Discussion Meeting on Potential Areas of Cooperation as Per MoU Between National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) and PSSCIVE on 3 April, 2024 The first face to face Discussion meeting on Potential Areas of Cooperation as Per MoU Between National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) and PSSCIVE was held on 3rd April, 2024 at PSSCIVE, Bhopal. Five officials from NIMI and PSSCIVE faculty members attended the meeting on 3rd April, 2024 to disuss on the Areas of Cooperation as Per MoU between National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) and PSSCIVE. The Joint Director, PSSCIVE welcomed the officials from NIMI to PSSCIVE. He has presented the Role and Functions of the institute. He then presented the work done by PSSCIVE in the development of curricula, textbooks and digital resources in the various job roles and the activities conducted by the institute during 2023-24. The officials from NIMI presented the work done by them in vocational education for the varius job roles. They have presented the complete process of development of IMP (Instructional Material Package) which consists of Student textbook, Instructor Manual and Digital Resources. All the faculty members of PSSCIVE discussed on various aspects of development of teaching learning material with them. At the end of the meeting to start on the Potential Areas of Cooperation, the common consenses was made for the development of digital resources of the selected job roles, Translation of the selected textbooks, Development of MOCK Test for DVET students and Trainees, Development Instructor Guide, and Development of Assessment Framework. The meeting ends with the vote of thanks by the coordinator Dr. Deepak Shudhalwar, Professor (CSE), PSSCIVE, Bhopal.

Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated on 14th April 2024, with enthusiasm at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The Joint Director, PSSCIVE Dr Deepak Paliwal delivered a keynote address highlighting Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s significant contribution and their relevance today. Emphasizing the integration of constitutional values into daily operations, the Joint Director urged attendees to embody these principles. Senior faculty members also spoke, reflecting on Dr Ambedkar’s legacy of social justice and equality. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, recognizing the contributions of all involved.

The Deputy Director of Vocational Education and Training from Regional Office at Nashik and Sambhajinagar of Maharashtra State visited PSSCIVE on 15th April, 2024 to discuss the matter of training of Vocational Teachers on 19 Job Roles selected by the state for implementation in the Bifocal Stream of Vocational Education at Senior Secondary level. The meeting with the Deputy Directors and PSSCIVE faculty was chaired by Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, PSSCIVE, Bhopal. The matter was discussed with the respective coordinator of the job roles. After the discussion it was revealed that a training programme for 6 Job Roles will be conducted from 22 to 26 April at PSSCIVE, Bhopal and for other job roles the programmes will be planned in the month of June, 2024. The meeting was coordinated by the state coordinator Dr. V. K. Jain and Dr. Pravin Narayan Mahamuni, PSSCIVE, Bhopal.

On 3rd May 2024, the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) hosted a lecture titled "Sharing Experience on Skill Development," featuring Mrs Nidhi Goyal, Programme Vice President at Tata Indian Institute of Skills, as the keynote speaker. Joint Director Dr. Deepak Paliwal, faculty members, and officials from various departments attended, alongside representatives from esteemed institutions like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Polytechnic College and Government Women's Polytechnic College. Mrs. Goyal shared insights from her career journey, emphasizing experiential learning and the role of vocational institutions in India's development by 2047. She advocated for integrating creativity, innovation, and industry partnerships in vocational education and training.

On 21st June 2024, the PSSCIVE Library organized a one-day workshop on "Publishing Academic Books" in collaboration with Springer Nature. Ms. Swati Meherishi, Editorial Director of Springer Nature, New Delhi delivered insights on research paper trends and the book publication process, including developing proposals, manuscript preparation, reviews, and open access resources. Around 87 faculty, staff, and the trainees of the Diploma in Vocational Education and Training (VET) programme engaged actively in the event, discussing textbook development and publication strategies. Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, emphasized PSSCIVE's commitment to vocationalisation of school education, enhancing research efforts and advancing vocational knowledge and skills

The Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) organized an orientation programme for newly appointed faculty members from 27th May to 13th June 2024.

