(Image source from: livemint.com)

On Wednesday, the Union Government initiated a centrally sponsored scheme of 5,718 crore to improve education outcomes with the World Bank in 6 States. Further, they announced that a similar programme would be rolled out in five other States too.

At a cabinet briefing, the Union Minister, Prakash Javadekar says thatthis scheme focuses on learning being based on the understanding of a subject.

Up to third standard, attention would be given to learning a language. There would be a change in the procedure of how exams would be held and designed.

One of the main goals of this scheme would be that of students achieving proficiency in language and an improving in secondary school completion rate

The World Bank would aid a programme wherein there would be another board or institution that would carry on the assessment.

The Central Government and World Bank would collaborate and provide 3,700 crore and 2,000 crore for this education scheme.

Apart from this, the World Bank would provide $500 million for an initiative titled as Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS).

This scheme covers Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.

Similarly, this initiative collaborating with ADB Co-operation will be extended to Gujarat, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.

The Minister says that this is an important milestone while starting the new education policy.

Since 1994, the STARS programme has built a long partnership between India and the World Bank for strengthening public school education and standing for the country’s goal of providing education for all.

By Neha Makhija