Coimbatore: The school education department has sanctioned Rs 3.55 crore to introduce vocational courses in Class IX at 67 government schools across the state in the initial phase. In the district, three schools have been selected under the scheme An order from the school education department said the courses have been started under Samagra Shiksha Scheme as a pilot project. “It will be extended to other schools in the future subject to human resource and development ministry’s approval and availability of funds. The vocational subjects introduced in Class IX will be optional. The period for vocational studies shall be accommodated within the weekly schedule,” the order read.In the district, CCMA Girls Higher Secondary School on Raja Street, Municipal Girls Higher Secondary School in Pollachi and Governmenr Higher Secondary School at Kinathukkadavu have been selected for the optional vocational course. While the first two schools would get multi-skill foundation course and another course on apparels, madeups and home furnishing, the third would get multi-skill foundation course and agriculture, the order said.An official with the district school education department said they had proposed the three schools for the courses last year. “We will also start vocational courses in 20 other schools this year. We have selected the schools based on student strength.”The order said there would be connection between the schools, which get vocational courses and industries in the form of guest lectures, internships, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. The examination for vocational courses would be held in coordination with national skill development corporation (NSDC), New Delhi, and the concerned sector skill council. The students, besides getting a separate marksheet for theory and practical vocational courses, would also get a course completion certificate, the order read.

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