Govt nod to new education scheme

NEW DELHI: A cabinet committee chaired by Prime Minister on Wednesday approved an integrated scheme on school education by subsuming the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikshaabhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020.

It has also allocated ₹75,000 crore for the same, which is a 20% increase over the existing allocation.

“The scheme aims to support the states in universalising access to school education from pre-nursery to Class 12 across the country,” said a press statement issued by the government.

The main objective of the scheme is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from nursery to senior secondary stage in accordance with the sustainable development goal for education. Final MBBS examination to be held as a common exam across the country and would serve as an exit test. It would also serve as the screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practise in India.

The provision dealing with “bridge course” for AYUSH practitioners to practise modern medicine has been removed.

The maximum limit of 40% seats — for which fee would be regulated in private medical institutions and deemed universities — has been increased to 50%.

Number of nominees from states and UTS in the NMC has been increased from 3 to 6. The NMC will comprise 25 members of which at least 21 will be doctors.

Monetary penalty on a medical college non-compliant has been replaced with provision that provides other penalty options.

Stringent punishment for unqualified medical practitioners or quacks could be as severe as imprisonment of up to one year along with a fine up to ₹5lakh