A special programme initiated by Delhi University’s Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) will provide integrated learning to 76 underprivileged students studying at MCD & NDMC schools. Known as the ‘Gifted Education Mahaabhiyan’ programme, this initiative will have modules that will run for six weeks and will include certain workshops, self-help tasks, counseling sessions and much more. Delhi University has carried out similar prgrammes for underprivileged kids in Guwahati, Ujjain and Baroda earlier as well. According to a spokesperson, DU has plans to take the initiative further to a national level. The programme is funded at 1.8 crores by the government's Department of Science and Technology through Principal Scientific Advisor office. It will recognize talented students from underprivileged sections of society.
CIC Director Madan Chaturvedi said “We conducted a test in 90 MCD and NDMC schools and have selected 76 students who belong to underprivileged community but are 'gifted' and have exceptional talent. We will now nurture them and run various workshops and counseling programmes to ensure holistic learning for them".
As a next step to implement the Gifted Education Mahaabhiyan Programme, parents of the 76 chosen students will be called for counselling. A team of experts comprising of faculty and students of M. Sc Maths Education programme will design modules for them. The ‘Gifted Education Mahaabhiyan' will be executed in recommendation with the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The programme will ensure the execution of programmes on holidays so that regular studies of students are not disturbed.
Mr. Chaturvedi also added that “the programme is completely free for students and we will also provide pick and drop to the selected students. Our sole motive is to nurture them beyond their routine academic studies and not put any extra burden on them".
Sounds like a good move by DU & GOI: what remains to be seen is how effectively they can implement it. Also, what remains unclear is post ‘Gifted Education Mahaabhiyan’, how will these students stand to benefit as compared to other students?