The 31st Foundation Day of Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) was celebrated on July 5, 2024. The Chief Guest at the event was Prof. Kailasa Rao M., Director of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal. Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director of PSSCIVE, Prof. Jaydeep Mandal, Principal of the Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, and Programme Coordinator Prof. Vinay Swarup Mehrotra were also present on the dais during the inaugural function of the celebration. On the occasion, the PSSCIVE’s Programme Calendar for 2024-25 was also unveiled. Chief Guest Prof. Kailasa Rao M. emphasized the integration of the Indian Knowledge System into construction technology and stressed the need for specific skill training for youth. He praised NCERT's initiative to include vocational education in textbooks and expressed a desire to collaborate with PSSCIVE. Prof. Jaydeep Mandal commended PSSCIVE’s efforts to bridge general and vocational education in line with NEP 2020. Dr Deepak Paliwal highlighted that according to the National Education Policy 2020 by 2025, at least 50% of the learners in the school and higher education system shall have exposure to vocational education. The celebration saw active participation from various stakeholders, including Principals, Teachers, Students, and faculty members of PSSCIVE and Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal.

PSSCIVE recently concluded a fruitful summer camp on “Experiential Learning” for students in Grades 6 to 8 from 5th June to 14th June 2024. There were 18 students from 10 schools who engaged in hands-on activities like potting, depotting and repotting of plants, drone simulation, IoT-based micro-irrigation, preparation of jam and jelly, making paper and cloth bags and 3D printing. Facilitated by the Institute’s faculty, the camp emphasized practical skills and integrated vocational exposure aligned with NCF-SE 2023. Participants showcased their learnings in a final presentation, earning praise from parents for enhancing life skills and vocational exposure and insights. Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, commended the camp's success, affirming PSSCIVE's commitment to holistic education and skill development.

A Working Group Meeting for the development of the curriculum and teaching materials for a Certificate Course in Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies was held from July 22nd to 24th, 2024, at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The experts thoroughly reviewed various modules of the course, identifying key EV technologies based on their relevance and ability to provide learners with essential skills in this rapidly advancing field. The meeting also finalized the list of essential equipment for the EV lab, including high-tech diagnostic tools, battery management systems, charging stations, and other crucial devices. Additionally, the necessary tools for maintenance and repair tasks were confirmed, ensuring that students enrolled in the course will have access to all the resources required for hands-on learning and practical application.

Training of Teachers of Secondary Stage (Grades 11-12) Teaching in Retail sector: 1 to 5 July, 2024 A training programme for teachers of the secondary stage (Grades 11 & 12) specializing in the Retail sector was held from July 1 to 5, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. A total of 38 vocational trainers and teachers from eight states—Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal—participated in the programme. The participants were trained on various key topics, including the fundamentals of retailing, customer concern resolution, continuous service improvement, product selection, providing specialist customer support, sales presentation, selling skills, credit application processes, customer relationship management, stock display, visual merchandising, teamwork, organizational dynamics, loyalty schemes, customer information systems, and customer retention strategies. Additionally, they received assignments focused on conducting group discussions, role plays, writing case studies, maintaining student portfolios, and assessing student performance. The programme also included an industrial field visit to packaging industry and three shopping malls/retail outlets, providing participants with insight into the latest developments in the organized retail sector to help them implement retail vocational courses in their respective states.

A training programme for secondary stage teachers (Grades 11 & 12) specializing in domain-specific skills in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality sector was held from July 8 to 12, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal. A total of 37 vocational trainers and teachers from eight states across India—Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and Uttarakhand—participated in the programme. The training aimed to equip educators with the job role and industry-specific skills needed to prepare students for careers in these dynamic sectors. The programme included interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, and discussions on the latest industry trends. Key resource persons from organizations such as the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bhopal, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Qatar, Jagran Lake City University Bhopal, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Bhopal Circle, Travel India Tourism Pvt. Ltd. Bhopal, and a Heritage Tour Guide from Bhopal provided valuable industry insights, enriching the overall learning experience.

