Shri Kapil Sibal Launches Courses on Mass Media Studies and Geospatial Practices

Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal, launched courses on Mass Media Studies (Academic/Vocational) and Geospatial Practices (Vocational), here today. These courses are to be offered by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) at the senior secondary level, initially on a pilot basis for 33 schools. The Agreements in this regard was signed between Shri Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE and Whistling Woods International with whom they are partnering for the Mass Media courses and between the CBSE and Rolta India Ltd. with whom they are partnering in the Geospatial study courses.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Kapil Sibal said that we need to prepare our children for the 21st century, which is going to be a century of enormous challenges. Launching of these courses is also a step towards preparing the children for the challenges, he added. He pointed out that while the mass media is a harbinger of challenges, Geospatial sciences have a unique place in the national technology revolution. He pointed out that this launch will give greater choices to children for them to be able to choose as per their proclivities.

The Minister emphasized that this is a small step and a much larger effort is required as regards vocational studies. He said vocational studies need not necessarily be based on national curriculum but can be sourced from various regions of the country and be specific to regions. He said both school and university education must strive to open up non-traditional areas of human endeavour for sustenance. As new career opportunities are beckoning students, we must be prepared to address their needs.

CBSE has decided to collaborate with two prominent professional institutes in Mass Media and Geospatial Practices. Whistling Woods International, an institute on Media and Film Production is assisting the Board for starting courses in Mass Media Studies and Media Production (a vocational package for senior secondary level). Similarly, Rolta India Limited a firm in Geospatial Practices in India is the Board’s partner in starting a vocational package on Geospatial Practices for senior secondary classes. The two private partners will provide the curriculum support to CBSE and will impart training to teachers.