YOJANA

ISSN-0971-8400

february 2020 a development monthly ` 22

Innovation in Education
interview
In Conversation with Dr K Sivan
Focus
Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities
Yogesh K Dwivedi, Santosh K Misra, Laurie Hughes

Special Article
Education and Technology for the Blind
Dr R S Chauhan
Innovation in Higher Educational Institutions
Satyanarayanan Seshadri
ODL: A Futuristic Approach
Dr K D Prasad
The Prime Minister at Indian Science Congress, Bengaluru
T he Prime Minister, Shri Narendra
Modi inaugurated the 107th
Indian Science Congress (ISC) at
University of Agricultural Sciences,
Bengaluru. Delivering the inaugural
address, the Prime Minister said,
“The growth story of India depends
on its achievements in the Science
and Technology sector. There is a
need to revolutionise the landscape
of Indian Science Technology and
Innovation.”
He said, “New India needs
technology and also a logical
temperament, so that we can give
a new direction to our social and
economic sectors”. He said science
and technology provides a level
playing field in making opportunities
accessible to all and that it also plays a
unifying role in the society. He added,
“Now the developments in information
and communication technology are
able to provide cheaper smart phones
and cheaper data and that has made it
accessible to everyone in the country,
where as it was seen as a privilege of
the few earlier. This made the common
man now believe that he is not distantly
separated from the Government.
Now he can directly connect with
the Government and make his voice
heard.”
He exhorted the young scientists to
work in the field of rural development
where there are several opportunities
for cheaper and better innovations.

@PMOIndia
My motto for the young scientists in this country has been - “Innovate, Patent,
Produce and Prosper”. These four steps will lead our country towards faster
development.

... I am also happy to learn that India’s ranking has improved in the Innovation Index to
52. Our programs have created more technology business incubators in the last five years
than in the previous 50 years! I congratulate our scientists for these accomplishments.
(3 January, 2020)
 YOJANA
Website: www.yojana.gov.in

February 2020 volume-64

no. 2

CHIEF EDITOR Since 1956 a development monthly

Rajinder Chaudhry Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides
Rig Veda
Editor
Shuchita chaturvedi
Editorial assistant
Maria zafar
In This Issue
Joint Director (Production)
Vinod Kumar Meena The Vice President on Science
Education and Innovation special article
COVER DESIGN
Gajanan Pralhadrao Dhope Excerpts from Speech..............................7 Education and Technology for
Our Representatives the Blind
Ahmedabad: Janhavi Patel, Bengaluru: B.K. Interview Dr R S Chauhan.......................................27
Kiranmai Bhubaneswar: Girish Chandra Dash,
Chennai: Sanjay Ghosh, Guwahati: Ramani
In Conversation with
Kant Sharma, Hyderabad: Vijayakumar Vedagiri, Dr K Sivan.......................................... 9
Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur Devgan, Kolkata:
Khurshid Malik, Mumbai: Umesh Sadashivarao
Ujgare: Thiruvananthapuram: Roy Chacko

Chief Editor’s Office:

Room No. 763, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex,
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Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, Section and Disadvantaged
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003.
E-mail (Editorial): [email protected] Groups
Yojana Team..........................................32
YOJANA seeks to provide a vibrant platform for
discussion on matters of social and economic
development of the country through in-depth
LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE Need to Key Initiatives in Education
analysis of these issues in the wider context of
government policies. Although published by the Challenge Existing Assumptions Big Picture.........................................35
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, YOJANA is Dr Vikram A Sarabhai............................12
not restricted to expressing the official point of view. Open & Distance Learning:
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in various A Futuristic Approach
articles are those of the authors' and they do not Focus
necessarily reflect the views of the Government Dr K D Prasad.........................................39
or the organisation they work for. l Maps/flags Artificial Intelligence
used in the articles are only indicative. They don't Challenges and Opportunities Cybersecurity: Issues and
reflect the political map or legal representation of
the flag of India/any other country. l The readers
for India Challenges
are requested to verify the claims made in the Yogesh K Dwivedi, Santosh K Misra and G P Pandey............................................43
advertisements regarding career guidance books/ Laurie Hughes.........................................16
institutions. YOJANA does not own responsibility
regarding the contents of the advertisements. Global Synergy in Higher
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For grievances/complaints regarding non-reciept
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Also write on the above email for new Dr Ratna Bhuyan...................................50
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Innovation in Higher
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Business Wing (Hqrs.): Phone: 011-24367260, Yojana Team..........................................54
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 YE-1388/2020

4 YOJANA February 2020

 YOJANA
Transforming Education

E ducation is a virtue which stays with an individual throughout the life.

Collectively, educated masses are the think tanks, growth drivers as well as the
conscience keepers of any nation. It is the education in multiple streams which brings
together a multi-faceted society with a vast spectrum of expertise among its people.
Innovation brings novelty in learning methods and the way education is
structured. This also brings better employability and future prospects. Moving ahead
from the conventional ‘chalk and talk’ model of learning to modern digital learning
and from passive learning to hands-on experience is the way forward.
The power of innovation lies in its simplicity, applicability and affordability.
Innovative models in the field of education have to be sustainable, scaleable and
result oriented. They must create an environment of learning which encourages
original thinking, creativity, and most importantly, delivering education to the last
mile.
Technology is bringing this much-needed innovation in Indian education
system. Innovative education fosters sustained learning at an early stage which has
the potential to shape the future generations. This can bring a paradigm shift in the
way our students learn - from looking to seeking, from mugging up to learning, from copying-pasting to exploring and
inventing, from less participatory learning to experiencing and creating. The possibilities are immense when education is
teamed up with innovation.
From the Right to Education to Samagra Shiksha, education has always been a priority area in devising schemes and
initiatives. The Government has also launched several new schemes in higher education to boost research and innovation
culture in the country. The Committee for Draft National Education Policy chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan has submitted
its report proposing an education policy, which seeks to address the challenges of access, equity, quality, affordability
and accountability faced by the current education system. The draft Policy provides for reforms at all levels of education
from school to higher education. It seeks to increase the focus on early childhood care, reform the current exam system,
strengthen teacher training and restructure the education regulatory framework. It also seeks to set up a National Education
Commission, increase public investment in education, strengthen the use of technology and increase focus on vocational
and adult education, among others.
The public schools and universities are mandated to provide quality education to all. They need to attune themselves
with the growing demands of innovative need-based learning. This subsidised education works as an enabler for many
with marginalised backgrounds giving wings to their aspirations. The need for the day is to supplement this model of
education with public-private partnership. Also, collaboration with global universities in terms of e-learning and exchange
programmes will expose the students to the global scenario.
India has been an important seat of learning since ancient times with institutes like Nalanda and Takshila. Today, the
country is fortunate to have a youth population like never before. This demographic dividend can be utilised with the right
opportunities in education providing them the skill set and experience to aspire big.
Nelson Mandela has called Education as the “most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is
the key to eliminating gender inequality, to reducing poverty, to creating a sustainable planet to fostering peace, and to
preventing needless deaths and illnesses. In India, innovation is the key to this transformation in the education sector. 

YOJANA February 2020 5

 Building on more than 20 years of experience in
guiding the aspirants for Civil Services
Examination

Drishti IAS has launched its

CLASSROOM PROGRAMME in
English Medium
at Prayagraj

ADMISSIONS OPEN!
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Special Discount of 30% for the 1st 300 students who

get enrolled in the Foundation Batch.

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YE-1389/2020

6 YOJANA February 2020

 vIsIon

The Vice President on

Science Education and Innovation
Yojana Team

he Vice President of You have the invaluable treasure of making high quality wrought iron

T India, Shri M. Venkaiah

Naidu,
inculcating
called for
scientific
temper and nurturing the spirit of
creativity and imagination within
you. You should draw inspiration
from the words of former President
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who had said
and, of course, the invention of ‘zero’
and contributions to astronomy are
well known.
Let us look at some of the
inquisitiveness among the children in the ‘Ignited Minds’, “Dream, invaluable contributions made
from a young age as science provides dream, dream. Dream transforms into by our ancestors. Aryabhatta’s
answers to challenging problems thoughts. Thoughts result in action”. ‘Aryabhattiyam’ is considered a
and contributes to the technological Historically, India has been seminal work; equally pioneering
progress of a nation. Addressing the a lighthouse of knowledge. Our work is Panchasidhhantika of
27th edition of the National Children’s Ayurveda system of medicine can Varahamihira. Of course, Charaka
Science Congress (30 December, be traced back to 5000 BC. Indus and Sushruta are known as Fathers
2019) in Thiruvananthapuram, he Valley civilization had irrigation and of Surgery. Rishi Kanad first spoke
said that scientific thinking involves sewerage systems as far back as 2500 of “anu’’ (atom) as an indestructible
curiosity, reasoning and open- BC. By 200 BC, South India was particle of matter in Kanada Sutra,
mindedness. “Science education
will motivate children to seek truth
without any bias or prejudice. It will It is important to inculcate scientific temper in our young minds
make children to rely on analysis, which will go a long way in the technological progress of this
questioning and reasoning before country. We must understand that advancements in science and
arriving at a judgment”, he added. technology, and innovation will be of no use if they remain in
Following are the excerpts from his laboratories. All our research and inventions must go beyond labs
speech
and try to solve the problems faced by the common people.
“I am delighted to be present here
at the National Children’s Science
Congress, the flagship programme
of National Council for Science
and Technology Communication
(NCSTC), Department of Science &
Technology (DST), Government of
India.
I am happy to note the theme
of the Children’s Science Congress
2019 is “Science, Technology and
Innovation for a Clean, Green and
Healthy Nation”.
The innovative mind of the
youth is the most powerful resource
on the earth in this knowledge era. The Vice President at 27th National Children's Science Congress.

YOJANA February 2020 7

while Patanjali is considered as Father
of Yoga. There are innumerable
legendary scientists of ancient India
who have enriched the world’s
scientific treasure.
We need to take pride in
their achievements and share the
knowledge we have inherited from
them with the entire world.
India’s contribution to science in
modern era is also quite significant. In
early 20th century, Prof. Satyendranath
Bose’s ‘Boson’, Prof. Subramanian
Chandrasekhar’s ‘Chandrasekhar
limit’, Sir C.V. Raman’s ‘Raman
"Science, technology and innovation are key drivers of economic and social
effect’ and Prof. Jagadish Chandra
development" : Vice President
Bose’s ‘wireless communication’
have earned global recognition. As a problems faced by the common truth without any bias or prejudice. It
matter of fact, there is no dearth of people. will make children to rely on analysis,
talent in India. The only thing required The world is facing the ill- questioning and reasoning before
is to create the right ecosystem for effects of climate change and global arriving at a judgement.
innovation to thrive. warming. We need not only need to Science, technology and
Students must be made aware find sustainable solutions but we must innovation are key drivers of economic
that the real purpose of science is to protect and preserve nature. Science and social development. They can
make people’s lives comfortable and provides answers to challenging contribute to the sustainable and
happy. It is important to inculcate problems. Hence, science education inclusive development. Innovative
scientific temper in our young is important for the development and and appropriate technologies can
minds which will go a long way growth of a nation. ensure steady improvements in living
in the technological progress of We are living in an era of conditions and ensure rising incomes.
this country. We must understand unprecedented technological change. In the global innovation
that advancements in science and This is an age of innovation and landscape, India continues to be the
technology, and innovation will be of scientific temperament from a most innovative economy in the
no use if they remain in laboratories. young age will lay the foundation Central and Southern Asia. India
All our research and inventions must for innovative thinking. Science can make a true impact on global
go beyond labs and try to solve the education will make children to seek innovation in the years to come only
with your intellectual contributions in
innovation and creativity.
Science and technology will be
an important factor in transforming
India into a developed nation. The
young scientific minds assembled here
represent a cross section of the 300
million youth of the nation. You should
all develop curiosity, knowledge,
core competence, determination,
perseverance and the courage to pursue
your dreams for inventions and make
path-breaking discoveries. My best
wishes for the success of the scientific
pursuits of all the participants from
different States. 

Source: Press Information Bureau

"It is important to inculcate scientific tempo in our young minds" : Vice President

8 YOJANA February 2020

 Inter vIew

In Conversation with Dr K Sivan

Today, science and technology are the essential components in the development
of any country and they play a major role for improving the quality, safety and
security of life of humans. Thus, providing help for inculcating scientific temper
in the students assumes added significance.
– Dr K Sivan
Excerpts from Email Interview given to B.K. Kiranmai, our Bengaluru representative

Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, the Father of about 10 feet diameter capable of ISRO has been part and parcel
of Indian Space Programme had receiving TV signals directly from of Tele/distance Education.
envisioned that the space resources a satellite were established along EDUSAT was one of the pioneering
have the potential to address the with special TV sets. During SITE, programme. How it was conceived?
real problems of man and society. TV programmes on subjects such Which are the other initiatives?
Satellite Instructional Television as health, hygiene, family planning The EDUSAT programme was
Experiment (SITE) was the largest and agriculture were beamed through conceived based on the rich experience
sociological experiment in the the American ATS-6 satellite, which we gained in utilising communication
world. It was on Education. Kindly revolved round the earth in the 36,000 satellites for telecommunication and
brief about that. km high geostationary orbit. This TV broadcasting. First, this valuable
Indeed, SITE was the largest programme exposed our rural folk to experience was gained through the
sociological experiment in the world the various important issues of day-to- pioneering SITE programme, and
considering its large outreach. This day life and broadened their outlook. later APPLE and INSAT utilisation
satellite communications experiment Technologically, SITE experience programme. During the 1990s, many
was performed for one year during enabled us to evolve our INSAT system educational and training programmes
1975-76 by ISRO and involved 2400 for rapid expansion of the country’s which enriched our large student and
villages in six states. As part of this telecommunication, TV broadcasting teacher community at different levels
experiment, chicken mesh antennas and weather monitoring infrastructure. were conceived and implemented by

YOJANA February 2020 9

beaming those programmes across ten student satellites developed by expected that many of the students
the country through satellite. This different universities of our country selected will reach the highest levels
enabled us to understand the specific have been launched successfully, in their chosen fields and bring
requirements of our large student providing rich experience to laurels to their community, State and
community and paved the way for the students on intricacies of satellite Nation.
conception of EDUSAT programme. building, and inspiring them to take With children drawn from
During this programme, GSAT-3 or up prominent challenges in their all over the country, the DHRUV
EDUSAT, a dedicated satellite for the professional life later. programme reflects the true spirit
educational field, was launched by Recently DHRUV (An MHRD of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Not
our GSLV and utilised for enhancing Programme) was launched from only this, the students will now act
the outreach as well as the quality ISRO headquarters. How do you as a beacon for the 33 crore students
of the formal as well as informal foresee it? in the country and lay down a unique
education sectors. These were mainly path for them to follow. I really
DHRUV, the Pradhan Mantri
intended for semi urban and rural appreciate the initiatives taken by
students. Even today, transmission Innovative Learning Programme, is
the Government under the guidance
of educational programmes through a unique initiative. The Programme
of Prime Minister’s Vision. I am
satellites is continuing based on the was started to identify and encourage
glad that DHRUV programme was
EDUSAT experience. talented children to enrich their skills launched from ISRO headquarters.
and knowledge. Gifted children
ISRO has been encouraging will be mentored and nurtured by You are a son of a farmer and have
student community in a big way in renowned experts in different areas closely witnessed the villages all
developing satellites. What is the in centres of excellence across the along. The Prime Minister’s vision
present scenario? country, so that they can reach their is to double the income of farmers
To enthuse our large student full potential. DHRUV acts as a by 2022. In that direction, how
community, especially engineering platform to explore the talent of do you visualise the role of space
student community about spaceflight outshining and meritorious students, technology in imparting informal
in general and satellites in particular, and help them achieve excellence in education to farmers?
ISRO has encouraged them to build their specific areas of interest may All along ISRO has been
micro and nano satellites and has it be science, performing arts or striving to develop and utilise space
launch them in our trusted workhorse creative writing. In this way, these technology for the benefit of the
PSLV. Besides, ISRO has helped talented students will not only realise common man, including the farmer.
them in the design, development and their full potential but also contribute During SITE programme, TV
testing of those satellites. Till now, to the society in a big way. It is documentaries on agriculture made

About Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman ISRO, Secretary DoS

Dr. K Sivan joined ISRO in 1982 and was inducted into PSLV Project. He specialises
in Aerospace engineering, Space Transportation Systems Engineering, Launch vehicle
and mission design, control & guidance design and mission simulation software design,
Mission synthesis, simulation, analysis and validation of flight systems.
He has significantly contributed towards end-to-end mission planning, design, integration
and analysis. His innovative contributions, particularly the strategies adopted in mission
design enabled the consistent performance of PSLV. This has also proved to be a good
foundation for other launch vehicles of ISRO, like, GSLV MkII & MkIII including RLV-
TD. He is the chief architect of 6D trajectory simulation software, SITARA, which is the backbone of the real-time and
non-real-time trajectory simulations of all ISRO launch vehicles. He was responsible for commissioning world-class
simulation facility in ISRO for mission synthesis and analysis, which is used for mission design, sub-system level
validation and integrated validation of avionics systems in all ISRO launch vehicles. He developed and implemented
an innovative ‘day-of launch wind biasing strategy’ that enables rocket launch on any day, under varied weather and
wind conditions. He was the chief mission architect for successful launch of 104 satellites in a single mission of PSLV.
He has received many awards including Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from selected universities.
Source: www.isro.gov.in

10 YOJANA February 2020

in vernacular languages were beamed from different parts of the country more broadband communication
to farmers on improving agricultural helps the task of national integration satellites, more capable earth
practices. Later during APPLE and as well. observation satellites as well as
INSAT utilisation programmes, TV ISRO has exhibited its capability of navigation satellites, the potential
documentaries specific to various precisely launching (104) satellites. for more significant development
subjects on agriculture were made This is because of mastering the definitely exists. Science and
and telecast through satellites and techniques of launch expertise technology education provides the
they have been continuing. Similarly, which brought global recognition. necessary skilled manpower for these
our weather monitoring satellites like What are the salient features of tasks and enables the indigenous
Kalpana and INSAT-3D have become forthcoming programmes of ISRO. development of potent tools of
instrumental in the accurate weather science and technology as well as
prediction and climate studies which In the forthcoming months, their utilisation. Thus, the role of
has an important bearing on our we will be launching many science and technology education
farmers. At the same time, our Remote communication and earth observation in enabling the proper, adequate and
Sensing satellites have enabled our satellites to ensure the continuity sustainable capacity building is very
agricultural scientists to detect crop of the services provided by such important indeed.
diseases, accurately estimate crop satellites already serving from their
As part of enhanced outreach
acreage, crop yield, soil quality, orbital home. At the same time, we
programme, ISRO launched
which ultimately will bring benefits to are striving towards continuously
‘Samwad with Students’ What is
the farmers. Thus space technology is enhancing their service capabilities
vis-a-vis their predecessors. the framework of this programme?
helping farmers in many ways.
This year, we also endeavouring Today, it is as important to
Tell us about ‘Young Scientist inspire and galvanise our large
Programme’ (Yuvika) initiated by in earnest to realise Chandryaan-3
mission with a lander and a rover. student community at different
ISRO.
Plans are also in the offing to launch levels, especially at the primary and
Today, science and technology Aditya-1 satellite for studying the secondary level, to take up science
are the essential components in the Sun. More importantly, the Honorable and technology education more
development of any country and they Prime minister has already provided seriously and pursue it with dedication
play a major role for improving the us a challenge to realise the Indian and hard work, as it is to develop
quality, safety and security of life Human Spaceflight programme various technologies. In this regard,
of humans. Thus, providing help for Gaganyaan by 2022. This is a interaction of scientists with students
inculcating scientific temper in the formidable challenge towards which goes a long way in awakening the
students assumes added significance. the entire ISRO has geared up and curiosity and creativity lying inside
Today, space technology is virtually working hard to develop the essential our student community. With this in
touching every facet of life of technologies and ensure its success. mind, as well as with the intention
common man. Yuvika programme is of making our young students proud
primarily aimed at imparting basic India is aiming to be $5 trillion
of their country’s achievements in
knowledge on space technology economy by 2024-25. How tools and
space through the narrative of ISRO
and its applications as well as space education in science and technology
scientists themselves, we began this
science to the younger ones with the can contribute?
‘Samwad with Students’ programme.
intent of arousing their interest in the Tools of science and technology
emerging areas of Space activities. can definitely act like a catalyst to the I am sure that nothing prevents
The two-week long residential training economic development of the country. the present generation of students
programme involves invited talks and In this regard, space technology from even semi urban and rural
experience sharing by the eminent has already proven its worth by areas to achieve excellence in
scientists, facility and lab visits, facilitating the rapid development their chosen domain in future and
hands on training, exclusive sessions of our telecommunications, TV assume high offices in that domain,
for discussions with experts and more broadcasting, weather monitoring, provided they are effectively
importantly, a feedback session. The educational, healthcare, inspired. With this in mind, I have
first batch of 110 selected students transportation and banking talked to young student community
representing every state and union infrastructure as well as in the in many parts of our country and
territory have already participated in planning, implementation and their curious questions have simply
the two week Yuvika resident training review of various developmental overwhelmed me and enabled me to
programme during May 2019. This tasks. Now it is even contributing understand the significance of such
task of bringing together students to the governance. In future, with programmes. 

YOJANA February 2020 11

 fR om the aRChIveS

Leadership in Science
Need to Challenge Existing Assumptions
Dr Vikram A Sarabhai

learly the development holds us? You may be surprised that

C of a nation
intimately linked with
understanding
is

and
application of science and technology
I bring in faith. It implies on my
part primarily a recognition that an
individual does not exist in isolation.
Almost any action that he takes
by its people. It has sometimes affects the outside world and he
been argued that the application of has to be aware of how the outside
technology by itself can contribute world is likely to react to his action.
to growth. This is certainly true as In other words, he has to have faith
an abstract proposition, but fails and confidence in the type of reaction
in practice. Witness the state of which he may expect before he can
development and social structure of take even the smallest action. If he
countries of the Middle East, where has to cross the street he must have
for decades resources of oil have been faith that the driver of a motor car
exploited with the most sophisticated understands the highway code.
technology. History has demonstrated It seems to me that a broad
that the real social and economic understanding of the physical and
fruits of technology go to those who social environment in which man lives
apply them through understanding. is the most urgent task which faces all
Therefore a significant number of humanity. When we come to think
citizens of every developing country for its nationals to do front-rank
of it, lack of insight concerning the
must understand the ways of modern research within the resources which
environment in which man operates
science and of the technology that are available. It is equally necessary,
has posed a problem at all times.
flows from it. having produced the men who can do
Just as superstition took hold of an
research, to organise task-oriented
An ability to question basic unlightened man who received solace
projects for the nation’s practical
assumptions in any situation is from religion, so can prejudice and
problems.
fostered by probing the frontiers of a feeling of omnipotence permeate
science, whatever field one may be One of the inevitable the minds of those who, without
engaged in, whether it is Biology, consequences of the introduction bothering to understand science,
Genetics, Atomic Science or Space of modern technology is a gradual enjoy the rich rewards flowing from
Research. It is this ability rather than erosion of existing values–a drift the application of technology. When
an empirical hit-and-miss approach towards a man-centred world gimmicks substitute magic, we have
which proves most effective in substituting another in which man produced no essential change in the
tackling the day-to-day problems of is only one element in all of nature. enlightenment of the total socio-
the world. It follows from this that What can replace ethics born out of a political system. On the other hand,
countries have to provide facilities religion and a faith which no longer today, the consequences of failure to

This article is reproduced from 6th February, 1966 issue of Yojana. The author is considered as the Father of the Indian space programme.
He was Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and had established more than ten institutes of repute including the Indian Space
Research Organisation.

12 YOJANA February 2020

raise the level of enlightenment are be delivered with inter-continental third party or reference to an outside
more serious to the security of the ballistic missiles capable of hitting a tribunal are the only courses open
world than they were ever before. The target to an accuracy of a few miles to us. The provisions of the United
task of promoting an understanding at a distance of six to eight thousand Nations Charter referring to collective
of science is of course at the core miles, the implications of a war security imply an acceptance of this.
of the problem of education and between adversaries possessing such The leaders of the nations who founded
becomes increasingly more difficult weapons were too grave for anyone to the world organisation appreciated
in the context of a population contemplate armed conflict as a means what sovereign states could no longer
explosion. Acquisition of technology of solving international disputes. If do. These provisions, like many
by itself does not contribute to this coexistence between nations formed others, have never been effectively
understanding. One is forced to the a part of the “Panchsheel” adopted by implemented. The security of the
regretful conclusion that no society Asians from Buddhism, it was also world and the political settlement of
has tackled this problem effectively. advocated by Premier Khrushchev international disputes would be very
Hinduism has a substratum of from an appraisal of the consequences much assisted if the common man of
philosophy which is fascinating of the balance of terror that exists all nations understood the constraints
to the modern scientist. The life between the East and the West. of the environment in which he
of the common man reflects At all times social change lives. In the context of an otherwise
many of the values related to this has been related to technological bleak international situation, the
philosophy, unconsciously imbibed developments and in each era new recent settlement negotiated by our
through literature, the arts and constraints, social and political, are Government on the border issue stands
social traditions. We recognise that imposed on those who partake of out as a most positive contribution to
perception involves the outside the change. Just as an individual world peace. In the sniping that has
object as well as the observer. We who chooses to live in a community followed from some quarters, we
appreciate the subjective character voluntarily renounces the right have a remarkable demonstration
of personal experience. We accept of throwing a stone anywhere he of the problems of a society which
that there are a thousand paths to pleases, which he undoubtedly could loses faith in Panchsheel and has not
enlightenment. In relativity we learn exercise in the jungle, so in the atomic yet accepted the ethics growing from
of the importance of the frame of age, nations are forced to accept a modern science.
reference of the observer and how the self-discipline where the freedom of Perhaps by now you have realised
results of observation depend on the settling disputes through the use of that I am beating about the bush, that
relative state of his frame with respect force on a grand scale is no longer I have not talked about leadership
to that which he observes. Absolute meaningful. in Science. You are right; but I am
right and wrong do not exist in the But if there are disputes between afraid this fairly long preamble on the
values of those who have understood nations, how are they to be settled? significance of science is necessary
the Upanishads or those who have Recourse to negotiations or, if before I can come to the point. I
followed the concepts of relativity. necessary, arbitration through a suggest that we consider leadership
When I talk of the scientist in in science to achieve the following:
this vein, it is perhaps necessary to First, to foster creativity and an
point out that I distinguish between An ability to question basic interest in getting to the core of
one who has merely gone through a assumptions in any situation problems, relegating for the moment
formalistic training in science from is fostered by probing the an empirical approach. Secondly, to
another whose scientific experience provide experience on a wide scale,
frontiers of science, whatever whereby man can understand the
is reflected in his personal values, I field one may be engaged
think the discussion is meaningful backdrop in front of which he operates
only in regard to the latter. in, whether it is Biology, and can evolve values and ethics
Genetics, Atomic Science consistent with the real constraints
Science and National Sovereignty imposed by his environment. Thirdly,
or Space Research. It is this
I can illustrate my point to provide the application of science
ability rather than an empirical and scientists to the diverse practical
concerning science and human values
by citing an example which is related hit-and-miss approach which tasks of society, that of building the
to the implications of science and proves most effective in economy, of creating a desirable
technology to modern warfare and tackling the day-to-day social environment and to problems
how these affect national sovereignty. problems of the world. of fields such as national policy,
As soon as hydrogen bombs could security and defence.

YOJANA February 2020 13

 Leadership for the development Improvement of Science Education
of creative, disciplined individuals, In Ahmedabad, for instance, was
highly motivated to ask basic
To create conditions for
the application of science started two years ago a Group for the
questions, is not leadership of the Improvement of Science Education.
type that we normally understand. and scientists to the real This Group consists of teachers drawn
There is no leader and there are problems of society, we from schools, colleges and research
no led. A leader, if one chooses to have to encourage scientists institutions and some gifted students
identify one, has to be a cultivator from these institutions. What brings
rather than a manufacturer. He has
to interest themselves in
problems outside their fields them together is a strong personal
to provide the soil and the overall motivation to improve understanding
climate and the environment in of specialisation. of science and the standard of
which the seed can grow. One wants education. They are ready to question,
permissive individuals who do not to innovate, and to share experiences.
have a compelling need to reassure promote the ivory tower, the At each level, wherever they work,
themselves that they are leaders alienation of the persons of insight they provide the type of leadership
through issuing instructions to others; from those who do things. As I have which we are considering here.
rather they set an example through said earlier, I believe that those who
their own creativity, love of nature can pose basic questions are the one Through experience we know
and dedication to what one may call who can best do applied work. For, in that conditions of work in India within
the “scientific method”. These are most things, locating the real problem our own specialised scientific fields
the leaders we need in the field of goes a long way towards its solution. rarely match the facilities available
education and research. It is they in several other countries. Some of us
To create conditions for the get frustrated striving against heavy
who continually challenge existing
application of science and scientists to odds. Others leave the country. But
assumptions on the objectives
the real problems of society, we have those that can apply their insights to
and methods of education, who
to encourage scientists to interest the problems of the community and
concern themselves with providing
themselves in problems outside their of the nation discover an exciting area
experiences from which individuals
fields of specialisation. Sure enough, of activity where effort is rewarding
build values and frames of reference,
one does not expect to give to the even while the results come slowly.
realising the subjective character of
opinion of a scientist special weight in
perception.
fields other than his own. But a person What should we do to provide
Application to Real Problems who has imbibed the ways of science opportunity for such leadership? I do
injects into a situation a new way of not expect attitudes which segregate
When we come to the application
of science to the real tasks of a looking at it, hopefully perhaps, a scientists and intellectuals from the
degree of enlightenment with regard real world to change quickly. I do
nation, it is again the interactive type
to the approach to problems and thus not believe that in the near future we
of leader, rather than a boss, who
provides leadership which is very are likely to provide to scientists and
is most effective. He is required to
valuable. educationists job opportunities and
relate himself to the work of others,
to give as well as to receive. In our service conditions which are at par
I am not advocating the
society, scientists encounter a curious with those enjoyed by administrators.
getting of scientists into diverse
difficulty in accomplishing useful But I have a dream, a fantasy may be,
committees. We have plenty of it. I
tangible results. We place intellectual do advocate that we make it possible that we can provide encouragement to
endeavour on a very high social scale, for them to work in their own those who will accept responsibilities
but believe that those who are engaged fields of specialisation in addition for real tasks, big and small, even
in it are unfaithful if they should be to undertake or collaborate in while they continue to do their own
interested and concerned with day-to- specific jobs. There are innumerable work. Moreover that we can secure
day practical affairs including their situations where this is possible at the acceptance of the notion that such task-
own standard of life and personal doorstep of every individual. These oriented activity, seriously undertaken
security. We look down our research could arise in improving curricula and with a well-defined objective to
scientists in national laboratories and methods of education, in setting be realised in a given period, should
or our academics in universities, if up local industry or promoting the receive financial reward which will
they engage themselves in outside productivity of farms, in local and ameliorate the total situation in at
consultation or if they choose to regional planning, in implementing least one important aspect. Leadership
augment their income from projects programmes for population control in science may then arise out of a new
of a practical nature. We implicitly or community development. climate for growth. 

