Daily Current Affairs : 20-October-2023

In recent news, the Gujarat government has introduced a pioneering initiative called the Gyan Sahayak Scheme to address the pressing issue of teacher vacancies in primary, secondary, and higher secondary government schools. This scheme has been rolled out to ensure that the education of students is not adversely affected due to the lack of teaching staff.

About the Gyan Sahayak Scheme

Under the Gyan Sahayak Scheme, qualified individuals will be appointed on a contractual basis to serve as teachers in government and grant-in-aid schools. These appointments will be made in the interim period until regular appointments can be processed to fill the vacant teaching positions. The primary objective of this initiative is to maintain the continuity of education in schools despite the ongoing shortage of teachers. Specifically, the scheme targets Mission Schools of Excellence, aiming to provide quality education in these institutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Primary School Teachers:

  • Candidates aspiring to become Gyan Sahayaks in primary schools must have successfully cleared the Gujarat Examination Board’s Teachers Eligibility Test (TET)-2.

Secondary and Higher Secondary School Teachers:

  • Aspiring secondary and higher secondary Gyan Sahayaks should have passed the Teacher Aptitude Test (TAT).

Age Limit:

  • Candidates applying for primary and secondary school positions must be under 40 years of age, while the age limit is extended to 42 for higher secondary school positions.
Comparison with Pravasi Shikshak Scheme

The Gyan Sahayak Scheme supersedes the Pravasi Shikshak Scheme, rendering all resolutions related to the latter null and void. Although both schemes share similarities, the Gyan Sahayak Scheme stands out due to its comprehensive hiring process, strict eligibility criteria, and slight modifications in remuneration for the appointed teachers.

Important Points:

  • Gyan Sahayak Scheme Introduction:
    • Addresses teacher vacancies in primary, secondary, and higher secondary government schools in Gujarat.
    • Appoints qualified individuals on a contractual basis to fill vacant teaching positions temporarily.
    • Focuses on maintaining the continuity of education in government and grant-in-aid schools, particularly Mission Schools of Excellence.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Primary school Gyan Sahayaks: Must have cleared Gujarat Examination Board’s TET-2.
    • Secondary and higher secondary Gyan Sahayaks: Should have passed Teacher Aptitude Test (TAT).
    • Age limit: Under 40 years for primary and secondary school positions, 42 years for higher secondary school positions.
  • Comparison with Pravasi Shikshak Scheme:
    • Gyan Sahayak Scheme supersedes Pravasi Shikshak Scheme.
    • Detailed hiring process, strict eligibility criteria, and slight modifications in remuneration differentiate Gyan Sahayak Scheme from its predecessor.
  • Impact and Significance:
    • Ensures uninterrupted education for students despite ongoing teacher vacancies.
    • Maintains the quality of education in government schools, safeguarding the learning process.
    • Sets a positive precedent for addressing educational gaps and ensuring a brighter future for Gujarat’s students.
Why In News

The Gujarat government, aiming to enhance the quality of education in the state, recently announced the Gyan Sahayak Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative to support and mentor students across various schools. Under this scheme, experienced educators will serve as mentors, guiding and inspiring students to excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. This visionary program reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing a generation of well-rounded and knowledgeable individuals, ensuring a brighter future for Gujarat’s youth.

MCQs about Gujarat’s Gyan Sahayak Scheme

  1. Gujarat’s Gyan Sahayak Scheme primarily aims to:
    A. Provide free textbooks to students
    B. Fill vacancies in government schools with temporary teachers
    C. Establish new schools in rural areas
    D. Organize extracurricular activities for students
    Correct Answer: B. Fill vacancies in government schools with temporary teachers.
    Explanation: The Gyan Sahayak Scheme aims to appoint qualified individuals on a contractual basis to fill vacant teaching positions in primary, secondary, and higher secondary government schools until regular appointments can be made.
  2. What is the eligibility criterion for becoming a Gyan Sahayak in primary schools under the scheme?
    A. Clearing the Gujarat Examination Board’s TET-1
    B. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in any field
    C. Passing the Gujarat Examination Board’s TET-2
    D. Having teaching experience of at least 5 years
    Correct Answer: C. Passing the Gujarat Examination Board’s TET-2.
    Explanation: Candidates aspiring to become Gyan Sahayaks in primary schools must have cleared the Gujarat Examination Board’s Teachers Eligibility Test (TET)-2.
  3. How does the Gyan Sahayak Scheme differ from the Pravasi Shikshak Scheme?
    A. Gyan Sahayak Scheme offers higher salaries to teachers
    B. Pravasi Shikshak Scheme is for private schools only
    C. Gyan Sahayak Scheme follows a detailed hiring process and eligibility criteria
    D. Pravasi Shikshak Scheme provides additional benefits to teachers’ families
    Correct Answer: C. Gyan Sahayak Scheme follows a detailed hiring process and eligibility criteria.
    Explanation: The Gyan Sahayak Scheme supersedes the Pravasi Shikshak Scheme and incorporates a more comprehensive hiring process along with specific eligibility criteria for teacher appointments.

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