Delhi Deputy CM urges Vocational Programs be considered equal to Regular Degrees

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Delhi State Government has asked the Centre to consider Bachelor of Vocational Degrees (B.Voc) equal to regular bachelor’s degree.

Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi has also raised the issue as Delhi University does not consider Class 12 vocational education students equal to other regular candidates.

According to him, on considering vocational studies equivalent to a regular degree, Bachelor of Vocational Studies (B.Voc), students can appear in Civil Service examinations as well.

How are Vocational Education Students discriminated?

National Educational Policy 2020 ensures vocational education is given the necessary push. Speaking on this, Education Minister, Manish Sisodia said, it is even harder to achieve this aspect when Class 12 vocational education students are at disadvantage for Delhi University admission.

On a similar line, B.Voc graduates are not treated equally with other regular graduates. These students do not receive equal opportunities in terms of employment or higher education.

The Delhi government has put across this message to the central government to which they have agreed upon. However, the final decision rests with the centre.

Check: Top NIRF 2020 Ranking B.Voc Colleges in India

NEP 2020: Including Vocational Studies in Schools

NEP 2020 driven new improvements in the education sector call for vocational education of high standards has to be included in the middle, secondary and high schools.

This is to ensure, every child has learnt at least one vocation while exposed to many others for inculcating dignity of labour inclusive of Arts and Artisanship.

As suggested by the National Education Policy 2020, by the year 2025, about 50% of learning at school or higher education will ensure students are exposed to vocational training. The government will devise action plans and set timelines and targets for the same.

New Education Policy

As approved by the Cabinet, earlier New Education Policy distinguished Vocational education as inferior to regular or mainstream education. This largely made it applicable for students unable to cope with the curriculum of regular courses.

However, the NEP 2020 states of rebranding Vocational education into a whole new context as the previous perceptions stunted opportunities for students.

The NEP also highlights the importance of considering vocational education as a part of mainstream studies. This will be introduced in schools to look beyond the hierarchy of social status associated with vocational and mainstream education.