With an aim to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), Maharashtra Government has asked universities to conduct ‘School Connect’ drive. Government feels this step shall have positive impact regarding implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)-2020. All non-agricultural universities in the State are expected to conduct this drive. Government has noticed that the per centage of students not being able to take higher education after Class 12 is high. Government has observed that Class 12 students are the most affected by the changes in curriculum and many students are dropping out after junior college due to many obstacles. This has resulted in creation of vacancy in the colleges running higher education courses. Government feels the ‘School Connect’ drive can bring these students into mainstream. The universities can think upon introducing on-line courses for these students. The drive is to be conducted between January 15 and January 31, 2024. Universities have to constitute committee at their level headed by Pro Vice Chancellor. The committee will have all the Deans, members of Inter Quality Assurance Cell, Principals of important senior colleges affiliated to university, Headmasters of junior colleges attached to schools, students representatives, as its members.

 

Government had run the school connect campaign for Class 10 students in the past. During the campaign, polytechnic colleges were at the forefront. The campaign focused on the diploma engineering courses. It led to rise in GER in diploma courses. Government has taken a leaf out of its own book to conduct the same drive for Class 12 students. As part of the ‘NEP Connect’ campaign, universities will familiarise the students and their parents with the hands-on, multi-disciplinary and flexible courses envisaged under the new policy. They will also be made aware of online and distance learning opportunities as well as various scholarship schemes. This drive will not only guide students and parents on various initiatives and changes in the education system under NEP in detail, but also make them aware of every component about NEP. Government noticed impact of upcoming curriculum changes on Class 12 students enrolling in degree colleges next year. It also highlighted the concern of students discontinuing education after junior college. Government is mulling over running similar campaign for final year graduation students, giving them information on post-graduation opportunities. Under this drive or even after it, universities are supposed to hold activities like generating database of Class XII students, conducting workshops for students and parents.