One Student, One Table, One Computer [ OSOTOC ]

 

 

Article link:

Only 57% of schools have functional computers: UDISE report

Extract from the article:

 

The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report highlights that in India,

 

only 57% of schools have functional computers, showcasing persistent technological and

 

infrastructural gaps within the education system.

 

The data from the UDISE Plus report reveals the stark reality of the lack of access to technology among schools across the country.

 

This disparity underscores the challenges faced by Indian schools in providing a conducive learning environment for students, especially in an increasingly digital world.

 

My Take:

 

Digitized India

 

"The lack of functional computers in over 40% of Indian schools is a glaring indicator of our misplaced priorities.

 

While initiatives like banning Chinese apps and launching local replacements are essential, addressing the urgent need for digital infrastructure in education should take precedence.

 

The current situation mirrors the struggle faced by millions of students during the school closures, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing digital access for all."

 

Primary Needs

 

"The UDISE report's revelation about schools lacking functional computers resonates with the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure in primary education. The staggering numbers of schools without essential facilities like electricity, toilets, and boundary walls reflect a systemic neglect of foundational educational requirements. It's imperative that policymakers address these fundamental needs to create a more conducive learning environment and bridge the technological gap highlighted in the recent report."

 

Call to Action:

 

To the Ministry of Human Resource Development in India: It's crucial to prioritize and invest in bridging the digital divide in education by providing functional computers and necessary technological infrastructure to all schools.

 

This step is essential to ensure equitable access to quality education and prepare students for a digitally-driven future.

 

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in / 04 Jan 2024

Green Energy Storage : Preserving a Perishable

 

Article link:

Storage projects in green energy sector to be focus area in 2025 - The Economic Times

Extract from the article:

In the green energy sector, the spotlight is set to shine on storage projects come 2025.

 

As per The Economic Times, the renewable energy landscape is gearing up to prioritize storage projects to enhance the efficiency and reliability of green energy sources. The push towards storage projects stems from the increasing need to manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

 

This strategic move aims to address the challenges of grid stability and ensure a consistent power supply from green energy sources. The emphasis on storage projects underscores the industry's commitment to sustainable and uninterrupted energy production.

 

 

My Take:

Congrats Shri R. K. Singh

 

"Reflecting on my blog from 2020 about surpassing the 50 GW solar capacity milestone, it's evident that the renewable energy sector has come a long way.

 

The target of 500 GW by 2030 now seems more achievable with a focus on storage projects. The transition towards green energy is not just a vision anymore; it's becoming a reality with each strategic step taken."

 

Congratulations Shri R. Singh

 

"Drawing parallels to the necessity of policy consistency highlighted in my 2022 blog, the importance of a stable regulatory environment for storage projects cannot be overstated. The challenges addressed in the renewable energy space are evolving, and the foresight to extend incentives to ancillary units is a step in the right direction for a sustainable future."

 

Call to Action:

 

To policymakers and industry leaders, prioritize setting up a robust framework for storage projects in the green energy sector. Embrace innovation and collaboration to ensure successful implementation of storage solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in / 04 Jan 2024

Finally : PERT looks Pretty

 

Article link:

Revamped Infra Monitoring System to be Unveiled in January

Extract from the article:

 

The article highlights the upcoming unveiling of a revamped infrastructure monitoring system by The Economic Times in January.

 

This new system is aimed at addressing potential slippages in infrastructure projects to ensure that both costs and timelines are kept within approved limits.

 

By leveraging this updated monitoring system, stakeholders can proactively identify and mitigate any delays or overspending in various developmental projects.

 

My Take:

 

Monitoring Projects in Real-time

 

"Hey, look at what I thought of in 2020 about real-time project monitoring  !

 

It's thrilling to see the development of such monitoring systems today.

 

I had advocated for real-time updates on infrastructure projects to enable accessible information for all stakeholders.

 

The unveiling of this revamped system reflects a step towards greater transparency in project management, aligning with the need for efficient infrastructure development."

 

 

Infra Projects: How to Control Time and Cost

 

"These infrastructure projects, often plagued by cost and time overruns, resemble black holes consuming resources.

 

While complete elimination of overruns might not be feasible, reducing them to 5% or less is achievable.

 

It's crucial for decision-makers to follow structured procedures to curb unnecessary delays and expenses. The new monitoring system's focus on identifying slippages aligns with the necessity to control both time and cost implications effectively."