14 YOJANA February 2020

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YOJANA February 2020 15

 focus

Artificial Intelligence:
Challenges and Opportunities for India
Yogesh K Dwivedi (1)
Santosh K Misra (2) *
Laurie Hughes (3)

The recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer the potential for significant opportunities
for industry, governments and society. Within the education sector, AI can be deployed to improve
teacher effectiveness and student engagement by offering capabilities such as intelligent game-based
learning environments, tutoring systems and intelligent narrative technologies. In this article, the
authors aim to outline the opportunities and challenges, particularly focusing on elements of policy
that need to be formulated to ensure development and further diffusion of AI-based systems.

rtificial Intelligence can be described as

A a system’s ability to learn and interpret

external data via software/algorithms or
machines/devices for problem solving by
performing specific roles and tasks currently executed by
humans.1, 2 The term AI has been used interchangeably
with other closely related terms such as expert systems,
decision-support system, knowledge-based systems,
machine learning, natural language processing, neural
networks, pattern recognition, recommender systems and
text mining.1, 3
Although the origin of the term AI can be traced
back to early 1950s, the relatively recent advancement
in information technology (such as big data, improved
computing, storage capability and super-fast speed of
data processing machines) and robotics has enabled AI to
gain significant momentum in terms of its development,
application and use within public and private sector
organisations.1, 3
The recent developments in AI offer the potential for
significant opportunities for industry, governments and
society, but there are many challenges and subsequent risks The Tamil Nadu government is using AI-based face recognition
as AI-based systems are adopted for an ever increasing for recording attendance

The authors are (1) Professor of Digital Marketing and Innovation and Co-Director at the School of Management, Swansea University,
UK. Email: [email protected]; (2) IAS and CEO of Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, Government of Tamil Nadu, India;
Email: [email protected], and (3) Lecturer at the School of Management, Swansea University, UK; Email: [email protected].
*Views expressed here are the author’s personal and do not reflect that of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

16 YOJANA February 2020

range of tasks and duties. In this article, we aim to briefly mitigate the risk of catastrophic agricultural events.
outline the opportunities and challenges, particularly Similarly, AI-based systems can be used to predict energy
focusing on elements of policy that could act as a major and utility demand to help in achieving SDGs such as
roadblock for development and further diffusion of AI- “Clean water, sanitation” and “Affordable clean energy”.
based systems. Application of AI in India
Opportunities and Applications Within the Indian context, a number of key indicators
A multitude of opportunities have been presented for from health, education and agriculture sectors are important
the application and use of AI-based systems in various to highlight as AI is further adopted. India has 0.8 per
domains particularly to assist where structured decision thousand doctor-to-patient ratio (UK: 2.8, Australia: 5,
making is needed.3 The ability of AI to overcome some China: approximately 4). This low ratio implies a heavy
of the computationally intensive, intellectual and perhaps workload on Indian doctors. In India, doctors spend just
creative limitations of humans opens up new application 2 minutes per patient, whereas in the US it is close to 20
domains within manufacturing, law, medicine, healthcare, minutes. AI could be a valuable assistive tool for doctors in
education, government, agriculture, marketing, sales, helping reduce their workload and assisting in diagnosis.
finance, operations and supply chain management, public AI-assisted diagnostics can provide access to quality
service delivery and cyber security.1 healthcare for people in remote areas. The per hectare
Within the education sector, AI can be deployed to cereal productivity in India is almost half that of China and
improve teacher effectiveness and student engagement UK (3000 kg/ha vs. over 6000 kg/ha). There is a significant
by offering capabilities such as intelligent game-based loss of productivity due to pests and diseases. Within
learning environments, tutoring systems and intelligent the education sector, India has about 50% less teachers
narrative technologies.4 Schmelzer5 suggested that AI per thousand students when compared with developed
can impact education in three ways. Firstly, AI-enabled countries (India 2.4/thousand vs. UK 6.3/thousand). But
hyper-personalisation helps in developing student- there is a silver lining in all this: India has 1.18 billion
specific learning profile and in developing customised mobile phone users with 600 million internet users and 374
learning environments based on ability, preferred mode million smartphone users. It has one of the cheapest data
of learning and experience. Secondly, the use of smart rates in the world ($0.24/GB) and an average data speed of
assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri, 6 Mbps. These factors open up huge potential for adoption
and Microsoft Cortana) and associated technologies offer of AI technology in India.
significant potential to help students. Universities are The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency has partnered
already using voice assistants to help answer common with Anna University to launch a Tamil smart assistant
questions about campus, student schedules and courses. called “Anil”. This NLP-based smart assistant provides a
Thirdly, AI systems can assist educators with secondary step-by-step guide to people in helping them apply online
tasks such as grading activities, providing personalised for scores of critical government services. The Tamil Nadu
responses to students, handling routine and repetitive Government has been one of the pioneers in using AI for
paperwork and dealing with logistics-related matters.5 public service delivery. The agency has recently launched
AI-based analytics can help with academic research an AI-based agricultural pest and disease identification
within various disciplines and potentially transform system and made it available to over half a million farmer
library processes and staffing requirements with aim to families through a mobile app. The farmer clicks an
provide a richer user experience.1 image of diseased crop or a pest and the system processes
AI technology can be used within several other sectors the image through an AI algorithm to identify the pest
for enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness. Dwivedi or disease and sends a message to the farmer advising
et al.1 has elaborated on how AI-based systems can help the remedial measure. This system is gaining a good
in achieving United Nations Sustainable Development field response in which nearly 400 farmers are posting
Goals (SDGs). Specifically, AI can help in achieving identification requests and getting answers every day.
good health and well-being goals within rural and remote The Tamil Nadu Government is implementing an
areas in developing countries where access to medical innovative use of AI through face recognition for recording
care is limited. In such scenarios, AI-based systems can attendance. The system is saving more than 45 minutes
be utilised for conducting remote diagnosis supporting per day and is freeing up extra time for core educational
doctors to help improve health service delivery. AI-based activities in schools. Within healthcare, AI solutions such
systems can also help achieve the “Zero Poverty and Zero as radiographic diagnostics like “detection of internal
Hunger” (SDG 2) by assisting in resource allocation for bleeding in brain from CT scans” are being tried to assist
predicting adverse environmental conditions, diagnose doctors and increase their reach to serve remote areas of
crop diseases and identify pests in timely manner to India.

YOJANA February 2020 17

 Job losses – Increasing automation
will lead to significant job losses
particularly at operational and lower
skill levels for repetitive tasks.
This critical consequence of AI use
will continue to impact all sectors
and countries across the world but
particularly developing economies
where employment opportunities are
already limited. This emphasises the
need for strategic management of AI
transition requiring organisations to
carefully consider a number of major
challenges: how to select tasks for
automation; how to select the level
of automation for each task; how to
manage the impact of AI-enabled
automation on human performance and
how to manage AI-enabled automation
AI-based agricultural pest and disease identification system is helping farmers in Tamil Nadu errors.1

Lack of competency and need for re-skilling and

Challenges and Shortcomings
up-skilling workers – A large number of organisations
There exists a number of challenges and limitations still lack in-house competency to successfully develop
of successfully implementing and utilising AI in both and implement AI-based systems. In such a scenario,
public and private sector organisations. Some of the key organisations utilise specialised consultancy firms
challenges are briefly outlined here. which can be very resource intensive. But this restricts
Lack of explainability – Generally AI operates organisations having limited resources in using such
effectively as a black-box–based system that does not systems. Similarly, using or working with AI-based
transparently provide the reasoning behind a particular systems requires workers to be equipped with a new and
decision, classification or forecast made by the systems.1 advanced set of skills, which is a challenge for government,
This is a major limitation of this technology as it has direct organisations and individuals.
impact on transparency, hence trust and confidence of Lack of trust and resistance to change – Due to above
using decisions made. mentioned issues and negative media coverage on the
Lack of contextual awareness and inability to learn consequences of AI, people are generally apprehensive
– AI-based systems are good at performing with given about its implementation. This poses a major challenge
parameters and rules. However, they still have major on how to establish trust among workers and stakeholders
limitations in terms of making decisions where context in the management of resistance to change in adopting AI
plays a critical role. Unlike human, AI-based systems systems.
cannot learn from their environment. This limits the Public policy is facing unprecedented uncertainty and
application of AI to specific types of domains. challenges in this dynamic world of AI. The velocity and
Lack of standardisation – AI-based systems that may scale of impact of AI is so high that it creates an interesting
have utilised different types of technologies/techniques dynamics in terms of the need to predict its impact and
are increasingly being embedded in variety of products inability to draw boundaries. We have identified six key
and services (for example, smart assistants, modules for public policy challenges of AI.
enterprise products, widely available cloud libraries and
Ethics
bespoke datascience-driven applications). This poses
a critical question: how can the inferences delivered Ethics for machines has been an area of immense
by different AI components be integrated coherently interest for the researchers. However, defining has proven
when they may be based on different data and subject to be problematic and difficult to make it computable.
to different ecosystem conventions (and the associated To tackle this, we need to deal with ethics purely from
quality differences)? Furthermore, organisations face an AI perspective. There are two dimensions of ethics in
challenges on how to ensure AI and human work together AI: (i) Privacy and data protection and (ii) Human and
successfully.1, 6 environmental values.

18 YOJANA February 2020

 (i) Privacy and Data Protection:
Privacy is possibly the top-most concern
while using AI systems. Users’ sensitive and
highly granular data is likely to be stored and
shared across the AI network (for example,
a person’s location for the day based on face
recognition and CCTV feeds, food habits,
shopping preferences, movies, music etc.).
(ii) Human and Environmental Values:
Any AI system has to conform to human value
system and the policymakers need to ask:
Has the AI system been sensitised to human
values such as respect, dignity, kindness,
compassion, equity or not? Does the system
know that it has a preferential duty towards
children, elderly, pregnant women, sick and
the vulnerable? An important aspect which
needs to be built into AI systems is the overall
cost of their decisions on the society. Fairness and Equity
Transparency and Audit AI can disrupt social order and hierarchy creating
In the future, many of the AI-based systems could new social paradigms, which could damage the social
be interacting with humans in fields such as finance, fabric exposing people lower in the bargaining hierarchy
education, healthcare, transportation and elderly care. The with a real threat of exploitation and unfair treatment.
technology providers must explain the decision-making This could lead to commoditisation of human labour and
process to the user so that the AI system doesn’t remain a chip away human dignity. An AI system designed with
black box. There exists a legal need to explain the decision equity as a priority would ensure that no one gets left
taken by such systems in case of litigation. These AI behind in this world. Another key need for autonomous
systems must provide an audit trail of decisions made not systems is fairness. They must not exhibit any gender or
only to meet the legal needs but also for us to learn and racial bias and they must be designed to stay away from
make improvements over past decisions. ‘social profiling’ (especially in law enforcement, fraud
Digital Divide and Data Deficit detection and crime prevention areas). The recent reports
questioning the neutrality of AI systems used by police to
Since the entire AI revolution has data at its identify crime-prone individuals has brought this issue out
foundation, there is a real danger of societies being left in sharp focus.
behind. Countries and governments having good quality
granular data are likely to derive maximum benefit out of Accountability and Legal Issues
this disruption. Countries where the data is of poor quality Without AI, any system designed by a human is only
or of poor granularity would be left behind in harnessing a machine under the control of the operator. Therefore,
the power of AI to improve lives of its citizens adversely accountability has not been an issue. Almost all civil and
affecting low-resource communities. criminal liability laws of the world fairly unanimously

The AI can be deployed to improve teacher effectiveness and student engagement.

YOJANA February 2020 19

attribute accountability to the operator, owner and accountability and misuse prevention. An effective public
manufacturer of the machine in varying degrees policy framework for AI along with a practical scorecard1
depending upon the facts of the case. However, once would be needed to make this AI revolution work towards
machines are equipped with AI and take autonomous an equitable prosperity. 
decisions, the question of accountability becomes References
very hard to answer, more so when the algorithms are
unknown to the designer. 1. Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Ismagilova, E., Aarts, G., Coombs, C.,
Crick, T., Misra, S. & Galanos, V. (2019). Artificial Intelligence
Misuse Protection (AI): Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges,
This possibly is the toughest of all six questions. opportunities, and agenda for research, practice and policy.
How do we insulate every new technology to prevent International Journal of Information Management. DoI: https://doi.
it from being twisted for achieving destructive goals? org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.08.002
2. Kaplan, A., & Haenlein, M. (2019). Siri, Siri, in my hand: Who’s
A case in point – how internet proliferated across the
globe benefitting billions but also carried along with the fairest in the land? On the interpretations, illustrations, and
implications of artificial intelligence. Business Horizons, 62(1),
it a wave of cybercrime, malware, viruses and violent
15-25.
online games which resulted in loss of innocent lives
3. Duan, Y., Edwards, J. S., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2019). Artificial
of teens around the world. Autonomous AI systems intelligence for decision making in the era of Big Data–evolution,
must be designed for misuse protection. It cannot be an challenges and research agenda. International Journal of
afterthought. Information Management, 48, 63-71.
Conclusion 4. Chaudhri, V. K., Lane, H. C., Gunning, D., & Roschelle, J. (2013).
Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Contemporary and
AI as a technology holds tremendous potential for a Emerging Educational Challenges. Artificial Intelligence Magazine,
country like India, which is data rich and has the requisite Intelligent Learning Technologies: Part, 2(34), 4.
technological capability to create AI solutions for many of 5. Schmelzer, R. (2019). AI Applications in Education. Forbes. Available
its problems. States like Tamil Nadu have already started at https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/07/12/ai-
deploying AI systems at scale for addressing some of applications-in-education/#5f93548f62a3
the key challenges in health, education and agriculture 6. Walton, P. (2018). Artificial intelligence and the limitations of
sectors. Public roll-out of AI systems needs to address information. Information (Switzerland), 9(12) doi:10.3390/
issues of ethics, transparency, audit, fairness, equity, info9120332.

do you Know?
Artificial Intelligence introduced as a subject in class IX in the
schools affiliated with CBSE
Yojana Team

I n order to enhance multidisciplinary approach in teaching-learning and to sensitise the new generation, (AI) has
been introduced as a subject in class IX from the session 2019-20 in the schools affiliated with Central Board of
Secondary Education (CBSE).
‘Inspire’ module on AI
A twelve-hour ‘Inspire’ module on AI has also been announced, which schools can take up with the students of
class VIII. The study material for teaching AI in classes VIII and IX has already been provided to schools through the
CBSE’s website (http://cbseacademic.nic.in/ai.html).
Decision to introduce Artificial Intelligence in the States and UTs will have to be taken by the respective Boards.
CBSE has collaborated with several organisations, private schools, etc. Over 40 training programmes on AI have been
conducted in schools affiliated with CBSE in various parts of the country in which 1690 participants (Principals and
teachers) have been trained.
AI is an overarching discipline that covers a broad range of domains and applications, and is expected to impact
every field of life in the coming times. Hence, schools may opt for it to make the students AI ready. All CBSE schools
are eligible to opt for the AI curriculum.
Schools may apply to opt for this curriculum through http://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Circulars/2019/14_
Circular_2019.pdf.
Sources: PIB, CBSE

