGs category students to perform academically at par with other category students. Such courses are conducted every year before the commencement of the semester programme.
The draft also stresses that suitable sensitization programs for all teachers, administrators, office bearers and students of HEIs are offered and conducted regularly, so that the latter understand the relevance of inclusive policies like the reservation policy. Be more open to giving importance.
“HEIs’ engagement with SEDG students needs to adhere to principles of inclusion and equity at all levels, and this requires greater sensitivity to the challenges SEDG students face, particularly their self-esteem, With regard to self-respect, honor, and dignity,” it said.
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