Blog

Thursday, 31 October 2024

Aadhar or Apaaar or SARSEL ?

Article link:

Government's insistence on Aadhaar card for portal registration plays havoc with students

Extract from the article:

The government's insistence on Aadhaar card for portal registration is causing issues for students.

Teachers are facing challenges in registering students without a birth certificate.

This policy change is adversely affecting students who are unable to obtain an Aadhaar card.

The Supreme Court has ruled out using a birth certificate for student registration.

My Take:

APAAR ID Card - Organized Academic Experience .. 2 January 2024

"Reflecting on the relevance of the APAAR ID card system to the current situation highlighted in the article, it is evident that having a unique APAAR ID could simplify student registrations and academic tracking processes.

This lifeline ID can streamline educational transitions and offer a seamless experience for students across different educational institutions."

APAAR ID and Academic Accessibility .. 24 December 2023

"In light of the challenges faced by students without birth certificates for Aadhaar registration, the APAAR ID card stands out as a solution for maintaining accessible academic records.

By linking the One Nation One Student ID Card to the Aadhaar number, students can ensure their academic achievements are well-documented and easily transferable."

SARSEL = (Single Academic Registration System of Education and Learning) .. 10 Aug 2024

Extract :

SARSEL (Single Academic Registration System of Education and Learning)

1. Unified Student Identity:

· USID (Unique Student Identification Number):

· Each student is assigned a unique ID at birth, which will be used across all

· educational institutions and for accessing any academic or educational

· services. This ID will be linked to Aadhaar for identity verification and will

· stay with the student throughout their life, ensuring seamless tracking of

· academic records.

2. Centralized Credit System:

· Credit Accumulation and Transfer System: Implement a national-level

· credit framework allowing students to accumulate credits from various

· educational institutions, both online and offline. The system should be

· flexible, enabling students to transfer credits across institutions, states, and

· different educational boards.

· Integration with Digilocker:

· Credit scores, along with all other academic records, will be stored in the

· student's Digilocker account, accessible through SARSEL.

3. Attendance and Performance Monitoring:

· Daily Attendance Reporting:

· Implement a system for daily attendance tracking in all 1.5 million schools.

· Schools will upload attendance data daily, which can be accessed by both

· parents and educational authorities.

· Performance Dashboard:

· A personalized dashboard for each student, accessible via SARSEL, that

· displays attendance, credit scores, exam results, and other relevant

· academic information.

4. Centralized Examination and Admission Management:

· Exam Portals Integration:

· SARSEL will unify existing exam portals (NEET, JEE, UGCUET, PGUET, etc.),

· allowing students to register, track exam schedules, and view results through

· a single platform.

· Admission Process:

· SARSEL can streamline the admission process, where students apply to

· multiple institutions using their USID, and their entire academic history is

· automatically available to the institution.

5. Scholarship and Reservation Management:

· Unified Scholarship Portal:

· A centralized portal within SARSEL where students can apply for various

· scholarships based on eligibility criteria (income, caste, merit, etc.). The

· system will auto-check eligibility based on the data linked to the student's

· USID.

· Reservation Management:

· Incorporate features that automatically apply reservation benefits based on

· the student's caste, income, or other criteria during admissions, exams, or

· scholarship applications.

6. Data Security and Privacy:

· End-to-End Encryption:

· All data within SARSEL should be encrypted, ensuring the privacy and

· security of student information.

· Access Control:

· Only authorized personnel, students, and their guardians should have access

· to sensitive data, with different levels of access rights.

7. Collaboration and Feedback:

· Educator and Institution Interface:

· Teachers, institutions, and educationists can upload materials, manage

· academic programs, and interact with students through SARSEL.

· Feedback Mechanism:

· Implement a feedback system where students, parents, and educators can

· provide input on the platform's functionality, ensuring continuous

· improvement.

Implementation Phases:

Phase 1:

Develop and launch the USID system, linking it to existing databases like Aadhaar

and Digilocker.

Phase 2:

Integrate the credit system and performance monitoring dashboard, piloting in

select states before nationwide rollout.