20 YOJANA February 2020

 YE-1391/2020

YOJANA February 2020 21

 YE-1390/2020

22 YOJANA February 2020

 InCUbatoRS

Innovation in Higher Educational Institutions

Satyanarayanan Seshadri

The Innovation centres in institutions fosters team spirit and the ability to work beyond classroom
lectures. They prepare the students to take collective ownership of outcomes and work on
multigenerational products. Centre for Innovation (CFI) is one such platform for students in IIT
Madras which is encouraging them to generate ideas to innovate and invent. With a vision to
produce leaders, such institutes are undergoing paradigm shifts. In this article, an attempt is made
to trace this transformation at institutes like where transformative start-ups were initiated from
solutions developed through research and student projects.

he Indian culture due to competitive exam pressures. displayed to the open public during

T places high emphasis

on learning since time
immemorial. Premier
higher educational institutes in India
It is now being increasingly
recognised that a maker space is an
integral part of learning. The Atal
Innovation Mission (AIM) under the
the annual open house. The ideas and
projects range across all domains of
science and engineering and spans
various stages of development: from
have always been a gateway to a aegis of Niti Aayog is promoting the breadboard proof of concepts to full-
secure and prosperous life for many. formation of Atal Tinkering Labs fledged finished products. Recently,
Earlier, the students produced by the (ATL) in schools to promote this the CFI team “Aavishkar” became
premier institutes made a bee-line maker space culture. the only Asian team to qualify and
to destinations in the west in order was placed within the top 25 in
At IIT Madras (IITM), an after-
to broaden their horizons. However, the hyperloop competition held at
class activity called the Centre for
over the last decade a cultural SpaceX. Further, the development
Innovation (CFI) transformed the
change has begun in these institutes. emphasises on a frugal engineering
students from passive listeners to
These temples of learning have been mindset, where performance is fully
active learners. The CFI was set up
transforming themselves to produce met despite costs.
to provide an outlet for the students
the next generation of leaders who are
to try-out their passion without the Similarly, there are many student
willing to take-up entrepreneurship,
burden of grades or exams. It started formula racing car teams in the
foregoing assured income; thereby
modestly with a seed grant from the country (such as the IITM Raftar)
creating multiple jobs for the society.
1981 alumni batch which was used for that routinely participate and win
At the root of this transformation is
setting up a student-run tinkering lab in competitions across the world.
the culture of innovation.
and a maker space which now serves These student teams are pushing the
Catalysing Student Innovation and to empower students who have the boundaries and testing their mettle
Entrepreneurship passion and motivation to try-out an in emerging technologies such as
Playing with hands, making/ idea and bring life to it. The centre autonomous vehicles, drones for
breaking stuff has always been a part was set up with the motto “walk services, robotics, computer vision,
of childhood and growing up. This in with an idea and walk out with a data analytics, genetics etc. Further,
need is largely suppressed in the product”. True to its motto, the centre centres such as CFI also promote
higher secondary classes in school has been producing stellar products student interest clubs, which also

The author is faculty advisor for Centre for Innovation, Nirmaan pre-incubation centre and Assistant Professor in the Department of
Applied Mechanics at IIT Madras. Email: [email protected]

YOJANA February 2020 23

 Team Raftar, IITM student formula racing team

enable contextual use of technology in the context of the societal needs at the undergraduate level. Further,
by exploring social needs in our and wants. many centres of excellence in various
country. Some of the themes that are Similarly, the higher educational domains of national importance has
explored include disaster recovery, institutes such as the IITs are also been set up at these institutes. For
smart agriculture, rehabilitation, gradually transforming themselves example, the recently established
education for the under privileged etc. in to research and development Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science
While the students explore various powerhouses catering to the needs of and Artificial Intelligence (RBC-
topics across domains, the higher the country. The quantum of students DSAI) promotes next generation
educational institute serves as the pursuing post baccalaureate degrees fundamental research in the areas
launchpad for these students to dream are now more than those entering of deep learning, network analytics
big and gives them confidence so that as well as its applications in various
they can achieve what they set-out areas such as manufacturing analytics,
to do. With over 24 centres of financial analytics, smart cities,
systems biology and health care.
Innovation as a Catalyst excellence in various domains The National Centre for Combustion
These innovation centres also serving as a fertile ground for Research and Development (NCCRD)
fosters team spirit and the ability to idea generations in IITM alone originally set up with interdisciplinary
work beyond classroom lectures. It and similar such groupings at faculty to promote advanced research
prepares the students to take collective in the domain of combustion has
various institutes of national
ownership of outcomes and work on already started producing niche start-
multi-generational products. While importance across the country, ups in areas like micro-gas turbine,
individual merit brought them to these these higher education emission sensors, electric planes etc.
institutes, working on innovation and institutes are bursting at seams With over 24 centres of excellence in
bringing complete products to life with solutions waiting from various domains serving as a fertile
prepares these students for the real ground for idea generations in IITM
problems.
world. Innovation comes to life when alone and similar such groupings
their inventions are developed further at various institutes of national

24 YOJANA February 2020

importance across the country, these IIOT enabled electric scooter, Planys
higher education institutes are bursting – underwater robotics, Detect –
at seams with solutions waiting from enabling advanced asset monitoring
problems. for process industries, AirOK – next
Where are the Problems? generation air purifiers etc. All of
these transformative start-ups were
The innovation ecosystem can be initiated from solutions developed
divided in to four buckets: 1. Ideate, through research and student projects
2. Pre-incubate, 3. Incubate, and 4. at IITM looking for a problem.
Support. Among these, the incubation
However, such transformation is
and support eco-system are highly
not routine but an exception. There
instrumental. This is especially true
are over 1000 students active in CFI
in institutes like IITs, where the need
and over 3000 active post graduate
to support entrepreneurship has been
researchers in IITM alone and with
recognised from early on. Society
similar potential numbers across many
for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
of our institutes of eminence and
(SINE) in IIT Bombay is one of the
national importance. The challenge
earliest incubator in an academic
for our higher educational institutions
setting in India supporting tech start-
is to enable routine transformation
ups and socially relevant projects. of these intellectually stimulated
Similarly, the Foundation for individuals to deep tech entrepreneurs Nirmaan: 4-stage process of pre-incubation
Innovation and Technology Transfer and innovators solving societal
(FITT) in IIT Delhi has been suppor- Ideation and technology development
problems of today and tomorrow. It is taken care of by the research and
ting entrepreneurship development is often very hard to take a step back
since 1992 and has recently come up tinkering labs. In the digital space,
from a narrowly defined academic hackathons have become very popular
with an initiative to promote start-ups problem definition to identify broad
from PhD thesis research. IIT Madras to quickly ideate and come-up with a
opportunities where the research or mock-up of the product or solution for
established India’s first university technology developed might meet a
based research park, collocating a problem statement. For problems
market need. in the clean-tech space, IITM runs
established companies with start-ups.
IITM’s incubation cell, hosted inside Role of Pre-incubation the carbon zero challenge (CZC),
the research park supports over 200 Incubators (such as CIIE, IITM- which aims to unlock potential ideas
companies with deep technology IC, etc.) and support systems (such as and support prototype development.
focus and with valuation over Rs. Keiretsu, TiE, Chennai angels etc. offer However, past experience indicate
mentoring, networking, and funding that many of the hackathons,
6500 cr. Some of the nationally
support for early stage start-ups along idea challenges, business plan
recognised start-ups from IITM
competitions etc., have not resulted in
include Ather, one of India’s first with business acceleration support.
creation of enterprises. Even in cases
where a start-up is established, many
struggle in selling and getting funding
beyond the early stage seed grant and
angel rounds. It is now increasingly
being recognised that active support is
needed in venture creation at the pre-
incubation stage, even more than the
incubation support. Pre-incubation
can serve as a soft launch for the
fleeting entrepreneurial ventures,
where the solutions waiting for
problems can explore the market for
potential customers and the elusive
product-market fit. It can also expose
the learners to a disciplined approach
to customer discovery and venture
Team Aavishkar at their hyperloop pod competition in SpaceX, California in 2019 creation. At IIT Madras, Nirmaan

YOJANA February 2020 25

is the pre-incubator, where ideas A similar lab-to-market program
mature towards incubation. It helps was initiated at IITM with the
committed teams validate their ideas, support of our distinguished alumni
approach to market leading to the Dr. Gururaj Deshpande (Desh)
establishment of a start-up company. and Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan. The
Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre
Set-up in the year 2015 to help
(GDC)’s I-NCUBATE program
student teams from CFI, Nirmaan
enables lab to market transformation
now works with students across the
through its rigorous 8-week training
campus to help in their entrepreneurial
module developed on the lines of the
experience.
I-Corps program. Since its launch
The Nirmaan 4-stage process in 2017, GDC has conducted 7
helps with problem identification, I-NCUBATE programs, impacting
validation through primary market over 70 teams, and training over 400
research, development of minimum entrepreneurs and about 60 faculty
viable product/solution and finally members across 4 institutions in
to launch the start-up. It is only at India. This has led to the creation of
Abhiyaan: Autonomous Ground Vehicle,
the last stage that the students are about 25 start-ups in this time span.
developed by students at CFI, IITM
encouraged to register their company The program also has led to the
and take the plunge. Till that time, validation of assumptions about the revelation that there is no market for
the pre-incubation facility serves product, market need and potential over 45% of the ideas defined by the
as a sandbox for the teams to try customers. The course turned out to participants. However, the biggest
out various approaches to unearth be quite in demand, with over 140 impact of the training on faculty
suitable problems that their solutions students expressing interest for an will become evident in subsequent
could solve. Teams are accepted in available intake of 30. This shows a research activities performed by
a cohort mode, which enables peer growing demand for an experiential them and also in the framing of their
learning and are further paired up learning course on entrepreneurship academic work in the context of a
with experienced mentors from our embedded in to course curriculum. market or societal problem.
distinguished alumni base. With 1000s of crores in research
funding spent annually on developing Way Forward
However, out of many potential
technologies in world class facilities It is heartening to see the rapid
ideas from the CFI and other research
at these institutions, it is imperative pace of the deep tech innovation
labs, only a few are considered
that a system to move technologies ecosystem in India. Institutes of
for the possibility of a start-up.
from lab to market is evolved. higher education, such as the IITs, are
This is primarily due to the fear of
the unknown and the uncertainty In the United States, the adapting to the evolving trend of rapid
surrounding the process. National Science Foundation (NSF) experimentation and development of
had pioneered the concept of lab technology for the society where it is
Entrepreneurial Mindset to market through the Innovation embedded in. For these institutions,
Recognising the need for a Corps (I-Corps) program. I-Corps it is no longer sufficient to train and
systemic intervention in inculcating accelerates the economics and societal produce good employees. It will be
an entrepreneurial mindset, IIT benefits of NSF funded basic research the mandate of these institutions
Madras had pioneered the post programs by training scientists and to produce good employers in
graduate program in entrepreneurship engineers to extend their focus beyond large numbers that will cater to the
(MS in Entrepreneurship) as early as the university laboratory and look at aspirations of the next generation
1983. However, it was way ahead commercialization. The program has
India. Our institutions will have to
of its time and had not achieved resulted in the development of over
imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurial
the desired impact. Recently, with 600 start-ups, with over 1450 teams
thinking, which includes rapid
widespread exposure and acceptance trained in 230 universities. Each
team consists of faculty and student adaptation to the societal needs,
of the culture of innovation and
entrepreneurship, IITM introduced participants and explores the market developing and scaling in resource
a first-level elective course in potential of the research from their constrained environments and
entrepreneurship. The course aims labs. The program has fundamentally serving as focal points or nodes of
to help students approach innovation changed the perspectives of many innovation and entrepreneurship, to
and entrepreneurship in a disciplined faculty members leading to more reach our national goal of a $5 trillion
fashion with periodic testing and meaningful outcomes for the society. economy. 

26 YOJANA February 2020

 specIal ar tIcle

Education and Technology for the Blind

Dr R S Chauhan

With holistic schemes like ‘Samagra Shiksha’ providing education to children with special needs,
India has witnessed a sea change in inclusive education. However, the country has to go a long
way to achieve parity between the visually impaired and sighted children in the area of quality
education. The article elucidates the historical perspective of blind education and the way forward
with the use of technological innovation.

t was in the early 1950s in undergraduate course. It was a Spreading a typewritten sheet

I that a blind boy met

a school Principal for
admission. He denied
his request saying, “How can I
very hot day in June, 1970. He was
confident on the basis of his marks
and preparation for the purpose. The
Principal said from across the wide
before the gentleman, he said with
confidence, “Sir, look here, “The
Inter-University Board resolved
in its 33rd meeting that blind will
give you admission? Our academic table, “Well, our classrooms are be eligible to get admission in all
environment will be ruined since located on the first floor”. The boy colleges among other facilities on
the students will follow you around; was already prepared to respond and the basis of their merit.”
laughing and ridiculing you!”1 said, “Sir, even at the school, my
This defence annoyed the
classroom was at the first floor.”He
Almost after two decades, Principal and he said, “You talk like
another boy with similar condition replied, “Fine, I have to consult the
an advocate!”
approached a prestigious college in University authorities for admission
the Delhi University for admission in your case.” He therefore went out of the gate

File Photos

1 2
1. Miss Annie Sharp was instrumental in launching a facility in Amritsar for the blind in 1887;
2. Lt. Col. Sir Clutha Machenzie was appointed OSD in 1942 for rehabilitation of the Indian War Blinded during the World War I.

The author is former Head, Department of Special Education & Disability Studies, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped
(NIVH), Dehradun. He lost his eyesight at the age of four due to small pox. Email: [email protected]

YOJANA February 2020 27

 1. Institutions were limited to
A Chronology of Educational Services for Blind primary level only,
• 1887- A facility for the blind was launched in Amritsar; 2. Lack of an all India Braille code:-
• 1944- Lt. Col. Sir Clutha Mackenzie played a major role in writing the Braille is a dot-based tactile
Government of India report on blindness; system of reading and writing
• 1947- A unit for visually impaired was established in the Ministry of used by visually impaired,
Education; 3. Absence of Braille printing unit
• 1951- India adopted the uniform Braille codes for various Indian languages; in the country,
• 1952- First-ever Braille printing plant of India was established in
4. Lack of production facility even
Dehradun;
for simple equipment needed by
• 1954- Braille appliances manufacturing unit was set up; blind.
• 1959- Government set up its first school for Blind Children in Dehradun;
The year 1947 turned out the
• 1960 - Four Regional Centres for the teachers of blind were set up;
watershed year for the entire country
• 1974- India launched the Integrated Education for Disabled Children as well as for the blind coincidentally.
(IEDC); It was in the month of April, 1947
• 1981- Observance of International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP); that a small unit for education and
• 1983-92- The UN Decade for the Disabled, and rehabilitation of visually impaired
• 2016- Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act enacted. was established in the Ministry of
Education (MoE). The Unit came in to
and stood on the footpath dejected Miss Annie Sharp, an Anglican existence as per the recommendations
and demoralised. Coincidentally, a was instrumental in launching a contained in the Government of
young man came and inquired about facility in Amritsar for the blind in the India Report on Blindness, 1944.
his problem. On finding the reasons, year 1887. It imparted basic training Lt. Col. Sir Clutha Mackenzie played
he guided him to another college in bead work, reed work and reading a major role in writing this report
and found out his roll number for of religious scripture.2 on the basis of his experience as a
the interview. He was selected in blinded soldier of World War I. The
It led to establishment of other
the interview and got admission at Government appointed him as an
such institutions at a very slow pace
Kirorimal College. The rest is history Officer on Special Duty (Blindness)
in different parts of the country out of
as the saying goes. in 1942 for rehabilitation of the Indian
pity, charity and sometimes by a sense
War Blinded during the ongoing war
This whole incident is as vivid of educating them in a limited way.
and to submit a report for education
and fresh in my mind as if it happened Ms. Jane Askwith was an educationist
and rehabilitation of Indian blind of
yesterday! The kind young man who herself, who desired to impart good
different categories.6
helped me was a hearing impaired education and training to visually
person who eventually became my impaired in order to make them self- The Government took a historic
friend. sufficient. That facility commenced in decision for the benefit of Indian and
It is true that our history of 1890 and Ms. Askwith continuously other blind living in various countries.
expanded and improved it till she left They requested the UNESCO for
the last millennium is etched with
for England.3 On the other hand, Miss initiating action for uniformity of
the footprints of a few savants
Braille codes in the world based on
like Soordas, Gattu Maharaj, Millard gathered some poor blind from
some villages during the drought and certain principles. After international
Swami Birjanand, Swami
launched a facility for them at Bombay discussion, the UNESCO finalised
Gangeshwaranand, etc. But they
are a class by themselves, a product in 1900 for their care. It blossomed principles for drawing Braille codes
of their extraordinary intellectual into a fine educational institution later in different languages. India adopted
prowess, exceptional endeavour on.4 Gradually, the number of such the uniform Braille codes for various
and perseverance. Towards the fag institutions continued to increase. languages in India in 1951. It was truly
end of the 19th century, many efforts It went up to 32 in undivided India a historic development of immense
for educating common blind were by 1944 according to a Government importance for future progress. This
taken. Thus, we can categorise the report.5 Only a few of them could single decision was more significant
educational services for blind into be considered educational facilities. than any other taken earlier.
three stages: Pre-Independence era, Others ranged from medieval asylums Having overcome the major
Post-Independence era and Modern for the homeless to shelters. The problem of lack of uniform Braille
era commencing with the 21st century. major features of this era were: code, the Government established the

