Rajasthan’s Education Department held a meeting with representatives of Piramal Foundation and Motilal Oswal Financial Services to discuss development works, innovations, model schools and the department’s future plans.
Additional Chief Secretary, Education, Rajesh Kumar Yadav said the focus should be on providing students with education, skills, employment-oriented training and support for mental health.
During the meeting, Yadav shared details of education schemes, government schools and education personnel in the state. He said work was underway to develop 400 CM RISE schools as model schools, along the lines of 649 PM SHRI schools in the state. The schools will focus on education, innovation and students’ overall development.
He also discussed the Shiksha Setu programme and its role in addressing students’ educational requirements and strengthening school systems.
Focus on vocational education and skill development
Yadav said students should receive skills required for employment and self-employment along with formal education. The meeting discussed expanding vocational and skill-based courses in schools and extending them to schools in remote areas and small villages.
Mental health, dropout and financial literacy
The meeting also discussed institutional programmes for students’ mental health, measures to prevent dropouts, improving attendance and bringing students who are falling behind back into the education system.
Participants discussed strengthening basic infrastructure in schools and promoting financial literacy among students in Classes 11 and 12. The meeting also covered the development of selected government schools as model schools and increasing community participation.
Yadav said training centres and centres of excellence should be developed to strengthen training for teachers and education personnel. The meeting also discussed increasing CSR support for education and partnerships with private organisations and foundations.
Piramal Foundation Chairman Ajay Piramal shared details of the foundation’s work in Rajasthan and discussed further areas of cooperation.
State Project Director and Commissioner Dr Rashmi Sharma provided details of activities being implemented under Samagra Shiksha. The discussion covered gender, hygiene, infrastructure, preparation and monitoring of government programmes, and students’ academic development, skills and employment readiness.
RSCERT Director Shweta Fagadiya briefed participants on efforts to develop vocational skills among students and prepare them for employment and self-employment. She also discussed the need to improve awareness among girls about hygiene and health-related issues during adolescence.
After the meeting, the participants visited an exhibition organised by the Piramal Foundation, which showcased its development work and initiatives in the education sector.
The exhibition included information on various initiatives and programmes being implemented by the foundation.