Phase 3:

Unify examination portals and introduce the centralized admission system.

Phase 4:

Implement the scholarship and reservation management system.

Phase 5:

Launch SARSEL fully, ensuring all educational institutions are on board and

students can access the complete range of services.

Conclusion:

SARSEL would act as a "One Stop Shop" for all academic needs, providing

seamless interaction between students, educational institutions, and

administrative authorities.

It would simplify processes, ensure transparency, and enhance the overall quality

of education in India.

Call to Action:

To the Government and Educational Authorities: Address the challenges faced by students without birth certificates for Aadhaar registration.

Consider alternative identification mechanisms like APAAR ID cards to streamline the student registration process and ensure educational accessibility for all.

---

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Oct 2024

Look Out for Look Out Notices

Article link:

Extract from the article:

The Bombay High Court has invalidated the authority of chairmen, managing directors, and CEOs of public sector banks to request the issuance of Lookout Circulars (LOCs).

The escape of high-profile defaulters from the country to avoid repercussions and retrieve the money borrowed had led to a surge in LOC requests in recent years.

My Take:

Guarantors of Bank Loans: You Were Warned

Reflecting on the essence of the court's decision, where the power to issue LOCs has been curtailed, it aligns with the stance I took in my blog.

Back in 2011, I emphasized the need for stringent actions against defaulters, urging banks to refrain from offering further advances to defaulting entities. This proactive measure now resonates with the need for legal actions against those fleeing the country to avoid responsibilities.

Wilful Defaulters and Wilful Lenders: A Transparency Call

The recent focus on naming and shaming defaulters who try to evade repayment obligations echoes my sentiments from a 2016 blog post.

I highlighted the transparency practices of housing societies in Mumbai that publicly list members failing to pay dues. Drawing a parallel, banks can learn from this approach and consider disclosing details of loan-takers and their obligations to promote financial accountability.

Call to Action:

To the legal authorities overseeing financial regulations and accountability,

I urge a continued push for transparency and stringent measures to hold defaulters accountable.

Strengthening mechanisms to prevent loan defaulters from absconding and ensuring public disclosure of defaulters' details can help maintain financial integrity.

Let's strive for a system where defaulters face consequences and where the public has access to crucial financial information for a more accountable financial ecosystem.

---

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 01 Nov 2024

Safe superintelligence ? Here is how

Article link: > Read more

Extract from the article:

A year ago, OpenAI boss Sam Altman initiated a team focused on "safe superintelligence" with a billion-dollar backing to establish a startup aimed at achieving "safe" superintelligence.

However, the practical implications of this endeavor might be complex to decipher.

In an effort to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence development, Sam Altman, known for his daring approach even at the expense of safety, has ventured into the realm of superintelligence.

On the contrary, Ilya Sutskever, with his more cautious stance, raises valid concerns regarding the risks associated with AI advancement. The pursuit of safe superintelligence highlights the delicate balance between technological progress and ethical considerations.

My Take:

Sam Will Super Wise AI Triumph Over

"Reflecting on the past predictions made, it seems that the quest for 'safe superintelligence' aligns with the discussions around the potential triumph of highly intelligent AI systems.

The evolution towards achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) and beyond underscores the critical need for aligning AI developments with human values and safety protocols."

Thank You, Ilya Sutskever & Jan Leike

"The concerns expressed by Ilya Sutskever regarding AI dangers and the need for control mechanisms resonate profoundly in the current discourse on safe superintelligence.

As we navigate the complexities of AI alignment and the implications of superintelligent AI, the emphasis on proactive solutions and ethical frameworks becomes increasingly crucial."

Call to Action:

To Sam Altman and the team at OpenAI pursuing safe superintelligence, I urge a conscious reflection on the ethical implications of AI advancements.

Prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and rigorous safety protocols in the development of superintelligent systems to ensure a future where AI complements and enhances human capabilities without compromising safety and ethics.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 31 Oct 2024

Registration of Birth and Death : and Everything In between ?

Article link > The Hindu Article

Extract from the article:

In a recent development highlighted by The Hindu, the Home Minister, Amit Shah, launched a mobile app aimed at simplifying the birth and death registration process, emphasizing a hassle-free experience for users.