28 YOJANA February 2020

first-ever Braille printing plant named and Madras respectively. This endeavour to organise themselves
the Central Braille Press at Dehradun training programme was augmented into pressure groups and willingness
in 1952. The Government started to in a small measure by limited of India to accept and implement
provide financial assistance to four opportunities made available to the United Nations (UN) resolutions
regional Braille presses from the Indians in some foreign countries.10 in this sector, which generated
following decade. The Central Braille A paradigm shift was witnessed momentum for faster progress.
Press was followed by Manufacturing in 1974 when India launched the Observance of International Year of
of Braille Appliances unit set up in Integrated Education for Disabled Disabled Persons (IYDPs) 1981 as
1954 to produce and provide simple Children (IEDC) scheme to be declared by the UN, the UN Decade
equipment like Braille Slate and implemented through govt. schools. for the Disabled 1983-92, Asian
Stylus, Arithmetic Board and the It provided financial assistance for and Pacific Decade for the disabled
required types, some recreational special teachers, equipment and declared by the ESCAP in its Beijing
items, needle threader and folding educational material to individual meeting in 1992, are a few examples.
white canes, etc.7 students covered under the scheme. Following the IYDP 1981, a large
With the availability of uniform The programme made a slow progress number of NGOs, autonomous
Braille code, Braille press and during the first decade.11 However, all bodies as well as governments
simple equipment though in a limited of these measures and the scholarships became more active for a variety
measure, the number of schools for for disabled children and adolescents of reasons. Some universities like
the blind registered a rapid growth certainly provided them opportunities BHU and Kurukshetra University,
around the same time. In addition to at primary, secondary and higher etc. launched programmes on special
the NGOs, Government set up its first level, of course, only a small number education. With a view to ensure a
school called Model School for Blind could benefit.12 The following decades minimum standard, the Government
Children in 1959 at Dehradun. Some were to witness a much faster growth. passed the Rehabilitation Council of
India (RCI) Act, 1992. India enacted
state governments also came forward With a view to make the matter the Persons with Disabilities (Equal
to meet the demand. Thus, the number easy, the focus has been and will be
of such institutions reached 115 by Opportunities, Protection of Rights
on education. The IEDC Scheme was
1964.8 It went up to 250 by 1995.9 and Full Participation) Act, 1995
transferred to the MoE in 1982 and a
to give effect to the decisions taken
Now, a vital missing component cell was set up at NCERT, New Delhi
in the Beijing meeting in 1992.
for education was quality teachers in which developed into a Department
The Act provided for education in
this sector. The Government bridged later. The IEDC Scheme attracted
special as well as normal school
this gap by launching a scheme for many more children following its
and informal settings, research and
modification in 1987 and 1992 along
preparing special teachers, though resources required for the disabled
feeble efforts were made earlier with some other measures. The MHRD
among other facilities. Recognising
as well. The central scheme set began to include the education of the
the prevailing environment, this law
up four Regional Centres for the PWD children also in the mainstream
allowed free and universal education
Teachers of the Blind commencing policy from the National Policy on
for the disabled up to the age of 18
the programme in 1960. That decade Education, 1986.13
years.14 Though called ‘Toothless
witnessed the establishment of such A combined force of PWD Tiger’, even this Act empowered the
centres at Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta became conscious of their rights, their people in question greatly.

YOJANA February 2020 29

 The IYDP 1981, the UN to go a long way to achieve parity
decade for the PWDs and ESCAP India enacted the Persons between the visually impaired and
declarations, etc. made possible to sighted children in the area of quality
with Disabilities (Equal
have imported and/or indigenously education. The parity is certainly
developed assistive technology, Opportunities, Protection of desirable for visually impaired
including high-tech items, for Rights and Full Participation) individuals and their families but it
education in India. Some of the Act, 1995 to give effect to is even more desirable to make our
most important ones were interpoint the decisions taken in the society inclusive. 
slate, mechanical writers, various
Beijing meeting in 1992. The Endnotes
types of gadgets for audio-material,
Act provided for education in 1. Verma, V.P. (2008). Ek Yatra Smirtiyon
screen readers for using computers
Ki. Allied Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Delhi.
effectively, software and high-speed special as well as normal school
2. Chauhan, R.S. (1994). Triumph of the
Braille printers capable of producing and informal settings, research Spirit. Konark Publishers. New Delhi.
thousands of pages in a day. It was and resources required for the
truly fascinating and revolutionary. 3. Chauhan, R.S. (1992). Chronological
disabled among other facilities. Development of Educational Services for
After the Salamanca Statement of the Visually Handicapped, In R.S. Chauhan
UNESCO in 1994 framed by a rights- (ed.), Handbook for the Teachers of the
based perspective on education, the level is very high when educating Visually Handicapped. National Institute for
Government of India and others made visually impaired children. Therefore, the Visually Handicapped. Dehradun.
continuous endeavour to prepare and educational needs of children with 4. Ahuja, S.C. (1987). Pioneers in the
launch programmes on education for greater disability have to be kept in Education and Rehabilitation of the
Children with Disabilities at par with mind and met adequately. Blind in India. Paper present in National
Conference on Centenary of Services to
other children. Of course, special Moreover, Assistance to Disabled the Blind, 4-6 January New Delhi.
resources and arrangements were Persons for purchase, fitting of aids
made to make this paradigm shift and appliances Scheme extends
5. Report on Blindness in India. (1944).
Govt. of India. New Delhi.
successful. financial help for purchasing required 6. Fifty Years of Work for the Blind. (1952).
Commencing with District gadgets. Through other initiatives, Govt. of India. New Delhi.
Primary Education Programme high-speed Braille printing plants 7. Manual on Bharati Braille. (1980).
with the World Bank assistant in have been financed in the country. If National Institute for the Visually
mid 1990s in the selected districts, they are used properly and logically, Handicapped, Dehradun.
the 21st century witnessed the there can be no dearth of Braille 8. Pandey, R.S., Advani, L. (1995).
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and material at any stage. Perspectives and Disability Rehabilitation.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Not only the Braille producers
Vikas Publishing House. New Delhi.
Abhiyan (RMSA) taking shape and of different capacities, magnifiers for 9. The Programme of Deputing Indian
being implemented on all India Teachers of the Blind for the Perkins
low-vision children, even paperless Teachers Training Course - A Follow-up
basis. Both the Abhiyans contained Braille reader and writer have come Study (1978). National Association for
necessary components for motivating recently in our country. The paperless the Blind. Bombay.
visually impaired children. They had reader writer is an electronic gadget 10. Scheme of Integrated Education for the
the financial assistance for children, where the data is stored on an SD Disabled Children. (1992). Ministry of
resource material and special teachers card. It is possible to read Braille line Human Resources Development. New Delhi.
for teaching tool subjects. These by line by pressing a button. If needed, 11. Scholarships for the Disabled Persons. (1982).
schemes have since been merged one can use it for writing as well. Ministry of Social Welfare. New Delhi.
and renamed as ‘Samagra Shiksha’
With a view to meet the 12. Advani, L. (1987). Origin and
(Inclusive Education for Children Development of Services for the
with Special Needs). Though the word stipulations of the UN Convention on Blind, In Lal Advani (ed.), Manual of
‘Disability’ has been replaced by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Office Management Training. All India
phrase ‘Special Needs’ but it has far- (UNCRPD), Indian Parliament Confederation of the Blind. New Delhi.
reaching significance. For instance, enacted the Rights of Persons with 13. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal
girls from the tribal communities Disabilities (RPD) Act, 2016. The Opportunities, Protection of Rights And
or minorities are also children with Act provides another category among Full Participation) Act, 1995. (1996).
the blind called ‘Low Vision’. Govt. of India. Legislative Department.
special needs and they must get due New Delhi.
attention. However, interventions India has witnessed a sea change
14. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities
required for such children are very in this field and lot of progress has Act, 2016. (2016). Ministry of Law and
different as well as the difficulty been made. However, the country has Justice. New Delhi.

30 YOJANA February 2020

 YE-1387/2020

YOJANA February 2020 31

 development Roadmap

Quality Education for Weaker Section and

Disadvantaged Groups
Yojana Team

he Right of Children to with Special Needs (CWSN) and Promoting Vocational Educational

T Free and Compulsory

Education (RTE) Act,
2009, entitles every
child of age 6 to 14 years to a right
children belonging to Scheduled Castes
(SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minority
communities and transgenders.  The
focus of major interventions under the
in Backward Regions
The government has recognised
the requirement for spreading
vocational education throughout the
to free and compulsory education in a Scheme includes provision of RTE. country including backward regions.
neighbourhood school till completion Entitlements include free uniforms, Presently, there are 188 Community
of elementary education. Section 8(c) text books, special training of out- Colleges, 289 Institutes and 68 DDU
of the RTE Act, 2009 provides that of-school children etc., provision for Kaushal Kendras functioning under
the appropriate government would inclusive education of Children with University Grants Commission
ensure that the child belonging Special Needs (CWSN) and vocational (UGC) and operating vocational
to weaker section and belonging education among others.   education in various sectors. State
to disadvantaged group are not The ‘Padhe Bharat Badhe governments can offer vocational
discriminated against and prevented Bharat’ (PBBB) is a sub-programme education through their institutional
from pursuing and completing of erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan network as per UGC guidelines.
elementary education on any grounds. (SSA) which is continued under the There are various steps already been
Further, Section 12(1)(c) of RTE new integrated scheme Samagra taken by the government to promote
Act, 2009 provides that all specified Shiksha to ensure quality at the vocational education throughout
category schools and unaided foundational years of schooling. The country, including backward regions.
schools shall admit at least 25% objectives of the programme are to
children belonging to weaker section promote early reading and writing
1. Developing internship/appren-
and disadvantaged group in the ticeship based degree courses in
with comprehension skills in children, sectors like Retail, Logistics, Me-
neighbourhood in class I and provide and also basic numeracy skills.
free and compulsory elementary dia and Entertainment, etc.
States/UTs are implementing PBBB
education till its completion.  in their respective States/UTs using 2. Increasing number of institutions
Steps Taken to Ensure Education of multiple strategies and approaches. offering B.VoC courses in the
Children with Disability  These include adoption of NCERT country.
Samagra Shiksha, an overarching model of early reading, provision of 3. Aligning the content of existing
programme for the school education supplementary reading material, and skill courses with National
sector extending from pre-school to development of State specific models Skill Qualification Framework
class XII, aims to ensure inclusive and for early Maths and early reading. (NSQF).
equitable quality education at all levels The Navodaya Vidyalaya The Draft National Education
of school education.  It envisages the Scheme provides for opening of one Policy 2019 is presently under
‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, JNV in each district of the country to consideration. The revision of
primary, upper primary, secondary bring out the best of rural talent.  Its curriculum, syllabi and textbooks for
to senior secondary levels. Bridging significance lies in the selection of school education would depend on the
gender and social category gaps at all talented rural children as the target finalisation and approval of the New
levels of school education is one of the group and the aim to provide them Education Policy. 
major objectives of the scheme. The quality education comparable to the
scheme reaches out to girls, Children best in a residential school system. Sources: PIB, MHRD

32 YOJANA February 2020

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34 YOJANA February 2020

 bIG pICtURe

Key Initiatives in Education

Yojana Team

The Government of India initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy. It aims to
meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education,
innovation and research to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the
necessary skills and knowledge. Also, to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology,
academics and industry. Dr. K. Kasturirangan Committee has submitted the Draft National
Education Policy.

n pursuance of the members of SCERTs and DIETs, developed at national level for all

I
Human
Union Government's
vision for ‘Transforming
India’, Ministry
Resource
of
Development
Block Resource Coordinators and
Cluster Resource Coordinators. The
initiative is first of its kind wherein
standardised training modules are
states and UTs. However, states and
UTs can contextualise the training
modules and use their own material
and resource persons also, keeping
(MHRD)  took a leap forward in
transforming the education sector.
The Government has launched
several new schemes in Higher
Education Department to boost
research and innovation culture in
the country. Department of Higher
Education of the Ministry has
released a five-year vision plan named
Education Quality Upgradation and
Inclusion Programme  (EQUIP).
SWAYAM 2.0,  Deeksharambh and
PARAMARSH are some of the other
major schemes of Department of
Higher Education has initiated.
Key Reforms in School Education
NISHTHA
A National Mission to improve
learning outcomes at the elementary
level through an Integrated Teacher
Training Programme called
NISHTHA – National Initiative for
School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic
Advancement was launched. This
integrated programme aims to build
the capacities of around 42 lakh
teachers and heads of schools, faculty

YOJANA February 2020 35

 from all the schools in the country,
the revamped UDISE+ has been
launched. The GIS based mapping
portal gives information about
location of more than 15 lakh schools
in the country along with some salient
highlights. The Data Analytics portal
gives information about the aggregate
position of the school.
Digital Infrastructure for
Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) 2.0
Diksha Portal was launched in
2017 for providing digital platform to
teachers giving them an opportunity
to learn and train themselves and
in view the core topics and expected junction. The portal seeks to connect connect with teacher community. This
outcomes of NISHTHA. approximately 92 lakh teachers and initiative has been taken forward to
DHRUV 26 crore students. Common people enhance coverage and improve the
can directly give their feedback about quality of e-content for teachers. Till
The Pradhan Mantri Innovative schools which will further increase the
Learning Program (DHRUV) was date, more than 67000 of content
public participation and will ensure pieces have been hosted on DIKSHA
launched to identify and encourage accountability and transparency.
talented children to enrich their skills and more than 10.5 crore scans have
and knowledge. The Programme Unified District Information System been affected.
‘DHRUV’will act as a platform to for Education Plus (UDISE+) Operation Digital Board (ODB)
explore the talent of outshining and To ensure quality, credibility and The aim is to provide by March
meritorious students, and help them timely availability of information 2023, two smart classrooms for
achieve excellence in their specific
areas of interest may it be science,
performing arts, creative writing,
etc. These talented students apart
from realising their full potential are
expected to contribute to the society
in a big way.
Shagun
One of world’s largest Integrated
Online Junction for – School
Education ‘Shagun’ (URL: htpp://
shagun.govt.in/) is an over-arching
initiative to improve school education
system by creating a junction for all
online portals and websites relating to
various activities of the Department
of School Education and Literacy
in the Government of India and all
States and Union Territories. About
1200 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 600
Navodaya Vidyalayas, around 20000
CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs,
19000 organisations affiliated with
NTCE among others are integrated
with Shagun. Report cards of 15
lakh schools all over the country will
be available on the newly created

