7th, July, 2022

 

 

Topic: Education

 

Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains

 

What is the news?

• Himachal Technical Education Department signs MoU with IIT-Mandi.

Objective:

• The IIT-Mandi agreed to facilitate training and upgrade faculty of government engineering and polytechnic colleges along with ITIs of the state to cope up with the challenges of the latest advancements in technology and their application in the world of work.

 

What’s included in the agreement?

• As per this agreement, in the first phase, the IIT will facilitate the first batch of 20 faculty members each from engineering and polytechnic colleges.

(Source: The Tribune)

 

 

Topic: Eco-friendly Anganwari centres

 

Importance: Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains

 

What is the news?

• To construct eco-friendly anganwari centers, the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) will soon begin construction of 583 pre-fabricated centers in the state.

 

Challenges:

• At least half the number of anganwari centers in the state is operating in private buildings while 155 centres lack dedicated toilets and 45 are without proper water facility. With inadequate space in several centres, they fail to serve their purpose.
• It, however, has been observed that a majority of the centres lack a hygienic kitchen and there is little open space for children to play. The preparation of mid-day meals is a key task in these centres.

Director, Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) shared:

• They will convert 1,207 centres into model anganwaris in a phased manner at a cost of Rs 32 crore. Measures like identification of land and its transfer to the department are underway. The RTDC is constructing 583 pre-fabricated structures. She adds efforts are afoot to shift centres located in rented buildings.

 

What will be included in these centres:

• These centres will have a built-up area of 449.50 sq feet with facilities like a multipurpose hall, kitchen, bio digestor toilet and a store.
• An outdoor play area where children can freely experience motor skills like running, leaping and jumping under supervision has also been planned.
• Each structure will cost about Rs 10 lakh while a similar concrete structure costs about Rs 12.5 lakh. Besides suitability in high seismic activity areas, the pre-fabricated structures are eco-friendly and insulated, having a life span of at least 50 years. These centres will also provide regulated exit and entry to outsiders to ensure their safety,” adds Sharma.

(Source: The Tribune)