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Unit 22: Vocationalisation of Secondary Education

Notes

The ratio of enrolment in vocational courses at the secondary stage is only about 10 per
cent in India as compared with 20% in China, 25% in France, 29% in Italy, 60% in Russia,
65% in U.K. and 80% or more in Switzerland, Denmark and Germany. In this connection,
it is of importance to note that the introduction of practical subjects in secondary schools
so as to divert the students into different walks of life was recommended as early as
1882 by the Hunter Commission.

22.2 Merits of Vocationalisation of Education

1. Education related to productivity : Vocational education contributes to the achievement of
society’s goal of self-sufficiency in agriculture and industry by developing suitable skills.
2. Preparation of individuals for jobs : It prepares the individual to realize his own potential
within the framework of economic development to which the individual contributes.
3. Employment potentialities : Education does not produce job but vocationalised education
makes it more timely for an individual to get a jobs or to be his own master either starting a
new productive activity or a service which may satisfy a felt need of the community.
4. Broadening of horizon : It leads to an understanding of the scientific and technological
aspects of contemporary civilisation in such a way that they comprehend their environment
critically and constructively.
5. Dignity of labour : Vocationalisation of education provides useful experience for the
development of dignity of labour.
6. Maximum utilisation of the material resources of the country : Due to lack of trained
technical know how our resources have remained unutilized. Vocationalisation of education
provides suitable opportunities.
22.1.1 Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalisation of Secondary
Education
A Centrally sponsored scheme of vocationalisation of higher secondary education was introduced
in February 1988 with the following objects :
1. To enhance individual employability.
2. To reduce the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled manpower.
3. To provide an alternative for those who pursue higher education without particular interest
or purpose.
22.2.2 Major steps taken in Vocationalisation of Education
1. A Joint Council for Vocational Educational (JVC) was set up in April 1990 for policy
formulation and coordination at the national level.
2. Nearly 60 vocational courses have been notified under the Apprenticeship Act.
3. Collaborative arrangements have been made with the Ministry of Railways.

In 1993, Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (SSCIVE)
was set up at Bhopal to provide technical and academic support to the programme
in the country.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 199