 

Gadkariji: Solution is Hiding in Plain Sight

 

"Reflecting on past suggestions on project monitoring and control, it is evident that effective monitoring using tools like PERT can significantly impact project outcomes.

 

The drive towards minimizing time and cost overruns is a shared goal among policymakers and project implementers.

 

The unveiling of the enhanced infrastructure monitoring system resonates with the long-standing advocacy for better project management practices, bringing us a step closer to efficient project execution."

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers and stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects mentioned in the article, embrace the revamped monitoring system as a tool to enhance project efficiency and transparency.

 

Ensure active engagement with the system to proactively identify and address any potential slippages, fostering a culture of accountability and timely project delivery.

 

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

Skilled Girls : Do not keep Dithering

 

Article link:

Read more

Extract from the article:

 

The article highlights India's initiative to launch a pilot project focused on skills training for girls to enhance their participation in the labor force.

 

By equipping girls with essential skills, the project aims to boost their presence and contribution in various sectors of the economy.

 

This move underscores the importance of gender inclusivity and empowerment to drive economic growth and sustainability. The project's focus on providing training opportunities specifically for girls addresses a crucial aspect of narrowing the gender gap in the workforce and promoting diversity and equality.

 

My Take:

Skill Capital of the World - Walking the Talk

 

Reflecting on my blog about making India the "Skill Capital of the World" by emphasizing private-public partnerships in skill development, the current initiative resonates with the need for collaboration between government and private entities to enhance skill-building efforts.

 

The approach to involve the private sector, corporates, and startups aligns with the concept of leveraging diverse resources to scale skill development programs effectively. This echoes the significance of ensuring quality and accessibility in skill training while fostering innovation and efficiency through private sector engagement.

 

Training Shortcut - Online, Virtual, and More

 

In my previous blog, I discussed incentivizing youth through stipends and integrating vocational courses into the school curriculum to promote skill development.

 

The current project's emphasis on providing skills training for girls aligns with the idea of integrating skill-building initiatives at the school level to nurture talent early on.

 By linking skilling targets to annual turnover and incentivizing participation, the approach mirrors the importance of creating a conducive environment for skill enhancement and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

 

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers and stakeholders involved in the pilot project for girls' skills training, I urge you to prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in the program.

 

Ensure that the training provided is aligned with market demands and opportunities, empowering girls to excel in diverse sectors. It's essential to monitor the progress of the project, gather feedback from participants, and iterate on the training modules to maximize the impact and create a skilled workforce that drives economic growth and social development.

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in /  04 Jan 2024

APAAR or “ Aar – Paar “ ?

 

Article link:   

Read here

Extract from the article:

 

The State Education Department is putting immense pressure on schools, teachers, and principals to ensure 100% registration for the APAAR program.

 

Schools are facing the looming threat of pay cuts if they fail to meet the registration deadline. This situation has led to heightened stress and urgency among school staff, parents, and students to complete the registration process promptly.

 

This push for complete registration reflects the State Education Department's commitment to digitalization and centralization of student data through the APAAR program.

 

The program aims to streamline academic records and facilitate easier transfers for students across different educational institutions.

 

Additionally, it intends to track student dropout rates effectively and re-engage them in educational activities. The APAAR initiative aligns with efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the education sector.

 

My Take:

 

A.    Overwhelming Demands

 

"Reflecting on the urgency of demands and the need for prioritization, it is crucial to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process.

 

Just like the current situation with schools facing pressure for 100% APAAR registration, understanding the impact of actions on different segments of society is essential.

 

By assigning percentile scores to demands based on various criteria, as suggested earlier, authorities can effectively address pressing issues in an organized manner."

 

 

B. It Is Quite Simple

 

"The concept of centralizing student data through the APAAR program resonates with the idea of seamlessly storing information for easy access and tracking.

 

Much like the digital centralization proposed earlier, the APAAR ID's ability to store academic records and facilitate student transfers aligns with the goal of simplifying processes for individuals.

 

This system can significantly improve the efficiency of educational institutions and government efforts to reconnect students with learning opportunities."

 

Call to Action:

 

To the State Education Department and school stakeholders involved in the APAAR registration process, prioritize open communication channels to address concerns and ensure a smooth registration experience for all parties involved.

 

Collaboration and support from both sides are key to successfully meeting registration targets and preventing adverse repercussions such as pay cuts. Let's work together to streamline the process and achieve the desired outcomes efficiently.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

E-Truck Incentives : Half way House ?

