Maharashtra State Board Proposes Bonus Marks For Students Volunteering In Literacy Mission
Maharashtra State Board Proposes Bonus Marks For Students Volunteering In Literacy Mission
In a bid to promote literacy and encourage student participation, the Maharashtra state government is considering a proposal to award bonus marks to SSC and HSC students who volunteer in the Ullas Navbharat Literacy programme.
The proposal, which was initially rejected, has been revisited and will be discussed further before a decision is made. If implemented, students who volunteer to educate at least five illiterate individuals will receive five bonus marks.
The state board already grants bonus marks to students who excel in arts, fine arts, sports competitions, and participation in NCC, Scouts, and Guides. However, experts have raised concerns about the implementation of this scheme, citing discrepancies in awarding marks in the past.
According to the 2011 Census, there are over 1.6 crore illiterates in the state, and the Navbharat Literacy Programme aims to achieve 100% literacy by 2030. The programme plans to educate individuals in five stages, starting with basic literacy and followed by life skills development, basic education, vocational skill acquisition, and continuous education.
Teachers and volunteers play a crucial role in the programme, conducting surveys in villages to identify individuals without schooling and working to educate them. Students from Std VIII to Std XII are also encouraged to participate in the programme.
While the proposal is still under consideration, educators believe that offering incentive points for volunteering in the literacy mission could lead to 100% participation and encourage parents to get involved as well.