Design, Development and Maintenance of Web Applications, Network Infrastructure and Social Media of PSSCIVE (PAC Code 21.14) – WGM – I The first workshop for Design, Development and Maintenance of Web Applications, Network Infrastructure, Social Media and Network Infrastructure of PSSCIVE (PAC Code 21.14) was organised at PSSCIVE, Bhopal from 1 to 12 July, 2024. One external expert attended the workshop along with the project staff. In this workshop, at first the expired SSL installed and also the digital certificate of VPN account expired after one year was installed. While doing the work of search engine opotimization and applying the Algoria search utility, it was noticed that this things can be applied on the latest version of software PHP and Laravel. The institute website is hosted on the Linux CentOS version 7.9. web server and the Cent OS 7.9 has reached the end of life on 30 June, 2024. It was also reported by NIC that the current Apache server is outdated and it should be upgraded. The upgraded versions of PHP, Laravel and Apache are not available for Cent OS web server as it has reached end of life. Hence in consultation with NDC Bhubaneswar where our virtual machine is located and in consultation with NICSI, HQ, Delhi, the new web server Ubuntu 22.04 was temporarily allocated. All the existing services, including the code and storage of the website was migrated to new Ubuntu server. In this process we have to make several phone calls to NDC Bhubaneswar and NICSI, HQ, Delhi. For this the expert has to stay for two more days and at last all the services including data and code migrated to new web server Ubuntu Linux. But the DNS mapping could not be done as to make the website public it is mandatory to conduct the security audit of the website, which has to be done by the user department. This work is pending at institute level. After completing the security audit the website can be made public in the new web server.

The World Youth skills Day was celebrated in Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) on July 15, 2024. The event was attended by notable guests including Mr. Kapil Agrawal, CEO, Sagar Manufacturers Private Limited (SMPL), Bhopal, Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director of PSSCIVE, Prof. Jaydeep Mandal, Principal of the Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, Prof. Vinay Swarup Mehrotra, Head, Centre for International Relationship and Prof. P. Veeraiah, Programme Coordinator. The theme of World Youth skills Day was “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”. The Chief Guest Mr. Kapil Agrawal in his address emphasized that in the present scenario skilled youth are the future of the nation and they are the contributors for the peace building and sustainable development in the country. The programme was attended by the faculty and staff of PSSCIVE, Regional Institute of Education and Teachers and Students from various secondary schools. The Secondary students from Demonstration Multipurpose School, RIE, Bhopal presented their views on vocational education in IT&ITeS Sector (03 students), Beauty and Wellness Sector (02 students), Agriculture Sector (04 students) and Retail sector (02 students). The students also presented a Role Play on ‘Customer Handling’ in Retail sector.

On the first day of "SHIKSHA SAPTAH," commemorating the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PSSCIVE Bhopal hosted a dynamic session focused on Teaching-Learning Material (TLM) dissemination through vocational activities, engaging seventeen participants from across Madhya Pradesh. The session was divided into three core areas: Machine and Materials, Life Forms, and Human Services. Dr. Saurabh Prakash led the Machine and Materials section, showcasing the potential of futuristic technologies such as 3D printing and drone flying. He demonstrated the creation of 3D printed items like keychains and mobile stands, emphasizing the necessity of integrating 3D printing into mainstream and vocational education to enhance practical learning. The drone flying segment highlighted the importance of simulated practice before real-world application, illustrating the diverse utility of drones across various sectors. Additionally, Dr. Prakash presented miniature electric vehicles and other laboratory equipment, reinforcing the critical role of hands-on learning in understanding advanced technologies. In the Life Forms category, Dr. Pathak conducted an insightful session in the Agriculture lab, stressing the importance of incorporating agricultural education at the school level. Participants engaged in activities such as potting and depoting plants and learning grafting techniques, which are vital for horticulture. Dr. Pathak also demonstrated the use of various agricultural tools, advocating for their inclusion in school curricula to foster a deeper understanding of plant biology and agricultural practices among students. The Human Services segment offered practical training in baking and cooking activities, underlining the relevance of culinary skills within vocational education. Participants were shown various baking techniques, encouraging schools to adopt these activities to equip students with essential life skills. The day concluded with remarks from the program coordinator, who emphasized the importance of integrating these vocational activities into the school curriculum to align with the transformative goals of NEP 2020. In this programme 98 vocational teachers across the country participated in online mode and 25 people from DIET Madhya Pradesh in offline mode. These DIET faculty and few school principals are developing vocational modules for grade 6 to 8 on three forms of works based on their exposure visits to various local artisan and institutions. The coordinator highlighted how these practical sessions could significantly enhance students' knowledge and skills, preparing them for future challenges. Overall, the first day of SHIKSHA SAPTAH at PSSCIVE Bhopal successfully demonstrated the transformative potential of vocational education, setting a strong precedent for the upcoming sessions and reaffirming the commitment to advancing education nationwide.