36 YOJANA February 2020

every Secondary/Senior Secondary
schools in 1,01,967 Government and
42,917 aided schools in all States/
UTs and 1704 KVs and NVs making a
total of 1,46,588 schools.
Key Reforms in Higher Education
Five-year vision plan ‘Education
Quality Upgradation and Inclusion
Programme’ (EQUIP) 
The Department of Higher
Education of MHRD has released
a five-year vision plan named
‘Education Quality Upgradation and
Inclusion Programme’ (EQUIP).
This report sets out to deliver
further on principles of access,
inclusion, quality, excellence and
enhancing employability in Higher
Education. EQUIP is a vision plan
aiming at ushering transformation in
India’s higher education system by
implementing strategic interventions
in the sector over five years (2019-
2024). EQUIP has been It has been
prepared based on reports of 10 expert
groups constituted to deliberate
upon important aspects of Higher SWAYAM 2.0 HEIs have implemented the
Education. SWAYAM 2.0 is initiated with Student Induction Programme.
Institution of Eminence (IoE) enhanced features and facilities to • Learning outcomes based
offer online degree programmes curriculum framework (LOCF)
Ten institutions in public through SWAYAM by top ranking revision: New curriculum in 16
sector and 10 institutions in universities. subjects which is based on LOCF
private sector have to be declared has been uploaded on UGC
as IoE.  Public Sector institutions SWAYAM PRABHA- DTH
Educational Channels website to facilitate universities
are IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, to revise the curriculum.
IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT It is a project to telecast high-
Kharagpur, University of Hyderabad, quality educational programs through • Use of ICT based learning tools
Banaras Hindu University, 32 DTH channels on 24x7 basis to for effective teaching learning
University of Delhi, Jadavpur reach out to student/learners of India process: 125 universities have
University and Anna University. with wide reach and minimal cost. It come on board for accepting
Each public institute (IoE) will aims to support those students who do credit transfer done through
be eligible to receive Rs. 1000 not have good learning options like SWAYAM platform.
crore during next 5 years. Private lack of teacher or internet etc. It also • Scheme for Trans-disciplinary
institutions are BITS Pilani, MAHE aims to provide dedicated channels Research for India’s Developing
Karnataka, Jio Institute, Amrita ‘IITPAL’ to assist the students of XI Economy (STRIDE): Launched
Vishwavidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu, and XII standards aspiring to join for promoting quality research
Vellore Institute of Technology, premier educational institutions in the by faculty and creation of new
Tamil Nadu, Jamia Hamdard, New country. knowledge.
Delhi, Kalinga Institute of Industrial
Implementation of Quality • PARAMARSH- A scheme to
Technology, Odisha, O.P. Jindal
Improvement Programme mentor institutions seeking National
Global University, Haryana, Bharti
• Deeksharambh: A guide to Assessment and Accreditation
Institute, Satya Bharti Foundation,
Student Induction Programme Council accreditation. 
Mohali and Shiv Nadar University,
Uttar Pradesh. has been launched. Total 319 Source: MHRD

YOJANA February 2020 37

 YE-1386/2020

38 YOJANA February 2020

 brIdgIng gaps

Open & Distance Learning: A Futuristic Approach

Dr K D Prasad

The article discusses the use of rapid technological developments with a focus on the provision of
life-long and flexible learning pattern. It also highlights how Open & Distance Learning can be made
more interactive through the use of technology taking it to the last mile.

pen & Distance learn along with the teacher and and tutors to interact; the possibility of

O Learning (ODL) is
distinct because of its
teaching methodology.
In traditional mode of imparting
by interacting with the peer group.
Information Technology “is any
computer-based tool that people use
to work with information and support
occasional face-to-face meetings; and
a specialized division of labour in the
production and delivery of courses.”
In Distance Education teaching is done
education emphasis is given on the information and information with a variety of “mediating process”
interaction, where the learners and processing needs of an organization”.1 used to transmit content, to provide
teachers are both present physically ODL is defined by the tuition and to conduct assessment or
and can interact in real time. But Commonwealth of Learning (COL) measure outcomes.
in ODL the presence of learners is as “a way of providing learning This article discusses about
not mandatory except in practical- opportunities that is characterised by the use of rapid technological
based programmes and ultimately the separation of teacher and learner developments with a focus on the
communication takes place in one- in time, or place or both time and provision of life-long and flexible
way leading to dropouts in number place; learning that is certified in learning pattern. It also highlights how
of cases. Information Technology some way by an institution or agency; ODL can be made more interactive
(IT) has affected every aspect of the use of variety of media including through the use of technology like
human activity and has a potential print and electronic; two-way managing the virtual classroom with
role to play in the field of education communications that allow learners the use of the internet, development
and training, especially in Distance
Education (DE). Accurate and right
information is necessary for effective
teaching and learning and information
technology1 is “set of tools that can
help provide the right people with the
right information at the right time.”
Information rich societies are now
controlling the information throughout
the world. Information encompasses
and relies on the use of different
channels of communication, called
Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT)2 and incorporates
better pedagogical methods. Branson
(1991) stated that students learn
not only from teachers but also
The author is Director, Campus Placement Cell, IGNOU, New Delhi. Email: [email protected]

YOJANA February 2020 39

 et. al.3 are developing awareness –
recognising that something is wrong
or different; exploring alternative–
researching for new ideas from other
institutions and acknowledging
that change is needed; making a
transition–leaving the old approaches
behind (or dramatically changed);
achieving integration–putting the
pieces from the transition phase back
together; and taking action–putting
new ideas into operation. The process
can work at instructional programmes
or institutional level and one or more
phases work simultaneously.
Traditional lectures and
demonstrations can become
of web-based hypermedia, learning technologies will make the distance web-based multimedia learning
through computer-aided interaction, education more interactive and experiences for distance learners. Web
use of interactive teleconferencing interesting. With the use of these can enrich the learning resources and
and radio counselling, etc. In the potential technologies we will not only help institutions refocus from teaching
virtual classroom the learners and be able to fill the gap of traditional to learning, from teacher to learner.
the teachers meet in the cyberspace, mode of education (i.e., two-way It can create learning environment
a question-and-answer session interaction in real timeframe) but also throughout the world by networked
follows. The learners are required be able to reach to a relatively large learning communities. Networks
to go through the self instructional gamut of learners. may create educative environments
materials (SIMs) before the class. This Technology will also help in embedded in democratic philosophy
method not only helps the students to meeting the challenges of ODL of instruction and helping learners
learn more but it also facilitates more education. IT can promote the learn. The characteristics of which are
interaction between the learner and opportunities of restructuring the “respect for personality; participation
the teacher. These include wireless teaching-learning process and in decision-making; freedom of
communications, the information transform it by offering alternatives to expression and availability of
highway, asynchronous mode, the teacher in providing information, information; and mutuality of
integrated services digital networks access to virtually unlimited responsibility in defining goals,
(ISDNs), multimedia applications, resources, and opportunities for real- planning and conducting activities
personal digital assistants, artificial world communication, collaboration and evaluating [the process].”4
intelligence and virtual reality. and competition. The phases of this ICT is a potentially powerful
The web-based study helps the process as described by Marriam tool for extending educational
learners and teachers to access the opportunities, both formal and non-
information at their own choice of formal. It also facilitates access to
time and convenience. It is necessary Various technologies will make experts, resource persons, researcher,
for the learners to inculcate the habit professionals, mentors, business
of inquiring and also to handle the
the distance education more
leader, and peers – all over the world.
information properly. The web-based interactive and interesting. For developing countries ICT has
hypermedia is generally a module, With the use of potential the potential for increasing access
which contains teaching materials technologies, we will not to and improving the relevance and
aimed at achieving a specific outcome. only be able to fill the gap of quality of education. The use of
It is composed of hypertext pages computers in ODL has provided new
specially using HTML. In addition,
traditional mode of education
pedagogical strategies in distance
regular interactive teleconferencing, (i.e., two-way interaction in learning as well as giving more
which is one-way video and two-way real timeframe) but also be autonomy to the distance learners.
audio satellite-based learning facility able to reach to a relatively The modern technologies used are
and radio counselling sessions, large gamut of learners. telephone tutoring, teleconferencing,
may be used for the learners. These audio graphics, video conferencing,

40 YOJANA February 2020

computer conferencing drill and contract (face-to-face), text (including
practice, fibre optics, tele-text, still graphics), audio, television and
Rapid advances in ICT pose computing media (e.g., Internet, online
and videotext, multimedia and
hypermedia CAI, e-books, online new opportunities as well as technologies). The use of each media
database, online discussion, call-in challenges for every society. gives both variety and the chance of
course–on demand, satellite, talk- In the education sector it has accommodating different learning
back TV etc. All of these technologies enormous potential to help styles. According to him it is better
should have a place in the knowledge to use a limited range of technologies
organisations address issues in order to reduce redundancy and
base of expert teachers. A potentially
useful framework for organising such of access to learning, quality wasteful expenditure; provided all the
a knowledge base is provided by the of the teaching-learning main media are covered. One medium
emergence of different generations process and management may serve a teaching function better
of distance education. The main of education systems. In than another in a particular area. The
advantages of using technologies potential of each technology varies
order to ensure the quality according to how it is used.
in distance education are cost
effectiveness, independence of time of education, the distance
In the age of information
and place, quality of education access education institutions must technology, effective and efficient
resulting from the mass production be careful about the use of learning is potentially possible at all
of course materials, teaching a lot of proper technologies and levels for all round the clock. Content-
students simultaneously, and finding a
media. centred presentation by teachers
lot of educational resources. to large groups of students cannot
Haddad and Draxler5 have be dominant method of instruction
identified at least five levels of regardless of its delivery mechanism anymore. In the era of information
technology use in education: that is crucial.6 In using technology technology teachers will be spending
presentation, demonstration, which can be integrated into the more time in facilitating students
drill & practice, interaction, and distance education system based on rather than delivering lectures in
collaboration. Each of the different our experiences, the following factors the classrooms. They would be
ICTs—print, audio/video cassettes, should be considered: accessibility, working in groups; preparing and
radio and TV broadcasts, computers cost effectiveness, human acceptance, evaluating instructional materials
or the Internet—may be used for and pedagogical suitability. and organising data into meaningful
presentation and demonstration, In open and distance education information and accessible forms.
the most basic of the five levels. different types of technologies and They will be spending their time in
Technology is nothing but an enabling media are used to transfer education coaching students; helping them to
tool and it is the deconstruction of to the learners. According to Prof. learn through reviewing the huge
the course into its core experiences Bates7, 8 there are five important information. It will be offering group
and its communication to the student media in education: direct human presentations. Presentations will not
be used to provide new information;
instead, it will be carefully constructed
to model and answer existing
questions and solve current problems
in certain disciplines. They will also
be demonstrating the potential of skill
development in students by using
information in problematic situations.
Certain skills capabilities of using
different information technologies
are necessary for both the students
and teachers. Therefore, gradual
encounters with the technologies are
necessary to prepare themselves for
the age of information technology.
They will encourage students to
use electronic databases in their
searches, email to ask questions and

YOJANA February 2020 41

 teleconferencing and educational
television because of their cost
effectiveness, access and flexibilities
of choices. Effective combination of
media and technology is necessary for
assuring effectiveness of the open and
distance learning system. 

References
1. Haag, Cummings and Dawkins. (1998).
Management Information Systems for the
Information age, McGraw Hill USA.
2. Hussain, I. (2005). A Study of Emerging
Technologies and their Impact on
Teaching Learning Process. Allama Iqbal
Open University, Pakistan.
3. Marriam, S. B. & Cafarella, R.S. (1997).
Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive
for submitting assignments, make the uses of media and technology Guide, San Francisco, Jossey-Bass
Publishers.
them aware about the advantages and in regard to appropriateness and
4. Knowles, M.S. (1980). The Growth and
disadvantages of the technologies acceptability in the society as well as Development of Adult Education in John
and exploring the capabilities of CD- on the ability of the institution offering M. Peter & Associates (eds.); Building
ROM, tele/videoconferencing etc. the programme. The socio-economic an Effective Adult Education Enterprise,
and cultural background of a person London; Jossey Bass Publishers. P. 85.
Rapid advances in ICT pose new
opportunities as well as challenges for influences their ability to learn from 5. Haddad, W., & Drexler, A.A. (2002). (eds)
Technologies for Education: Potentials,
every society. In the education sector different media technology. Parameters, and Prospect, Washington D.C.
it has enormous potential to help In order to evolve a fully- 6. Coble, W. (1996). Tele-learning:
Deconstructing Courses. International
organisations address issues of access articulated education system in Conference on Technology and Education,
to learning, quality of the teaching- India and for the success of distance New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, March 17-
learning process and management of education and ODL must be seen 20, pp. 416-18.
education systems. In order to ensure as an equally responsible medium 7. Bates, A.W. (1995). Technology, Open
the quality of education, the distance complementing the formal learning Learning and Distance Education,
London: Routledge, pp. 29-31.
education institutions must be careful system. Teaching organisations 8. Bates, A.W. (1993). Interactivity as a
about the use of proper technologies are adopting ICT, especially the criterion for media selection in distance
and media. We have to think about computers, World Wide Web, education: Never Too far, 16: 5-9.

