Prayagraj : The mandatory six-month bridge course for BEd-qualified assistant teachers appointed in primary schools across the country is set to begin soon, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for more than half of the 66,154 teachers who have applied for the training.
Supreme Court had directed that BEd-qualified assistant teachers appointed in primary schools between June 28, 2018, and Aug 11, 2023, must undergo the bridge course. Meanwhile, UP govt has selected 1,553 girl students from colleges affiliated with Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University under Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme.
NIOS deputy director Alok Kumar Gupta, associated with the capacity-building cell at its Noida headquarters, said preparations for launching the bridge course had been completed. National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has completed preparations for conducting the special course recognised by National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), following Supreme Court ’s directions. its launch was delayed as some teachers approached SC seeking exemption from the bridge course Although states had approved the training programme nearly four months ago. The petitions have now been disposed of.
Document verification of the selected students will be held at the university’s administrative building from 10 am to 5 pm on Sept 7. Nearly 1,200 students have already completed verification. The remaining candidates have been asked to bring their marksheets, identity proof, Aadhaar card, domicile and income certificates, along with the mobile phone linked to their Aadhaar.