Additionally, Mr. Shah unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Census Building, underscoring Patel's significant role in unifying the nation and establishing a robust foundation for a strong India.

The introduction of the mobile app underscores the government's commitment to modernize administrative processes and promote efficiency in citizen services.

This move not only streamlines registration procedures but also showcases the government's recognition of technology's pivotal role in governance and citizen empowerment.

By intertwining technology with essential services like birth and death registration, the initiative aligns with the vision of a digital India and sets a precedent for leveraging innovation in public service delivery.

My Take:

THANK YOU SHRI AMITBHAI SHAH FOR CENSUS USING MOBILE APP : MY 4 YEAR OLD DREAM COME TRUE

"The concept of a mobile app for birth and death registration, as introduced by Amit Shah, resonates with my earlier blog discussing the potential transition to an electronic census system.

The linkage between birth and death records, proposed in my blog, aligns perfectly with the current unveiling of a mobile app for registration.

This seamless integration not only enhances data accuracy but also lays the foundation for future developments in electoral processes."

Next Census will be E-Census and 100 pc perfect

"Amit Shah's recent launch of a mobile app for registration echoes his commitment to modernize census processes, as highlighted in my blog where I discussed the shift towards an e-census.

The emphasis on perfecting the census methodology with modern techniques mirrors the current unveiling of technology-driven solutions.

The linkage between birth, death, and census data underscores the holistic approach towards data management and policy shaping, aligning with the futuristic outlook depicted in my earlier writings."

---

Call to Action:

To the authorities and policymakers involved in the initiative of launching the mobile app for birth and death registration, I urge a continued focus on leveraging technology to enhance citizen services.

Embracing innovation in administrative processes is key to fostering a more efficient and transparent governance framework. Let's strive to further integrate digital solutions into governance for the benefit of all citizens.

---

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai

Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Digi Platform for NTA ( National Testing Agency )

Article >

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/exam-panel-moots-digital-platform-hybrid-model/articleshow/114791107.cms

Summary

The article discusses the recommendations put forth by an examination panel to introduce a digital platform and hybrid model for conducting exams.

The panel suggests incorporating biometric authentication to curb fraud, implementing multi-stage testing for exams like NEET, and designating 1,000 government institutions as testing centers.

Additionally, restructuring the National Testing Agency and enhancing oversight of coaching centers are proposed to improve the examination process.

My Take

Cheating in Exams: A Symptom of Larger Issues

"The current push for a digital platform and hybrid model in examinations resonates with my earlier blog on safeguarding exam integrity.

Incorporating biometric authentication aligns with the need for secure identity verification.

Moreover, the emphasis on restructuring testing agencies mirrors the call for a Central Exam Conduct Board (CECB) as previously discussed.

By addressing exam malpractices through technological advancements, there is a potential to enhance credibility and fairness in the examination process."

Exam Malpractices ? No More ! .. 19 Oct 2019

Extract :

HERE IS HOW :

Ø Launching its Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) driven Command Centre in Chennai, which will monitor in real time, 6000 of its examination venues, across the country

OBJECTIVE :

Ø Fair conduct of exams with transparency of the exam operations

METHODOLOGY :

Ø Monitor the exam process through a set of 150 parameters

Ø Prevent, predict and post incidents as alerts for efficient management of the exam

Ø Track movement and devices carried by every candidate at any exam centre, via a live CCTV feed

Ø Predict the readiness of the Centre based on past incidents and the current live feed of events in the exam centre

Ø Issue alerts about any malpractice attempts based on the learnings from the malpractice patterns of the past

Ø Track the readiness of all the devices being used for conducting the exam, by leveraging TCS’s IoT framework

Ø Issue proactive automated directions for any observations that warrant immediate action through instant alerts against anomalies like exam interruptions. Unusual behavior on server or candidate system and the performance of the devices being used for the exam process

It is possible that the administrators of Bhagath PU College ( Haveri-Karnataka ), never heard of TCS iON innovation for preventing cheatings in exams

They ordered all students appearing for first year science exam, “ to wear cardboard cartons on their heads “ – to prevent sideways glance !