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42 YOJANA February 2020

 dIgItal lIteracy

Cybersecurity: Issues and Challenges

G P Pandey

Humans are the weakest link in cyber security chain. Amateurs hack systems but professionals
hack people. It has become imperative to create awareness in the use of digital platforms through
digital literacy. It is an essential requirement for safe and secured use of digital resources.

he world we live in is and make use of it; they exhibit the often involve misuse of individuals’

T highly connected and

digitally exhaustive. Of
the 7.6 billion humans
on earth, around 3.6 billion are online.
characteristics of cultural and social
understanding, collaboration, the
ability to find and select information,
effective communication, E-safety,
Personally Identifiable Information
(PII). Every organisation, be it big or
small, has been the victim of cyber
attacks. This reiterates that cyber
Today, social networks have become functional skills, creativity and attacks are real and your and my
one of the main communication critical thinking. Therefore, to avoid account can fall prey to it, counting
channels. Within relatively short time and prevent threats in digital world, on any random day. Therefore, it
social media has empowered people digital literacy is essential, which is required to create awareness on
and connected them. But, at the helps in creating awareness in digital learning to mitigate the attacks.
same time, they have also provided space. Bots
platforms for some decidedly In the year 2016, there were a
unhealthy and destructive behaviour. Bots and fake followers are
total of 758 million online attacks a big concern in the social media
Social media platforms have become worldwide, which amounts to
just one of the endless data channels environment. Bot programs target
around 2 million in a single day. specific hashtags and work by auto-
that cybercriminals are exploiting. Even technically legal activities commenting and auto-liking in order
In this era we need skills for
surviving in digital environment.
For security and safe use of digital
resources, digital literacy has
become a must. It empowers us with
the ability to use information and
communication technologies to find,
evaluate, create and communicate
information requiring both cognitive
and technical skills. Digital natives are
always with laptops or smart devices
in their hand, but how effectively they
are using internet for their capacity
building is questionable. There are
many problems like bullying, cyber
crime, copyright issues, security
threat and social unawareness among
others. Digitally literate individuals
find meaning in digital information
The author is Professor and Dean, Abanindranath Tagore School of Creative Arts and Communication Studies, Assam Central University,
Silchar, Assam. Email: [email protected]

YOJANA February 2020 43

 images and videos of the devastating important role in counter-terrorism
attack on social media. Social media operations. The law enforcement
thus spread the horror far and wide authorities make good use of the social
and unknowingly amplify the chaos media by keeping people informed
that the terrorists intend to spread. regularly. For example, Assam State
In the process, misinformation and Police opened a cell to monitor social
fear spread. It further traumatises the media and keep track of the spread of
families of the victims and also the rumours.
public at large. Cyber Security Challenges
Extremists use the social media Some new threats have also come
to make an impact. They even use it up like organised cyber crime, cyber
to recruit, propagate and to connect. crime trading, smishing (phishing
Moreover, they rely on the regular with SMS), hacktivism (hacker with
social media users to spread the impact activism) etc. Another type of attack
of terror further to a greater degree that is rising recently is distributed
than what they themselves could denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
have done in addition to confusing Here the intruder is not interested in
authorities with misinformation. actually stealing your information
Misinformation, the rapid spread but in bombarding your server with
to attract followers who are mostly of false information through social unnecessary traffic thereby crashing
other fake bot accounts. These are media is among the emerging risks it. Huge servers like video streaming
automated systems which can on identified in Global Risks Report. apps and majority of banks are under
their own get engaged with other Fake news and rumours spread like this type of attack. Any device that
users without any active presence. wildfire in the social media and it is can connect to the internet can be
Developed primarily for companies to also increasingly used for militancy. breached. If an individual by mistake
engage with their users automatically clicks on a link that contains malware
Social media sites have now
for increasing customer engagement, or accidentally discloses sensitive
initiated reporting procedures that
bots are now being used much beyond information, their accounts get
allow users to flag any kind of content
their harmless cause and are misused exposed to hackers, cybercriminals
that supports terrorism which can
for manipulating a conversation and identity thieves.
be then removed. Also, the social
to creating a mirage of someone’s networking sites today are playing an Mobile Technologies
personality and much more.
Not only are we living in a
More than half of the Twitter highly connected world but also in
followers of many public figures a world that is highly mobile, given
Digitally literate individuals
around the world were found to be the amazing number of apps that we
fake.1 Companies are addressing the find meaning in digital
use on a daily basis. Have you ever
issue by suspending fake accounts. information and make wondered how many sensors are
But the problem persists. We do not use of it; they exhibit the there in your smartphone and what
know if a ‘like’ is generated by a bot characteristics of cultural type of personal information are they
or a real user. Though there are ways collecting?
and social understanding,
to differentiate between a real and a
fake profile, it is not always carried collaboration, the ability to Accelerometer, microphone,
out. In this age of misinformation, find and select information, camera, location, contacts, gyroscope
bots possess the power to hijack a (for orientation), heart rate, proximity,
effective communication,
conversation, troll someone, promote light, temperature, pressure,
E-safety, functional skills, barometer (for altitude) are some of
propaganda and even cause security
creativity and critical thinking. the information that are collected
issues.
To avoid and prevent threats from your phone. All the apps that
Terrorist Attacks
in digital world, digital literacy you use let your smartphone know
Terrorists have always sought who you are, where you are, where
is essential, which helps in
attention and that is what they receive you have been, who you know, where
creating awareness in digital the people you now currently are,
from the social media. Whenever
there is any terror attack, as a response space. what you bought, where you bought,
to the horrific events, people share what you ate, whether you went and

44 YOJANA February 2020

even your current mood! But the 3.8 million Google searches can be
more important question is who is it It has become imperative to performed, 500 hours of YouTube
sharing the information with? When create awareness in the use videos can be uploaded, 29 million
you download third-party apps, are of digital platforms through WhatsApp messages can be sent and
you really aware that you are giving 448,800 Tweets can be made and
away the rights to collect your
digital literacy. Digital literacy millions of other online activities can
information? If your fitness app needs is an essential requirement be performed leaving incredibly large
access to your text messages, that for safe and secured use of digital footprint.
doesn’t sound right, does it? What if digital resources which can Unfortunately, humans are
a hacker is able to build your digital contribute to efficiently tackle the weakest link in cyber security
profile by collecting all these sensored chain. Amateurs hack systems but
information and the data from the
the cyberspace.
professionals hack people. It is way
third-party apps and use it against easier to con people using social
you? Ransomware engineering techniques and make
A popular third-party app This ransom demanding malware them reveal information rather
recently disclosed a data breach that is a virus which gets into your than using tools and technology.
compromised all of its 4.7 million computer, either when you download The weakest link happens to be
users’ email addresses and phone an attachment containing the virus our password with which social
numbers. This data can be used to or when you visit any such website accounts, mail accounts and millions
execute large-scale phishing attacks and click on a link. Once it gets into of bank accounts have been hacked.
meant to compromise a company’s your computer, it starts to encrypt An analysis of 32 million breached
network and systems. all your files thereby rendering them accounts has revealed that people
Internet of Things (IoTs) is useless. The only way to unlock your most often use insecure passwords.
another such challenge posed by files is to get a secret key from the While all these makes the
the new technology whereby every hacker by paying a ransom. And this cyberspace a huge threat in the socio-
object we use is equipped with ransom is usually demanded through economic environment of the present
the capabilities to identify, locate, bitcoin which keeps the payee times, it has become imperative to
sense its surroundings, compute and anonymous. There has been a 600% create awareness in the use of digital
communicate. Now what will happen increase in ransomware variants since platforms through digital literacy.
if all these objects could talk to each 2016. Major universities, hospitals, Digital literacy is an essential
other and share information? It is said businesses and even individuals have requirement for safe and secured
that soon there will be one billion IOT been target of such attacks. use of digital resources which can
devices and they will all be talking to Big Data contribute to efficiently tackle the
each other. Imagine what a rich attack We are actually living in cyberspace.
surface it is going to give the hacker exponential data times. In just 60 Today, the Government is
and the number of attacks that can seconds 149,513 emails can be sent, increasingly going for a digital system
happen with IOT devices. 3.3 million FB posts can be made, for more transparency. When we
welcome development, insecurities
come with it and tackling such
insecurities is the main concern.
Protection against Cyber Attacks
As the channels and networks for
data sharing continue to evolve and
grow, so do the risks. For securing
information on the social networking
sites, following guidelines can be
followed:
1. Limit the amount of information
that you disclose on the social
networking sites;
2. Do not establish friendship with
strangers;

YOJANA February 2020 45

 security code in the form of a
“Captcha”, is used. In multi-
factor authentication, more than
one form of authentication to
verify an identity is used. Some
examples are facial recognition,
iris recognition, voice ID and
finger scanning.
Today’s digital world necessitates
people to know the network security
implications and spot suspicious
activities. Oversharing helps hackers
steal PII and sell it to the dark web.
Conclusion
3. Do not believe online information devices; Digital literacy is a broader
blindly as it can be misleading; 8. Use strong passwords to protect
concept that consists of developing
new skills and knowledge which
4. Customise your system settings your account and personal provides awareness and advanced
according to your needs by information. Change your level thinking skills. It is extremely
changing the default settings. passwords frequently; essential to be digitally literate for
Learn how to use privacy settings 9. Do not set the same password for appropriate utilisation of digital
on your social profiles properly; all social accounts, because if one information resources. Therefore, it
5. Beware of third-party applications. site’s password is compromised, is the responsibility of each one of
Avoid applications that seem all other accounts will be exposed us to understand and help others to
suspicious, and make sure to to threats; understand and use the cyberspace
modify your settings to limit the 10. Choose suitable authentication sensibly and responsibly. This will
amount of information which the scheme so that no one can definitely ensure that the netizens are
applications can access; access the details. Two-factor not only techno-savvy and socially
existent but also digitally safe. 
6. Secure your system, because and multi-factor authentication
unsecured network can lead to should be in place. In two- Reference
loss of your personal data; factor authentication along with
username and password, another 1. Twiplomacy Study: https://twiplomacy.
7. Use antivirus software to secure
your computers and electronic form of identification, often a com/

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 CollaboratIon

Global Synergy in Higher Education

Natasha Jha Bhaskar

India enjoys a demographic dividend where population of its working class is larger than its non-
working population. It is world’s youngest country with an average age of 29. This comes at a time,
when rest of the world is ageing. The outflow of Indian students for education abroad is more than
15 times the inflow of international students to India. Its draft National Education Policy, 2019
proposes to invite the top 200 global universities to establish foreign branch campuses in India.

he need for quality, India’s draft National Education Policy country with an average age of 29.

T relevance and employability

are integral components
of any discourse on higher
education, driven by access, equity and
aims at increasing the gross enrolment
ratio (GER) in higher education to
at least 50 per cent by 2035, which
would mean that one in four graduates
This comes at a time, when rest of
the world is ageing. Average working
age in the United States is 40, Western
Europe is 46 and Japan is 47 years.
affordability. With the size of Indian in the world would be a product of the Thus, India will not only have a
young demographics and demand, an Indian higher education system. The young workforce to fulfil its domestic
increased and sustained focus on the current GER stands at just 26.3 per needs, it also has the opportunity to be
development of its human resource is cent, and doubling it in the next 15 the global hub for skilled workforce.
imperative. years will require significant reforms This opportunity is also a challenge.
India aims to become a five both at planning and execution level. The Indian youth need education and
trillion dollar economy by 2024- India’s GER is lower than the global skills, and the current Indian system
25; the realisation of this goal is average of 36.7%. has to be well equipped to handle it.
incumbent upon the capability of its Higher Education – Critical Market forces have played a
education and training institutions to Challenges for India major role in the higher education
equip young Indians with knowledge India enjoys a demographic landscape. Of the 993 universities in
and skills relevant to an evolving job dividend. Population of its working India, nearly 39 per cent are privately-
market. It needs quality, excellence, class is larger than its non-working managed. Of the 39,931 colleges, 78
innovation and constant upgradation. population. It is world’s youngest per cent are from the private sector

The author is General Manager of a corporate advisory firm specialising in the India-Australia space based in Sydney.
Email: [email protected]

YOJANA February 2020 47

 Pune, Chandigarh and parts of
Sikkim, to boost growth in the inflow
of foreign students.
As education remains a major key
to employability and upward social
mobility, there is growing awareness
among rising aspirational middle
class to invest in quality education.
Getting the right education is critical
for India to maximise the potential
of its demographic dividend. India
will not have the capacity to meet
this demand on its own. NITI Aayog
and several other organisations have
developed policy documents on
higher education that have stressed on
the need of international assistance in
(aided and unaided). Private colleges of a higher education system. As higher education.
cater to 66.4 per cent of the total of 2018-19, only 47,427 foreign For nurturing long-term
enrolment in higher education, which students were enrolled in the Indian partnerships in building India’s higher
means that a mere 22 per cent of higher education system, which is not education institutions and fill the
government colleges are catering to enough for a country with more than gap in this market by offering better
a disproportionately large number of 950 universities.2 This number stands quality courses, foreign countries are
students who could not afford to seek at more than 4,00,000 international being discussed.
higher education in private Higher students in China, more than 3,00,000
Opportunity for Deeper Engagement
Education Institutions (HEIs).1 in Germany and 75,000 in Singapore.
Globally, India caters to less than one International education is
Increasing social aspirations have
per cent of all international students. Australia’s third largest export
made the education divide between
Indian institutes have failed to feature industry. As a world-class provider
urban and rural centres more obvious.
in the top 100 of world university of education and training, Australia is
Five Indian states—Uttar Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal rankings published by reputed well positioned to partner with India
and Karnataka—account for more ranking frameworks. The outflow of in the higher education sector. The
Indian students for education abroad number of Indian students studying
than 54 per cent of the total student
enrolment in higher education. Of the is itself more than 15 times the inflow in Australia has grown by 71 per cent
of international students to India. since 2014, with 107,673 students
39,931 colleges across the country,
enrolled to study in 2019.3 Out of all
50 districts (out of 731) account for Global Synergy Scenario
the international students in Australia
more than 32 per cent of it. As a result, India’s recently released draft currently, Indians make up for 15 per
although the college density (per one National Education Policy 2019 cent. After the US and UK, Australia
hundred thousand eligible population) proposes inviting the top 200 global is one of the top preferred destinations
is 28 nationally, it varies from seven universities to establish foreign branch for Indian students looking to
in Bihar to 53 in Karnataka. The campuses in India. The Ministry studying abroad. However, the
opportunity cost of higher education of Human Resource Development present trend of only sending students
(commute, hostel fees etc.) for (MHRD) has developed a five-year to Australia is not a sustainable
disadvantaged section is often too high action plan named EQUIP (Education one and a creative and innovative
and hinders the education process. Quality Upgradation and Inclusion collaboration may be established
Low employability of graduates, Programme). The initiative is made between countries like Australian
poor quality of teaching, weak to bring transformation in the higher and Indian universities to design
governance, insufficient funding, and education system in the upcoming joint courses and build up alternative
complex regulatory norms continue 5 years. NITI Aayog has more business models.4 Linkages between
to affect the Indian higher education recently favoured the development of HEIs and industries with diversified
sector. The number of international Exclusive Education Zones (EEZs) course offerings can prepare students
students is generally a reliable akin to SEZs in a few select cities in for the job market. Global education
indicator of the quality and robustness Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, institutes may also consider looking at

48 YOJANA February 2020

building partnerships, beyond HEIs in English language teaching
metro cities to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and training, use of technology for
and regional/state institutions, which
As education remains a major experiential learning and equipping
offer tremendous possibilities because key to employability and and training teachers/faculty can
of large number of students with upward social mobility, there be explored for building capacities
untapped potential and lack foreign is growing awareness among where Australia has major strength,
collaborations currently. rising aspirational middle including partnering with major
The joint student-academic class to invest in quality government initiatives like the
Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan
mobility programmes, joint research, education. Getting the right (RUSA). Research partnerships
international collaborations boost education is critical for India
rankings. India is also seeking to can also be developed that could
to maximise the potential of its deliver solutions to clearly specified
attract international faculty into the
country for short-term research and demographic dividend. India problems in water, infrastructure,
teaching visits. Indian Government’s will not have the capacity to poverty alleviation, security, health
initiatives like the Global Initiative meet this demand on its own. and governance. Increased focus
of Academic Networks (GIAN), on vocational and professional led
which provides funding for education can help India find ways
teaching at selected Indian higher systems, artificial intelligence, cyber to up-skill 400 million workers by
education institutions and Scheme security, climate change. Integrated 2022. However, what is needed is
for Promotion of Academic and degrees and multi-disciplinary learning targeted and granular advice from
Research Collaboration (SPARC) are are emerging as areas of interest. governments to assist providers
opportunities that can be explored. to identify, from the mass of
Despite the tripling of the Indian possibilities, viable opportunities
However, lack of knowledge of population in Australia since 2005,
India’s higher education sector, that match Australian strengths
knowledge about India in Australia with Indian needs. Also, Indian
including how to address regulatory is low. Six universities in Australia
issues, contributes to low faculty students’ expectations around cost
taught one Indian language in 1996. and employment outcomes need to
participation in mobility schemes. Now only two do so.5 Increasing the be understood carefully.
The education landscape is level of mutual cultural understanding
changing vigorously; exciting and developing a strong knowledge Educational outreach in India
development is taking place at the base for India and Australia can must be a true partnership that is
confluence or intersection of two further bolster these relations. This beneficial to both partner countries,
fields. Partnerships may look beyond could also help both the countries driven by multiple policy dialogues,
silos and into areas where Australia in creating new opportunities for institutional partnerships, research
has an advantage and India has a need, students, colleges and universities collaborations, capacity building
for instance, in mining safety, bio at central and state level to explore initiatives and student enrolments. 
engineering, signal processing, health partnership potential. Endnotes
1. http://aishe.nic.in/aishe/viewDocument.
action?documentId=262 (accessed on 8
January, 2020).
2. h t t p s : / / w w w. o r f o n l i n e . o rg / e x p e r t -
speak/increasing-enrolment-in-higher-
education-a-quantitative-and-qualitative-
challenge-55883/ (accessed on 8 January,
2020).
3. https://ministers.education.gov.au/
tehan/growing-engagement-between-
australia-and-india (accessed on 8
January, 2020).
4. https://www.afr.com/policy/health-
and-education/australia-s-education-
approach-to-india-not-sustainable-
20190428-p51i0c (accessed on 8 January,
2020).
5. https://theconversation.com/how-
a u s t r a l i a - c a n - h e l p - r e f o r m - h i g h e r-
education-in-india-88479 (accessed on 8
January, 2020).

