200 Community colleges for flexible learning opportunities

While many of us may not have access to top-notch universities, Community Colleges bring the promise of quality education and learning to one and all. Basically, community colleges are government run institutions, which aim to provide general education as well as vocational training. The move has been initiated to generate employment.

After the success of community colleges in the US, India too has announced the launch of 200 community colleges, under The National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF). Launched jointly by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) and the AICTE, the initiative aims at improving employability skills of learners, providing them opportunities for flexible quality learning at low cost, multiple exit-entry and community based lifelong learning. These colleges reportedly would operate from existing colleges and polytechnics recognised by the State/ union Territory. The aim is to combine skills with general education, and practical training in a bid to generate employment.

According to the NVEQF scheme there are 10 levels in a Community College:

According to the above mentioned scheme, a common curriculum has been fixed and the focus of each year is on skill component as well as general education. Within each year the hours for skill development as well general education have been allocated. The component of skill/vocational education increases with each level. While the general education component will conform to university norms, the vocational component will conform to the NVEQF002E.

The Community colleges will cater to one and all, as these colleges will cover all age and qualification groups. From people with no formal academic qualification to school drop-outs, high school and diploma-holders, all would be able to benefit from this opportunity.