Minister Launches ₹5 Crore 'Special Enrichment' for 445 Schools, Aims to Help Struggling Students
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Education policy· Prelims·
Educational equity and inclusive education: a GS2 case study on bridging geographical and socio-economic divides.
Why in news
Education Minister N. Samsudheen launched the 'Special Enrichment' programme to support students facing geographical and mental stress issues.
Background
The ₹5 crore initiative is part of the United Democratic Front government’s 100-day action plan. It expands the scope from 50 to 445 schools, specifically targeting Adivasi, coastal, and plantation areas.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeSpecial Enrichment: A programme providing expert-led classes, skill development workshops, and educational trips for students in remote areas.
- FactThe Special Enrichment programme covers 445 schools in the current academic year.
- FactDigital Squares have been established in 6,000 schools.
- S&TARISE programme: A planned initiative to introduce AI and robotics education.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Special Enrichment programme, consider the following statements:
- The programme is funded with a total of ₹10 crore.
- The initiative specifically targets Adivasi, coastal, and plantation areas.
- The programme covers 50 schools in the current academic year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The initiative is funded with ₹5 crore. Statement 3 is incorrect: The programme covers 445 schools.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how targeted educational interventions can bridge the socio-economic and geographical divide in India's public education system.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Geographical disparity: Addressing infrastructure and resource gaps in Adivasi and plantation regions
- Holistic pedagogy: Integrating mental health support and skill development into mainstream rural schooling
- Digital divide: Scaling AI and robotics literacy through the ARISE programme and Digital Squares
Keywords: Educational Equity · Inclusive Education · Skill Development · Digital Literacy · Socio-economic Disparity
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.