Credit to students, recognition for teachers in education ministry’s volunteering programme

NEW DELHI : After introducing it at the school level, the ministry of education has extended the Vidyanjali initiative to higher education institutions as well. The Vidyanjali Higher Education Volunteer Programme is in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, started by the Government of India.

The University Grants Commission has released the guidelines for bringing volunteers and universities together on a common platform. The initiative involves creating a robust pool of volunteers who will, in turn, contribute via academic, training or even infrastructural support.

The Centre has invited college students, alumni, fellowship recipients, working or retired teachers, retired or working professionals, scientists, government officials, retired armed forces personnel to register at the Vidyanjali portal to be a volunteer. Non-Residential Indians, NCC cadets, and homemakers are also eligible to participate. The initiative is open to any “literate” individual provided they fulfil institutions' volunteer requirements.

For students volunteering while studying, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and UGC will formulate guidelines to provide one credit weightage for 45 hours of work. This will be limited to a maximum of three credits during the academic programme, the Vidyanjali guidelines say. Under this programme, 5,000 centres for coaching will be set up in higher education institutions across India.

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The contribution of the teachers as volunteers will also be recognised by incorporating it in the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) by UGC and AICTE. According to AICTE, the program aims to benefit four crore students in higher education.

Volunteering scope

There are almost 27 academic activities and sponsorship services that volunteers can pitch in with their services. The volunteers can offer support in the form of yoga or sports training, mentorship for placements, careers counselling, personality development, language and soft skills training. Such services may not constitute the major part of teaching-learning in the institute. “The services of the Volunteer may be availed primarily for those areas or subjects for which the institute does not have sufficient human resource or expertise,” the guidelines states.

Moreover, industries can also contribute to universities through endowments in the form of CSR contributions or philanthropy. People can also contribute with books, instruments, lab equipment, scholarships and workshops if posted on the Vidyanjali portal.

The initiative has also scope for sponsorship under various heads like sponsorship of trained counsellors, special educators, participation in sports, participation in cultural events etc.

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Through the portal, volunteers can make their skills and specialised services they want to offer known to the institutions. The institutions can also make their requirement known through the portal to seek volunteers. Depending upon the list of services or activities requested by the institute and the interest shown by a volunteer, the institute can shortlist volunteers. Volunteers will be taken onboard after assessment of their qualification and experience through volunteer profile. The institution will conduct interviews and assessment of requisite specialised skills, qualifications and relevant experience. However, none of the services will get paid in remuneration or honorarium.