Prakash Javadekar stresses on 'learning outcome assessment' in primary schools

MANDA (UP): Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar today said there is a need to conduct "learning outcome assessment" in primary schools before promoting students.

"Necessary amendments are being introduced to decide the parameters for learning outcome evaluation for primary school students," he said at the golden jubilee celebrations of Lal Bahadur Shashtri Shiksha Seva Niketan here.

Javadekar had recently said that state education ministers in a meeting in Delhi had agreed for learning outcome assessment.

Referring to the 'no-exam' system under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for primary classes, he said, "No exam does not mean no learning for students."

"The government will soon finalise parameters for ensuring learning outcome assessment and the pattern for CBSE Class X exams," he said, adding any change in the system will be effective from the 2017-18 academic session.

Proposals will be placed before the Cabinet for necessary approvals, the Union Minister said.

"Higher education must focus on research and innovation. The government is working to strengthen research and innovation activities in institutions providing higher education," Javadekar said.

Accepting that quality of education is an area of concern, he said, "The government is aware about vacancies of head of institutions and universities. The process to fill-up the vacancies at central institutions and universities has been initiated."

"The new education policy will also be finalised in the next three to four months," he informed.