Question : RURAL UNIVERSITY AND GANDHIAN LITERATURE PROGRAMME

(a) the action taken by Government in consultation with University Grants Commission to set up Rural University to execute ideas of Mahatma Gandhi;

(b) whether the Government is going to include more Gandhian literatures and spiritual matters in various educational syllabus to motivate and enhance mental power of students in consultation with State Gover- nments;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is aware of the fact that there is a sharp rise in the mental stress among students; and

(e) if so, the remedial action taken by the Gover- nment in consultation with State Governments in this regard?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): There is no proposal at present to set up a rural university in the country by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). However, the Gandhigram Rural Institute, Tamil Nadu, a deemed to be university is already functioning under MHRD. The Institute provides instruction and training in such branches of learning as it may determine to promote a classless and casteless society and integrated and sustainable rural deve- lopment on Gandhian lines. It is fully funded by Government of India.
(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has started a scheme of “Epoch Making Social Thinkers of India” in various uni- versities/colleges to introduce various courses on great thinkers and social leaders, their thoughts and philosophies including Gandhian studies. As reported by the UGC, under this scheme 85 Gandhian Studies Centres have been approved by the UGC for continuation in the XII Plan and 55 Centres have been approved for establishment during XII Plan w.e.f 2013-14. Details of the scheme are available at http:// www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/xiplanpdf/epochmakingso- ciathinkers1.pdf.

(d) & (e): The UGC, the All Indian Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Dental Council of India (DCI), have all notified anti-ragging regulations to eliminate the scourge of ragging including any conduct by any student likely to cause annoyance, hardship or psychological harm in any student. The Regulations have stringent provisions for taking action against the students and institu- tions found violating anti-ragging regulations. The Ministry has set up a toll-free anti-ragging helpline, which is working since 15th June, 2009, where incidents of ragging may be reported. The UGC has launched an anti-ragging portal at www. antiragging.in, which is working since 26th July, 2012.

The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), 2005 recommends measures like reduction of curriculum load, emphasis on comprehension and application of knowledge, focus on continuous and comprehe- nsive evaluation, emphasis on testing of compe- tencies rather than rote memory, making exami- nations more flexible, provision of guidance and counseling in schools, and making learning child-centric. The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 recognizes the need for stress free education. Section 30 (1) of the RTE Act provides that no child should be required to pass any board examinations till completion of elementary education.