Question : COMMUNITY COLLEGES

(a) whether suggestions have been received to start 100 community colleges in the country based on the community college model in the United States to address skill shortage;

(b) if so, the reaction of Union Government / UGC therein;

(c) the details of location and the identified aims and objectives of such colleges;

(d) whether the Union Government has urged States to submit concrete proposals for starting community colleges in their respective States; and

(e) if so, the response of the State Governments thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b): The Government of India has taken a decision to start 200 community colleges from the existing colleges/polytechnics from the academic session 2013. The responsibility to implement the scheme will lie on the States /UTs with support from the Government of India.

(c): These colleges aim at improving the employable skills of the learners, to provide flexibility to exit and re-enter the course / programme and also to provide opportunity for horizontal and vertical mobility and community–based lifelong learning. The locations of such community colleges will be determined by the State /UT Governments concerned.

(d): Yes, Sir.

(e): Till date, proposals have been received from State Governments of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh only.