YOJANA February 2020 49

 noR th eaSt

Employment Opportunities in Rural Homestays

Ratna Bhuyan

Development of rural tourism can enhance economic empowerment and employment generation
of rural communities through sustainable livelihoods. As the showcase of rural life, art, culture,
food, customs and heritage, rural homestays can provide direct benefits to the local communities or
stakeholders, both economically and socially. It also enables interaction between tourists and local
population for a mutually enriching experience. This article studies the potential of rural homestays
and the various initiatives and policies by the Government at the Central and State level to enhance
this tourism potential in North East India for sustainable rural development.

group of 21 all-women context which carried out the task either had to do it at individual level

A homestay aspirants
from Arunachal Pradesh
joined a one-month-long
certificate programme in the north-
of identifying this robust group of
women aspirants, it was more a role of
a beacon responsible for making them
learn the course content on field.
or take community support in order
to make this revolutionise rural
homestays in Arunachal Pradesh.
With the aim to standardise
eastern regional centre of the National The task was quite challenging for facilities across homestays, the
Institute of Rural Development ArSRLM as they had to play a more Ministry of Tourism had issued
and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), an proactive role in moving things in a set of guidelines for homestay
autonomous organisation under the their State and giving all need-based establishments in 2006. Since then
Ministry of Rural Development in support to the group in coming up with though many a revision have been
Guwahati. The objective of designing rural homestays. With the question of made, the core essence of the original
and launching of this certificate course policy guidelines have been carried
sustainability at the base, ArSRLM
was to promote rural homestays
across the eight states of North East
India, to capture some of the tourists’
inflow into the region. This would not
only add to the family and community
income but will also open doors for
cultural interaction with the outside
world. For NIRDPR, this maiden
attempt at bringing out women from
their bastions from the interior hills of
Arunachal Pradesh and grooming them
to be rural homestay entrepreneurs
is a silent pink revolution. For these
21 all-women homestay aspirants,
rural homestay was an open field
for a vibrant stay with a traditional
touch. For the Arunachal State Rural
Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM),
the umbrella organisation in this
Dr Ratna Bhuyan is Assistant Professor, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), North Eastern Regional
Centre, Guwahati. Email: [email protected]

50 YOJANA February 2020

forward. In India, to get a formal of homestays registered under the States like Odisha, which too have a
recognition, a homestay needs to get Tourism departments spread across huge tourists' inflow, has revised the
registered and approved following Kullu, Shimla, Chamba and Solan, Central Government guidelines to
the Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/ and Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers accommodate hassle-free procedure
Homestay Establishments guidelines. in both the States respectively.1,2 and timely grant of permission to
Once approved by the Ministry of Down South, Kerala, Karnataka, and homestay establishments, so far could
Tourism, the homestay is given due Tamil Nadu have some homestay promote 50 registered homestays,
certification. These homestays are destinations. In Kerala Alappuzha, mostly operating in and around
categorised into gold and silver based Kumarakom, Kolagappara, and Bhubaneswar. The question therefore
on the facilities and services they Mananthavady homestays are is, are these guidelines enough?
offer. Each establishment is classified operated as prospective enterprises. In There is a need for a concerted
based on a two-stage process wherein Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, homestays vision which can aid in policy
the facilities and services available have come up around the plantations. planning and drawing strategies
in the establishment are evaluated In Kerala, the Homestay and Tourism and programmes. In fact, the right
against a standardised checklist. In Society (HATS) has come up with intervention strategies can turn
the process, due recognition is given unique stipulations to be fulfilled homestay establishments in rural
to the establishments which maintain by the establishments to make them areas into instruments for promoting
traditional décor along with providing eco-friendly. In West Bengal, there rural entrepreneurship with a
homely but authentic traditional are approximately 100 homestays cascading effect touching upon
recipes which can satisfy the taste that have come up in Dooars, the traditional art, craft, cuisine, music.
buds of the tourists. These guidelines foothills of the eastern Himalayas and This calls for identifying the rural
are applicable pan India and are around Bhutan till 2015. However, homestay tourism destinations first,
taken as the benchmark for common followed by drawing an inclusive plan
national standards.
Before scaling up rural for further need-based interventions
Rural homestays in North East are homestays in terms of like capacitating and grooming
however very difficult to categorise the individuals and communities
numbers, especially in the hill
on the basis of these guidelines for identified under homestay tourism
Silver and Gold category. A checklist states and forest fringe areas destinations while capacity building
laid out with 36 parameters makes of the region, there is also a and grooming cannot be a standalone
it difficult for the rural homestays need to give due consideration platform, it becomes imperative to
in North East to fit in the outlined to the ecological perspective call in all stakeholders and partners in
criteria. However, there is a provision the process.
of propagating homestay
for the States and Union Territories Rural homestays in North East
across the country to customise and
tourism. Homestay tourism
India are still far from reality, except
add on to these guidelines as per their is to be looked into from the in some pockets like Tawang in
needs, provided the core principles ecological perspective having Arunachal Pradesh, Cherrapunjee in
outlined in the guidelines remain a cause-and-effect relationship Meghalaya, and Kaziranga in Assam
intact. In States like Himachal Pradesh both aiding and limiting the though the influx is just for six months.
and Uttarakhand where the tourism The Panchayati Raj Department in
environmental concerns.
industry is popular, there are number Sikkim has come up with tourists’

YOJANA February 2020 51

lodges in places like Gayzing in West through tourist inflow with fair
Sikkim due to huge tourist inflow. If one takes into consideration bargains. For example, sal leaves’
For rest of the North East, the case plates can find a way to the market
the ecological vulnerability
is quite different. Except Ziro valley as an eco-friendly alternative to
in Lower Subansiri district–the rice and threat aspects to rural plastics. This calls for awareness on
bowl of the East or for that matter homestays in North East, adoption of eco-friendly practices by
Eastern Himalayas and Mechuka nature and its unpredictability the homestays from the ecological
valley in West Siang district bordering in the region plays an perspective.
China which has the presence of army If one takes into consideration
important role. It, therefore,
personnel, number of tourists visiting the ecological vulnerability and threat
the places like West Siang, Upper becomes pertinent to
aspects to rural homestays in North
Siang, and East Kameng districts in calculate the risk factors and
East, nature and its unpredictability
Arunachal Pradesh are exceptionally inevitabilities associated with in the region plays an important
low. It is in this context that homestay nature while planning rural role. It, therefore, becomes pertinent
policy guidelines developed for the to calculate the risk factors and
homestays. In North East,
State of Arunachal Pradesh by WWF- inevitabilities associated with nature
India with the support of GoI-UNDP because of the extended
while planning rural homestays. In
in 2012 had suggested the constitution monsoons, tourism in the
North East, because of the extended
of Village Tourism Management region is rather seasonal. monsoons, tourism in the region
Committee (VTMC) of local villagers is rather seasonal. Therefore, rural
affiliated to State Tourism Department homestay is a possibility only for
marginalised communities in North
for managing all Community Based four to five months of the year and
East provided the existing Joint Forest
Tourism (CBT)-related activities homestays remain idle for the rest of
Management Committees (JFMCs)
including homestays in the village. the year. This calls for involvement of
and Eco-Development Committees
Before scaling up rural homestays (EDCs) are mentored and guided to higher transaction and maintenance
in terms of numbers, especially in promote rural homestays as a gainful cost. Without a clear earning viability
the hill states and forest fringe areas livelihood option. Homestay tourism and reasonable return on investment,
of the region, there is also a need has the potent effect of reducing the the financial institutions most of
to give due consideration to the dependency of these marginalised the time consider this sector as non-
ecological perspective of propagating sections on forest resources and also remunerative. Circumventing this
homestay tourism. Homestay creating a symbiotic relationship seasonality is a challenge. Therefore,
tourism is to be looked into from among the fringe communities, it is important to have contingency
the ecological perspective having a tourists, and pristine flora and fauna. plans for these inevitabilities. For this,
cause-and-effect relationship both Another aspect that is to be taken an exhaustive package of handholding
aiding and limiting the environmental into consideration is the non-timber on homestay management and
concerns. Homestays, as understood, forest produce (NTFP) which most of paraphernalia, which is environment
have the potentiality to transform the times is informally channelized, friendly, along with learning in
the livelihoods of forest fringe and which can find formal exchanges hospitality and service sector business

52 YOJANA February 2020

models is required. Additionally, a homestays need to know how to reach level where homestays are located,
gestation period of not less than one to the worldwide hospitality service like Kebang in Arunachal Pradesh,
two years has to be permitted, which in providers. Very few rural homestays personnel from various departments
turn would require capital investment in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are like PWD, Forest (in case the
with almost no returns. For this, being promoted through such service homestay is in the vicinity of forest
corporate social responsibility (CSR) providers; some can be found in Aalo area), handlooms, handicrafts,
and private partners can come in and and Roying in Arunachal Pradesh and Border Roads Organisation, etc. The
play a decisive role. Dimow and Dhekiajuliin in Assam. NIRDPR and other relevant state-
To develop tourism as an eco- The State of Arunachal Pradesh for specific autonomous organisations
system in entirety in the region, that matter with a decent record of under different ministries can also be
quintessentially connectivity, 17 homestays in Tawang, 10 in East members in the Committee.
communication infrastructure, Siang, 24 in Lower Subansiri, 12 in Standardisation of the process
logistics, business development West Siang, two in East Kameng and of grooming rural homestays and
service providers like tour operators, 11 in West Kameng, need to find a the cluster approach to developing
tour guides, publicity and hospitality place with private service providers and nurturing them in places with
to be put in place and given the and Government establishments. uniqueness like Tawang and Ziro in
right kind of exposure. Capacity The State Rural Livelihoods Arunachal Pradesh with a remarkable
building with sporadic and detached Mission (SRLM) can include rural annual tourist flow can be a way out
programmes in homestays by the homestays as a sustainable non- in propagating rural homestays in
different Ministries, which are often farm sector livelihood and provide North East India. And lastly, for the
discreet and disconnected, will not continuous long-term handholding. 21 all-women prospective homestay
help in taking homestays to tourist The respective SRLMs may also entrepreneurs, it would be a challenge
locations, which are in need of the come up with MoU/MoA with private for them to lead the rest of the North
warmth of homestays. Also, one partners for investing during the East region in the rural homestay
needs to assess whether the present gestation period for handholding. All movement. Till then, coordinated and
policies of the State governments relevant stakeholders can be brought cohobated efforts need to continue. 
for promoting rural tourism and on table by forming a District Rural References
homestays have been realised in the Homestay Coordination/Advisory 1. Gangotia, A. (2013). Home Stay Scheme
light of location-specific trends of Committee comprising of the in Himachal Pradesh: A Successful Story
tourist inflow to optimise capacity and Deputy Commissioner as Chairman, of Community Based Tourism Initiatives
occupation ratio of the homestays. District Tourism Officer, District (CBTIS). Global Research Analysis,
Along with publicity of rural Industry Official, Anchalik/Gram Vol.2, Issue 2.

homestays, one also needs to assess Panchayat/Village Development 2. Macek, I.C. (2012). Homestays as
Livelihood Strategies in Rural Economies:
the ICT aspect. With the mobile Board representative, District
The Case of Johar Valley, Uttarakhand,
data and smart phone ratio among Project Manager, Representative India. Thesis submitted to University of
the highest in the world, rural of Traditional Bodies at village Washington, Washington.

YOJANA February 2020 53

 World booK f aIr 2020

The Publications Division

Showcases a Treasure Trove of Books
Yojana Team

he Publications Division

T participated in the New

Delhi World Book Fair
2020 held at Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi from 4th-12th
January, 2020 organised by National
Book Trust. It was an important
forum where publishers, authors,
booksellers, and book lovers got an
opportunity to interact.
The Division received an
overwhelming response at the New
Delhi World Book Fair and had a
whopping sale of over Rs. 52 lakh.
This is a record in itself in the entire
history of Publications Division in
any book fair. Over the entire period
of ten days, the stall of Publications
Division witnessed a slew of visitors of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Evam Sahitya Manch' on the
from all walks of life. Atul Kumar Tiwari who also released commemoration of 75 years of
a number of books on the occasion. literary journal Ajkal. Also, a
The stall of Publications
The World Book Fair 2020 number of books were released by
Division was declared open by the
had an interactive session 'Lekhak Shri Tiwari. Book lovers enriched
Additional Secretary of the Ministry
their collection of books through a
diverse range of books and journals
on Indian heritage, history, rich
cultural legacy and important
speeches.
The theme of the book fair
was ‘Gandhi: The Writers' Writer’
dedicated to the commemoration of
150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi. Being one of the prominent
Gandhian publishers, Publications
Division had a befitting display of
titles on Mahatma Gandhi in print
and e-versions. Other prominent
books on speeches of President,
Vice President and Prime Minister
and various diverse subjects
ranging from history and heritage

54 YOJANA February 2020

 to children’s literature were also
displayed.
This year, more than 600
publishers from India and abroad
participated at the book fair. The
Indian publishers exhibited books
in different languages including
Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu,
Bangla, Gujarati, Maithili,
Malayalam, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi,
and Urdu across more than 1300 stalls
at the fair. 

About Our Books

MK Gandhi: An Indian Patriot in
South Africa (Tamil)
(Compilation- Publications Division)
The book ‘MK Gandhi: An Indian Patriot in South Africa’, is the first biography
of Gandhi ji. It was written when he was in South Africa, fighting for human
rights for the Indian settlers. The book has been translated in Tamil language
for the first time by Publications Division, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India,
with support from Gandhi Study Centre, Chennai. 

Magic Tales Around The World

(Author- Divya Jain)
Magic Tales from around the World is one such collection of stories for the
young readers. There are eleven stories from around the world with the central
theme of entertainment with morals. Divya Jain, the author, is a keen writer
who has been writing for the young readers.

Tipu’s Dream and Other Stories

(Author- Nashat Aslam)
‘Tipu’s Dream and Other Stories’ is a collection of stories keeping the young
reader is sight. The crisp, lucid manner in which these simple tales are told can
be interesting for the children. Nashat Aslam, the author, is lucid and simple
in her styles.

Our Next Issue

The March 2020 issue of Yojana will be a Special Edition focusing on Union Budget 2020-2021. This issue
will have in-depth analyses on various sectors and focus areas by the domain experts.
 Regd. No. RNI 949/57
No. Pages 56 Licenced U(DN)-56/2018-20 to post without
Published on 23 January, 2020 pre-payment at RMS, Delhi (Delhi Post
Posted on 25 & 26 January, 2020 Postal Regd.) DL(S)-05/3230/2018-20

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Printed & Published by K. Syama Prasad, Director General on behalf of Publications Division, Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003. Printed at J.K. Offset, B-278, Okhla Indl. Area, Phase-I, New Delhi.