 

Article link:

New e-truck incentive plan may not have many takers - The Economic Times

 

Extract from the article:

 

The article discusses the potential challenges faced by a new e-truck incentive plan in garnering significant interest.

 

Despite the government's efforts to promote electric vehicles through incentives, the response from truck manufacturers has been lukewarm.

 

The reluctance stems from various factors such as higher vehicle cost, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns over operational viability.

 

Additionally, the lack of clarity on long-term benefits and the absence of a comprehensive ecosystem for e-trucks pose significant hurdles in the widespread adoption of electric trucks.

 

My Take:

A.  For EV, Andhra gets an A

 

The blog post from 2017 highlighted Andhra Pradesh's proactive steps in attracting investments in the electric vehicle industry.

 

The incentives offered by the state government, such as capital subsidies, fast approvals, and GST reimbursements, set a benchmark for promoting EVs.

 

Drawing parallels, the current e-truck incentive plan could benefit from studying Andhra's successful approach in creating a conducive environment for electric vehicle manufacturers.

B.  Congratulations Shri Kailash Gehlotji

 

In 2018, a blog post commended the incentives introduced by Shri Kailash Gehlotji to boost electric mobility, including subsidies on e-vehicles and charging infrastructure. The emphasis on incentivizing EV adoption and scrapping old polluting vehicles aligns with the need for comprehensive policies to drive e-truck uptake. Implementing similar measures at a national level could address the challenges highlighted in the current e-truck incentive plan.

 

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers mentioned in the article, I urge a comprehensive review of the existing e-truck incentive plan. Emphasize the importance of creating a holistic ecosystem that addresses concerns regarding costs, infrastructure, and operational viability. Engage key stakeholders to refine the plan and ensure that it aligns with the long-term vision for sustainable transportation solutions.

 

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04  Jan  2024

Skill Assessment : Time to handover to AI

 

Article Link:

Read more

Extract from the Article:

The article highlights the efforts of ministries to assess skill needs for providing focused training. It discusses the comprehensive exercise undertaken by NITI Aayog to map skill requirements across 22 industry sectors, especially focusing on the "Make in India" initiative.

 

The roadmap aims to train around 402 million youth by 2022 through 1500 job roles and 6700 qualifications.

 

The Skills Ministry, under the leadership of Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, has set out plans for imparting training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

My Take:

 

Blog Title 2

 

Reflecting on my past blog post, the recent actions taken by NITI Aayog and the Skills Ministry reinforce the significance of strategic planning in training initiatives.

 

The emphasis on job roles and qualifications aligns with the essence of my earlier recommendation to focus on specific training needs in various industries. It's satisfying to witness actionable measures being implemented to fulfill the training requirements identified earlier.

Blog Title 3

 

Back in 2016, I emphasized the importance of skill mapping and strategic training plans to cater to the evolving job market demands. The current developments with NITI Aayog and the Skills Ministry echo the essence of my earlier suggestions, particularly in terms of setting clear targets for skilling the youth population.

 

The proactive approach taken now reflects the foresight needed to address the skill needs of the future workforce effectively.

Call to Action:

To the Ministries and NITI Aayog,

 

I urge a continued focus on agile training strategies that adapt to the dynamic skill requirements of industries. Implementing feedback loops and regular assessments will ensure that training programs remain effective and relevant in shaping a skilled workforce for India's growth trajectory.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

PERT : A Rose by Any Other Name ?

 

Article link:

Read the full article here

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Extract from the article:

 

In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency, all infrastructure projects in Maharashtra will now be assigned a unique identification marker.

 

This decision, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following a cabinet meeting, aims to streamline project management and reduce duplication of efforts.

 

The introduction of these unique IDs is expected to revolutionize the monitoring and prioritization of projects, ensuring a more organized and accountable system for infrastructure development in the state.

---

My Take:

Pert for Digital Dashboard

 

"The implementation of unique IDs for infrastructure projects in Maharashtra resonates with the concept of a digital dashboard suggested in one of my earlier blogs.

 

This initiative not only streamlines project tracking but also aligns with the idea of reducing dependency on government officials and contractors.

 

By employing project planning tools effectively, such as those proposed in the digital dashboard concept, accountability and efficiency in project execution can be significantly enhanced."

