Educational Policy of Gujarat | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

The Gujarat Elementary Education Rules, 2010

Admission of Pupils

• No child below six years of age shall be admitted to an Elementary School. 
• However, a child who has completed five years of age by June 1st of the year may be admitted.

Admission of Children from Weaker Sections

• Children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups will include those from families classified as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Castes, with recognition of this special status by the state government through a certificate from a competent authority being sufficient. Children from economically weaker sections will be those whose families are listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) lists at the relevant time.
• The responsibility of admitting children from these specified categories, ensuring they make up at least twenty-five percent of the class strength (in class I or pre-primary sections where applicable), lies with the management of private unaided schools.

Norms and Standards for School Admission and Infrastructure

• Classrooms should have sufficient space for comfortable teaching and learning activities.
• New schools must have adequate playground facilities; existing schools without on-site playgrounds should have access to one within walking distance.
• The government may set distinct standards for urban and rural areas periodically.
• The state aims to offer hot meals through centralized systems and may involve reputable NGOs in managing the Mid-day Meal Programme.
• Schools should ensure proper space for cooking, storage, and serving if a centralized meal system is unavailable.
• Proper and satisfactory sanitation facilities should be available for students, teachers, and separate facilities for boys and girls.
• Schools must provide safe and sufficient drinking water provisions.
• Each school should have accessible facilities tailored for children with special needs.

Opening of New Elementary Schools or Takeover of Private Schools

• Education committees at the district or municipal level, with proper authorization, can establish new elementary schools or acquire private schools.
• This action requires approval from the Director or a designated officer.
• Additional funding may be allocated for the maintenance of existing elementary schools.

Girls Education Rathyatra

• Gujarat ranked 15th in the country for overall literacy and 21st for female literacy in 2001. To improve these rankings, especially in villages with female literacy rates below 35%, the state government launched the Girl’s Education Rathyatra. The initiative aims to elevate the state’s literacy rates and ensure 100% enrollment of girls in the 1st standard. 
• The primary goal of the Girl’s Rathyatra is to enroll all eligible children, particularly girls, in primary schools and re-enroll those who had dropped out. In 2002, the focus was on areas with female literacy rates under 20%, and by 2005, this threshold was raised to 35%. The Rathyatra is a three-day event aimed at raising awareness among parents and girls about the importance of education.
• In the 2005-06 budget, Vidyalaxmi Bonds worth Rs. 15 crores were allocated for 1,50,000 girls. These bonds were distributed during the Kanya Kelavani Yatra as part of the initiative.

Vidyadeep Scheme

• Vidyadeep Scheme in Gujarat: After the destructive earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, the Vidyadeep Scheme was initiated by the state government to honor the memory of the children and teachers who perished. The primary aim is to fulfill the social responsibility towards parents and guardians affected by the accidental demise of their school-going children.
• Insurance Coverage: Under this scheme, all 85 lakh students in primary schools are provided with 24-hour insurance cover. In the unfortunate event of a student's accidental death, the guardian receives Rs. 25,000 as compensation. The entire premium for this insurance is covered by the state government.
• Impact and Coverage: So far, 943 children's guardians have received a total insurance amount of Rs. 302.50 lakhs, showcasing the scheme's significant reach and support provided to affected families.

School Health Checkup Programme

• Introduction of Health Checkup Programme: Gujarat State leads the nation by implementing a comprehensive School Health Checkup Programme. This initiative involves medical officers conducting health assessments for all school children, focusing on early detection and prevention of health issues.
• Health Education and Treatment: Children are educated about their health, and minor health concerns are addressed within the school premises. For more serious conditions, children are referred to nearby facilities for specialized care, ensuring proper treatment and follow-up.
• Specialized Care and Support: Children in need of spectacles receive them free of cost. Those with critical health issues like heart conditions, kidney problems, or cancer are directed to Super Specialty Hospitals for advanced treatment, emphasizing the program's comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Computer Education Scheme in Primary Education

• Computer education in primary schools is being facilitated through a government initiative aimed at equipping schools with necessary resources. Schools with 5 to 7 standards, electricity, suitable furniture, and teachers trained in computer skills are eligible to receive donated computers. 
• In 2004-05, approximately 1000 computers were allocated to such schools, including those donated by external sources. A budget of approximately Rest 400 lacs was allocated for the year 2005-06 to further this computer donation scheme. By December 2005, 377 additional computers had been donated.