Eleventh Five Year Plan

18 Eleventh Five Year Plana networked computer lab with at least ten computers,a server, a printer connected on Local Area Networkand broadband Internet connectivity of 2 Mbps.Every school will also have a technology classroom,with audio visual equipment for enhancing the learning.A dedicated programme for content creation asper the curricula will be undertaken as an integral partof this initiative. In addition, educational content onCDs for embellishing classroom teaching will alsobe made available. Training of teachers in the use ofcomputers and teaching through computers will be anotherimportant component of this initiative.1.2.22 This revamped scheme of ICT in schools willbe implemented in partnership with the States andprivate providers. This will be a sub-Mission of theNational Mission of ICT of MHRD.Education for Girls1.2.23 Most of the States implement incentive schemesfor education of girls, but generally with very limitedcoverage. Measures will be undertaken to overcomeobstacles to girls’ education posed by factors such aspoverty, domestic/sibling responsibilities, girl childlabour, low preference to girls’ education, preferenceto marriage over the education of girls, etc. A Girl ChildIncentive Scheme will be launched on a pilot basis inthe selected EBBs. On the basis of quick evaluation,its expansion will be considered in the Eleventh Planperiod. The merger of all girl child incentives schemeswill be ensured.Bridging Social Disparities1.2.24 In order to bridge social gaps in secondaryeducation in respect of SCs, STs, minorities, and OBCs,the Eleventh Plan will address specific areas including(i) upgradation of elementary schools to secondaryschools in geographic concentration areas of relevantsocial groups, (ii) supply of free uniforms, text books,footwear, (iii) supply of bicycle/wheelchairs, (iv) hostelsfor boys and girls, (v) stipends to the deservingchildren, (vi) support to all Madrasas for adoptionof general curriculum of States, (vii) pre-matric andpost-matric scholarships, (viii) special remedialcoaching within/outside school for weaker students,and (ix) an area-intensive approach with communityparticipation.Education of Children with Disabilities1.2.25 The scheme of Inclusive Education for theDisabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) will enable allstudents with disabilities completing eight years ofelementary schooling an opportunity to completefour years of secondary schooling (classes IX–XII) inan inclusive and enabling environment. The IEDSS willalso support the training programmes for generalschool teachers to meet the needs of children withdisabilities.Levy of Fees1.2.26 Even in public schools, there is a need toencourage some fees for students for enabling schoolmanagement to raise resources for quality improvement.This should be accompanied by a generousprovision of scholarships to those who cannot affordsuch fees, particularly girl students who are at the riskof dropping out and marrying early.National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)1.2.27 During the Eleventh Plan, the thrust of theOpen Schooling system will be on (i) developing NIOSas a potential Resource Organization in Open Schoolingat the national and international level, besidesoffering courses of study, (ii) up-scaling programmesof the existing 10 State Open Schools (SOSs), and(iii) setting up SOSs in the remaining 19 States. Inorder to ensure quality in Open Schooling, there willbe a full-time coordinator with ancillary staff oncontract basis in each Study Centre under the OpenSchooling system. During the Eleventh Plan, 1000AVIs will be set up as a part of the Skill DevelopmentMission (SDM). All AVIs will be rated for their performancebefore continuation.Teacher Education1.2.28 During the Tenth Plan, the thrust areas forTeacher Education are development and strengtheningof teacher education institutes, improvement inquality of pre-service and in-service teacher education,professional development of teacher education, andassessment of students. All these were to ensure thatteacher education leads to qualitative improvementof schools. The performance of teacher educationprogrammes has not, however, been satisfactory.The objective of setting up DIETs was to influence the