---

This May Interest You

 

"The recent directive to assign unique IDs to infrastructure projects in Maharashtra reflects the ongoing efforts to create an efficient decision support system, as discussed in my previous blog. The emphasis on transparency and accountability in project management, highlighted through this new identification system, aligns with the overarching goal of curbing scams and improving project outcomes.

 

By leveraging technology to monitor and prioritize projects, the state can enhance its governance processes and ensure effective implementation of developmental initiatives."

---

Call to Action:

 

To Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis:

 

As you continue to spearhead initiatives for enhancing project management in Maharashtra, I urge you to integrate the use of advanced project planning tools and digital platforms to further strengthen transparency and accountability in infrastructure development.

 

By leveraging technology to its fullest potential, you can set new benchmarks for efficient governance and sustainable growth.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

Petrol or Diesel ? Announce Yourself

 

 

 

Article link:   Read more

 

 

Extract from the article:

 

The Supreme Court is planning to introduce pan-India tags for vehicles to distinguish between petrol and diesel types using color-coded stickers. Specifically, blue stickers for petrol vehicles, orange for diesel vehicles, and orange stickers for petrol vehicles. This initiative traces back to August 2018 when the Supreme Court first proposed hologram-based stickers. The move aims to enhance environmental consciousness and regulate vehicle emissions across the nation.

 

 

My Take:

 

SC Takes Cognizance: Only after 9 years

 

In hindsight, I had advocated for a policy shift towards cleaner fuel vehicles years ago. The recent push by the Supreme Court to phase out heavy diesel vehicles aligns with my long-standing belief in exploring alternative fuel resources to combat air pollution nationwide."

 

 

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ?.. ………….. 20 Nov 2018 “

 

All Vehicle manufacturers will be mandated to embedded the vehicles with FASTag RFID sensors and other sensors , listed at :

Ø Internet  of  Vehicles  [ 04 March 2017  ]

 

From these sensors , NaviC will be able to pick up DATA re : 

Energy Source ( Petrol or Diesel ) 

Type of vehicle –

 Capacity – 

Manufacturing date – 

Purpose – 

Emission levels  etc ,

 from all vehicles – ships – planes – drones etc

 

Trucks transporting GOODS , ( and embedded with RFID FASTags into all carried packages ) will enable NaviC to integrate with e-way bill system , as described in :

Ø   A New Way to E-Way ?  [  15  July  2017  ]

 

 

 

 

Call to Action:

 

To the Ministry of Transport and concerned authorities, I urge swift and decisive action in implementing the Supreme Court's proposed national policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Let's prioritize clean air and a pollution-free environment for all citizens by accelerating the transition to cleaner fuel vehicles nationwide.

 

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in / 04 Jan 2014

Protecting Children from Social Media

 

Article link:

Digital Personal Data Protection Act: Social media users under 18 to require parental consent

Extract from the article:

The proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Act in India brings forth significant changes for social media users, especially those under 18. Key highlights include the necessity of parental consent for underage users to access social media platforms.

 

Additionally, the regulations mandate the deletion of inactive user data after three years and require reporting data breaches within a tight timeframe of 72 hours. Furthermore, the Act hints at the potential reintroduction of data localisation provisions for specific types of personal data.

 

The Act aims to address critical aspects such as user protection, data security, and privacy concerns within the digital realm.

 

By stipulating the need for parental consent, the legislation seeks to enhance child safety online and create a more secure environment for young social media users. Moreover, the Act's provisions for data breach reporting underscore the importance of swift and transparent responses to cybersecurity incidents to safeguard user information effectively.

 

My Take:

Ashwini Vaishnaw's Insights:

 

Reflecting on my blog addressed to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, where I emphasized the importance of individual user data protection and social media accountability, it's heartening to see the strides taken through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

 

The Act's focus on making social media companies answerable aligns with the sentiment I expressed earlier. The provisions concerning user harm regulation, child safety, and privacy echo the need for a comprehensive framework to ensure a secure digital space for all users.

 

Sundar Pichai's Stance:

 

In my blog discussing Sundar Pichai and the evolution of data privacy, the current legislation's emphasis on the deletion of inactive user data after a specified period resonates with the idea of minimizing data retention to strengthen user privacy.

 

Pichai's vision of moving beyond cookie-based tracking aligns with the Act's approach to enhancing data security without compromising user experience. The Act's inclination towards data localization for specific user information reflects a growing global trend towards safeguarding sensitive data within national borders.

