Delhi government show-causes over 600 schools for ‘low-to-nil’ enrollment in vocational courses

NEW DELHI: At a time when the focus on promoting skill subjects is the buzzword for governments – central or state – government schools in the national capital are finding it hard to enrol enough students in the vocational or skill subjects aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). This low enrolment has resulted in over 600 Delhi government schools receiving “show-cause” notices from the Directorate of Education (DOE).

The Delhi DOE has asked the district deputy education (DDE) officers to issue notices to 606 schools whose enrollment figures for NSQF subjects are very low or even “nil”. The schools, whose enrolment was less than 20 in a particular subject, were served the notice and are required to come up with an explanation within 15 days.

In March 2023, the DoE had directed that all students of Classes 9 and 10 must opt for a vocational subject from the 2023-24 academic session.

The notice said, “The DoE is already offering skill subjects for its secondary and senior secondary students. However, in view of the National Education Policy (NEP), vocational education will be provided mandatorily to each student at the secondary level (in classes 9 and 10) in all government schools from the academic session 2023-24.”

Earlier the course was being provided in 548 schools.

The vocational subjects which were introduced included data science, beauty and wellness, information technology, retail, food technology, introduction to financial markets, marketing sales and physical activity training.

In March this year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had announced that if a student fails in any of the three main subjects, it could be replaced with a skill subject in their Class 10 board exams.

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Delhi DoE show-cause notice

The order dated August 1 was issued by the deputy director of education, vocational branch, Bimla Kumari. “It has come to notice that the number of enrolment in vocational/skill/NSQF subjects in many schools mentioned in the lists are very low and even nil in some cases. This is a very serious matter as it has resulted in deprivation of benefits of Vocational/NSQF/NSQF education to the students and under utilisation of resources,” Kumari said.

The show-cause notice reads, “...Vocational/NSQF subjects were introduced for the benefit of the students in all remaining schools to impart skill education at secondary level after the approval of competent authority. And whereas, skill subjects play an important role in preparing the students for the 'World of Work'. And whereas, funds were also allocated for various interventions under Skill/Vocational education. And whereas, from the analysis of data received from the exam branch, it has been observed that the enrolment in your school is very low/nil.”

The notice adds, “It has resulted in under utilisation of human and other resources and has deprived off the benefits of the skill education to the students which is a serious matter. It is, therefore, directed to explain the reasons for low enrolment and also the steps being taken to increase the enrolment in skill subjects”.

Recently the Lieutenant Governor approved the appointment of over 400 contract vocational education teachers (VET).

Subjects with low enrolment

There are close to 14 schools which have zero enrolment in the vocational courses being offered. In most schools, the course which has not garnered interest among students include beauty and wellness – offered in girls schools, where enrolment for automotive courses is also very low.

IT/ITes was another course where enrolment was almost zero or very less.

Similarly courses like “Shortha English” and “Typography- a computer application” also saw very enrollments. Healthcare, retail and tourism are other courses towards which schools have not been able to garner much attention.

The Delhi government started implementing the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) from the 2014-15 academic year when the subjects were offered in only 22 schools. Over the years, the number increased and now these courses are offered in all schools.

Further, the NEP 2020 recommends integration of v ocational education into mainstream education in all educational institutions. Under the vocational education component of Samagra Shiksha scheme, NSQF compliant vocational courses are offered to students from class 9 to 12 in eligible schools.

At the secondary level, i.e. Class 9 and 10, vocational modules are offered to students as an additional subject. At the senior secondary level, i.e. Class 11 and 12, these are offered as a compulsory (elective) subject.