Cannot believe ?

Read :

Karnataka: College students made to wear cardboard boxes at exams

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/students-made-to-wear-cardboard-boxes-at-exam/articleshow/71656212.cms

Although, the news report does not spell out, I suppose that :

Ø Students appearing at TCS examination centers, do so on a computer screen

Ø No two students have the same questions in their exam papers and for each student, the exam paper is instantaneously / randomly generated on the fly, from a vast data bank of questions of similar “ Degree of Difficulty “

Ø There is a time limit for solving the online paper

Ø As soon as the time gets over, the SCORE [ result ] is flashed on the screen, along with a rejection letter or an ( provisional ) “ Appointment Letter “ – which, the selected student must “ accept “ online and immediately

In India, hardly a week passes without millions of students appearing in exams being conducted by schools / colleges / Institutes / Prof Bodies / Exam Boards etc

Then there is Railway Board conducting paper-based written exams in thousands of exam centers, all over India, for millions of job-aspirants

Ditto with Indian Association of Bankers

And each of these is susceptible for cheating / paper-leaking / heartburning and injustice to bright students

Lakhs of crores of rupees and billions of man-hours and millions of tons of papers are wasted

All of this wastage of National Resources can be saved, if only Shri Prakash Javadekarji, requests TCS

Ø To share its technology platform to the entire Education Industry , for FREE

Call to Action

To the examination panel and authorities:

Implementing the recommended digital platform and hybrid model along with biometric authentication is a progressive step towards enhancing the examination process.

However, it is crucial to ensure extensive training for personnel, invest in robust infrastructure, and prioritize data security to realize the full potential of these advancements.

Collaboration with stakeholders and incorporating feedback from diverse backgrounds can further refine the proposed changes for a more inclusive and secure examination environment.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

www.HemenParekh.ai / 31 Oct 2024

MSME apprenticeship

MSME apprenticeship may become shorter, better-paid

Extract from the article:

The article highlights the significant role Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in India's economy, with 64 million MSMEs employing 23% of the country's labor force, equating to 110 million workers.

These enterprises contribute substantially to the country's GDP, representing 27%. The article emphasizes the need for enhancing the apprenticeship programs within MSMEs by potentially shortening the duration and increasing wages.

These proposed changes aim to attract more talent to the sector, thereby fostering skill development and economic growth.

In addition, the article underlines the vast potential of the MSME sector in job creation and economic development. By focusing on improving export capabilities and efficiency within these enterprises, it is suggested that a significant increase in job opportunities could be realized.

The article calls for strategic governmental support, including tax incentives and simplified export procedures, to unlock the full potential of MSMEs in driving job creation and economic prosperity.

My Take:

Re-Inventing of Business……19/08/2016

"Reflecting on my previous blog on the exponential growth possibilities of MSMEs through enhanced exports, the current discussion on upgrading apprenticeships within these enterprises resonates deeply.

By increasing export levels and focusing on skill development through improved apprenticeship programs, the MSME sector can truly harness its potential for job creation and economic growth.

The emphasis on government support, such as tax exemptions for MSMEs, aligns with my earlier call for significant reforms to propel these enterprises forward."

Only MSME Can Create 13 Million Jobs……05/06/2017

"The pressing need to rethink export strategies and empower MSMEs to create millions of jobs echoes the sentiments expressed in my previous blog regarding the untapped potential of these enterprises.

The article's advocacy for simplifying export procedures and granting GST exemptions to MSME exporters reflects a step in the right direction towards realizing the job generation capacity of this sector.

It is encouraging to see discussions aligning with the urgency I highlighted in my earlier writings about leveraging MSMEs for significant job creation."

Call to Action:

To the Indian Government and policymakers, it is time to take decisive action in supporting the MSME sector by implementing the proposed reforms to enhance apprenticeships, streamline export processes, and provide essential tax incentives.

By empowering MSMEs, we can not only boost job creation but also catalyze economic growth and innovation. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the backbone of our economy and create a thriving environment for small businesses to flourish.

With warm regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in