 

Call to Action:

 

To the policymakers involved in shaping the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, I urge a meticulous implementation that balances user protection with technological advancements. It is crucial to collaborate with stakeholders, including social media platforms, cybersecurity experts, and legal professionals, to ensure the Act's effective enforcement.

 

Moreover, continuous monitoring and periodic revisions are essential to address emerging challenges in the digital landscape and uphold the Act's objectives of data security and user privacy.

---

With regards,

 

Hemen Parekh

 

www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 Jan 2024

Unified Agricultural Market

 

 

Context :

India Unveils Draft Policy for Unified National Agricultural Market

 

Extract :

 

The Indian government has released a comprehensive draft policy framework to establish a unified national market for agricultural produce, aiming to address long-standing challenges in agri-trade. 

This move comes nearly three years after the repeal of farm laws following nationwide protests.

The draft, prepared under the chairmanship of Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Additional Secretary (Marketing) in the Ministry of Agriculture, suggests transformative reforms to harmonise agricultural marketing practices across states. 

 

 

My Take :

 

Over the past few years, I have sent some 42 e-mails in this regard to our Cabinet Ministers. Here is that list :

My Agriculture Related Blogs ( up to 02 Jan 2025 )

 

I am glad that this news report mentions some aspects which indicate partial incorporation of my past suggestions in the Draft Policy . For a quick / easy overview , you may want to go through following table

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in  /  www.HemenParekh.ai  /  04 Jan 2025

 

Framework of Unified Agricultural Market

Aspect	My Past Related Blogs on This Aspect (Hyperlinks)	Date	Year	My Remarks
A single licensing system	1. Agriculture in China   2. Granaries are full? No, overflowing!	02 June 04 Feb	2011,   2012	Highlighted the need for unified systems to simplify processes and reduce redundancy in licensing procedures.
Establishment of private wholesale markets	1. Garbage is Green Gold {3G}   2. Thank You, Shri Radha Mohan Singhji	10 Feb   23 Dec	2016,   2018	Advocated for private sector involvement to promote efficiency and better price realization for farmers.
Enabling direct procurement from farm-gates by processors, exporters, and bulk buyers	1. Influence farmers and win Votes?   2. A Grass-Root Revolution	05 Feb   11 Mar	2019,   2019	Emphasized the importance of direct farm-gate procurement to streamline supply chains and benefit both farmers and buyers.
Declaring warehouses, silos, and cold storage facilities as “deemed markets,” allowing private e-trading platforms	1. Locusts are invading!   2. Selling Farm Laws before selling Farm Crops	24 May   24 Sept	2020,   2020	Suggested leveraging private e-platforms for efficient inventory management and enhanced market access.
Introducing a single market fee applicable state-wide	1. Thank You, Shri Tomarji   2. How about introducing a PLI for agricultural produce?	28 Nov   08 Dec	2020,   2020	Proposed rationalizing market fees for uniformity and reduced financial burden on stakeholders.
Rationalising market fees and commission charges to reduce financial burdens on farmers and traders.	1. e-NAM; reimagined to resolve farmer agitation   2. Adding Fodder to Fire? or, just calculated mischief?	10 Dec   17 Dec	2020,   2020	Focused on reducing financial overheads by reforming fees and commissions in agricultural markets.
Seamless national agricultural market	1. Congratulations, Shri P K Purwarji   2. Kisan Sabha gets Constructive	21 Dec   20 Feb	2020,   2021	Called for the establishment of a cohesive national agricultural market to remove state-level barriers.
Empowered Agricultural Marketing Reform Committee	1. Digital Farming?   2. Finally Announced: Agri Infra Fund to APMC	15 Apr   08 July	2021,   2021	Recommended a reform-focused committee to address challenges and ensure effective implementation of policies.
Promote consensus-building among states for uniform reforms	1. “Tractor-Pulled” to “Technology-Pushed”   2. Agri Reforms: an Ongoing Process	20 Sept   20 Nov	2021,     2021	Advocated for cooperative efforts among states to create a uniform framework for agricultural reforms.
Potential national law for agricultural marketing and standardised market fees	1. Point: Counter-Point // MSP: MPQ   2. Dear Kisan Leaders / Shri Tomarji: It is time to Shake Hands	28 Nov   07 Dec	2021,   2021	Suggested the enactment of a national law to streamline agricultural marketing and ensure fair practices.