Question : VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

(a) whether the Government has introduced/proposes to introduce any Centrally sponsored scheme for promoting vocational education especially for women in the rural/tribal areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the funds earmarked and utilized so far during the Eleventh Plan period in this regard;

(d) whether the Government plans to promote such education during the Twelfth Plan;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to promote vocational education in rural areas?

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

(a) and (b): The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalisation of Secondary Education was introduced in year 1987-88. Under the Scheme, financial assistance is given for introduction of vocational courses in Government and Government aided higher secondary schools. The scheme also benefits girls in rural and tribal areas studying at the higher secondary stage.

(c): There is an allocation of Rs.2000 crore for the scheme during the 11th Five Year Plan . No grant has been released since the beginning of the current plan, as the scheme is under revision.

(d) to (f) In consultation with State Governments,the Ministry of Human Resource Development has developed the working document of the National Vocational Education qualifications Framework(NVEQF) covering secondary schools,vocational institutions and institutes of higher education which paves the way for strengthening Vocational Education in the 12th Plan. Curriculum has been designed for about 150 Vocational courses, several of which are related to agriculture and rural areas.