The training programme for secondary stage teachers was held from 27 to 31 August 2024 at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The programme’s objectives were to equip vocational teachers with essential skills in Transportation, Logistics, and Warehousing. Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, the programme addressed the skill needs of teachers to train the students in domain-specific skills aligned with industry standards, integrate technology, and ensure safety compliance. It also focuses on enhancing employability and preparing teachers to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant education to students, thereby improving vocational education in schools. The training included hands-on experience, group activities, and industry visits. Fourteen vocational teachers/trainers participated from the Goa state.

A training programme for secondary-stage vocational teachers of Grades 11 & 12, specializing in domain- specific skills within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector was held from July 29 to August 2, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal. The event was attended by 38 vocational trainers/teachers from Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Goa.

Training of Teachers of Secondary Stage (Grades 11-12) Teaching in Automotive Sector: 5 to 9 August 2024 A training programme for secondary-stage teachers (Grades 11 & 12) specializing in domain-specific skills in the automotive sector was held from August 5 to 9, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE). Bhopal. The event was attended by 26 vocational trainers and teachers from five states—West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Goa. The programme covered a wide range of topics, including experiential learning, conceptual clarity, vocational and intra-pedagogical approaches, remedial corrections, and culinary arts as areas for professional development. Sessions also focused on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), layout considerations, 3D printing technology, internal combustion engine fuel systems, solar installations (such as solar pumps), cost factors, and module and load calculations. Participants also visited the CI Hyundai Workshop and Service Centre to gain hands-on experience in engine maintenance and service procedures. A practical activity was conducted in the automobile lab, where participants disassembled and reassembled an engine.

An Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries of Vocational Education, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, was conducted from August 21st to 23rd, 2024, at the Department of Business and Commerce, PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. A total of 31 participants attended, including 10 from Telangana and 7 from Andhra Pradesh. The training covered various topics such as re-imagining vocational education and training in schools under NEP 2020, an overview of vocational education in India, and the role of key functionaries in implementing vocational education based on NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023. Participants also explored vocational education implementation for the middle (Grades 6 to 8) and secondary (Grades 9 to 12) stages under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), student support systems, assessment, and evaluation, along with the digitization of vocational education administration. The programme highlighted enhancing vocational education awareness through ICT tools such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) and discussed various forms of work and activities in vocational education. The role of PSSCIVE in the development of digital resources, textbooks, training, and extension programmes was also emphasized. Additionally, the training focused on skilling adults and out-of-school children through the Skill Hub Initiative, schemes for promoting skill development and introducing bagless, fun-based learning activities in line with NEP 2020. Participants were also allowed to present best practices from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, followed by a feedback session where issues and challenges in implementing vocational education in their respective states were discussed.

Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries of Vocational Education as per National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 for Eastern Region: 21 to 24 August 2024 The PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal, organized an Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries of Vocational Education as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 for the Eastern Region, from August 21st to 24th, 2024. This 3-day programme was attended by 20 key functionaries from the Odisha State Education Project Authority (OSEPA) and Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Odisha, primarily consisting of principals and district vocational education coordinators. The inaugural session featured addresses from Dr. Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director of PSSCIVE, Prof. P. Veeriah, Head of Business and Commerce at PSSCIVE, and Dr. Ravichandran of PSSCIVE. They emphasized the importance of vocational teacher training and encouraged participants to fully engage with the learning opportunities presented. The dignitaries also acknowledged the expertise of the resource persons from PSSCIVE and encouraged participants to appreciate the knowledge and insights provided by such esteemed professionals. Certificates were distributed during the valedictory session, and Dr Paliwal held a detailed discussion with the Odisha participants regarding the current status of vocational education implementation in their state.

A three-day boot camp on Experiential Learning was held from August 12 to 14, 2024, at the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Transport and School Education of Madhya Pradesh Shri Uday Pratap Singh, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning by stating, He encouraged students to focus on skill development while fostering a sense of national pride. In the inaugural session, the Special Guest Mr. C.P. Sharma, Managing Director of Daulatram Industries Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal, inspired students to become job creators rather than job seekers, stressing the role of skills in contributing to India vision of a $5 trillion economy. Dr. Paliwal, Joint Director of PSSCIVE, highlighted the significance of vocational education and encouraged students to discover their talents and take proactive steps towards their goals. Throughout the bootcamp, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities, including drone simulation, 3D printing, smart trip planning, waste-to-wonder projects, block printing, and sustainable agriculture. A total of 99 students from 11 schools participated in the event.

On August 29, 2024, the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) in Bhopal organized an Extension Lecture on "Vocational Education at the Middle Stage (Grades 6 to 8)." The event, attended by the Institute's faculty and staff, focused on promoting vocational education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Dr. Vipin Kumar Jain, Programme Coordinator, introduced the speaker, Dr. Vinay Swarup Mehrotra, a recognized expert in vocational education with over 28 years of experience. Prof. Mehrotra’s lecture highlighted the integration of vocational education into the Middle stage curriculum (Grades 6-8). He outlined the significance of bridging the divide between academic and vocational education, while focusing on experiential learning through hands-on activities, field visits, and project work. Prof. Mehrotra stressed the role of vocational education in nurturing respect for intellectual and manual labour, aligning with the dignity of labor philosophy. He outlined practical projects like gardening, pottery, cooking, and local vocational internships during the 10-day "bagless" period, aimed at enhancing students' understanding of work and responsibility. Key points from Prof. Mehrotra’s lecture included the need for mindset changes regarding vocational education, systemic reforms, experiential learning, and increasing awareness. He also introduced NCERT's "Kaushal Bodh" activity book for Grade 6 and discussed PSSCIVE's contributions to promoting practical learning through the "10 Bagless Days" initiative and Career Cards.

The PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal organized a lecture on Art Integrated Pedagogy in Vocational Education for the Middle Stage as part of its Extension Lecture Series on September 17, 2024, at PSSCIVE, Bhopal. Dr. Jyotsna Tiwari, Professor and Head of the Development of Education in Arts and Aesthetics at NCERT, was the keynote speaker. The event was co-chaired by Prof. V.S. Mehrotra and Prof. R.K. Pathak, with Prof. V.K. Jain serving as the event coordinator. The lecture was attended by senior faculty, academic and non-academic staff, and other key personnel from the institute. In her presentation, Dr. Tiwari underscored the importance of equipping the younger generation with a broad set of skills to meet future demands. She highlighted the role of pre-vocational exposure as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), emphasizing its value in connecting classroom learning with real-world, practical applications. Dr. Tiwari also advocated for an education system that integrates traditional values with 21st-century knowledge, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. She stressed the importance of vocational education at the middle stage, giving students exposure to industries that offer significant growth opportunities. Additionally, she called for counseling both parents and teachers to move away from stereotypical thinking, encouraging a more open approach that allows students to explore general, vocational, and art-integrated education. This holistic approach, she concluded, is crucial for shaping well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a rapidly changing world.

The Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries of Vocational Education, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, for the Western Region (PAC Code 21.23E), was held from September 2 to 4, 2024. Key functionaries, including officials from the State Department of Education of the western states were invited. 30 participants attended the programme—18 from Gujarat and 12 from Maharashtra. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Deepak Paliwal, Joint Director, PSSCIVE who outlined the objectives, followed by the programme coordinator explaining the schedule and topics to be covered. Participants were introduced to the implementation strategies of NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023. Faculty members Dr. V. S. Mehrotra, Dr. V. K. Jain, Dr. Saurabh Prakash, Dr. Munesh Chandra, Dr. Pinki Khanna, Dr. Pravin Mahamuni, and Dr. Deepak Shudhalwar conducted technical sessions focused on these key topics. To assess the programme's effectiveness, pre-tests and post-tests were administered, and feedback from participants was collected. The participants expressed how the programme had benefited them. Dr. Deepak Shudhalwar, Professor and Head of the Department of Engineering and Technology, coordinated the programme.

Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries on Implementation of Vocational Education as per National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 for Northern Region : 2 to 4 September 2024 The Awareness Programme for Key Functionaries on the Implementation of Vocational Education, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, for the Northern region, was held from September 2nd to 4th, 2024, at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. A total of 36 key functionaries participated from four northern states, with 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 5 from Uttarakhand, 10 from Delhi, and 8 from Haryana. The programme focused on the implementation of vocational education, covering topics such as re-imagining vocational education and training in schools under NEP 2020, an overview of vocational education in India, the role of key functionaries, and vocational education implementation for middle (Grades 6 to 8) and secondary (Grades 9 to 12) stages. Other key sessions included discussions on student support systems, assessment and evaluation, the digitization of vocational education administration, and leveraging ICT through AR/VR for awareness. Participants were also introduced to various forms of work (life forms, machines and materials and human services) in vocational education, the role and functions of PSSCIVE, skilling adults and out-of-school children through the Skill Hub Initiative, schemes for skill development, and the provision of bagless days and fun-based activities, as outlined in NEP 2020. During the programme, participants also had the opportunity to visit the Institute’s well-equipped vocational laboratories.

A training programme for vocational teachers specializing in job roles within the Food Processing sector was held from September 9 to 13, 2024, at PSSCIVE, Bhopal. The programme aimed to provide both theoretical knowledge and substantial practical exposure, equipping educators with the skills needed to effectively impart up-to-date industry knowledge in this dynamic field. The training attracted 20 participants from various states, including Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala, fostering a vibrant learning environment that encouraged cross-learning. Through group discussions and hands- on practical exercises, participants actively engaged in the sessions. The programme equipped vocational teachers with specialized knowledge and teaching methodologies tailored for the Food Processing sector, resulting in enhanced instructional skills, updated industry insights, and the ability to create effective practical learning environments. This empowered educators to better prepare students for successful careers in food processing job roles.

The Department of Home Science and Hospitality Management , conducted a five-days working group meeting from 05 to 09 August 2024 at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The meeting was organized with the objective of developing content for the Repository on Traditional Textiles of India, a project aimed at preserving and documenting the country's diverse and rich textile heritage. The meeting saw the participation of various experts, including subject matter specialists in textile and techniques, as well as technical experts skilled in digital documentation and repository management. The experts engaged in thorough discussions, focusing on several key areas: identifying and categorizing traditional textiles, formulating content that covers scope, techniques, and cultural significance and establishing strategies for the documentation and archiving of the textiles.

The PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education inaugurated Hindi Pakhwada on 17th September 2024, with Prof. Jyotsna Tiwari, Professor from the Department of Education in Arts & Aesthetics, NCERT, as the Chief Guest. Dr. R.K. Pathak, the Coordinator of Hindi Pakhwada, addressed the faculty and staff, outlining the various competitions scheduled to take place during the celebration of Hindi Pakhwada. He encouraged everyone to actively participate in these competitions, emphasizing the importance of collective involvement for promoting the use of the Hindi language.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India celebrated the 4th anniversary of the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 with Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam 2024 in New Delhi’s Manekshaw Centre Auditorium, New Delhi on 29 th July 2024. Hon’ble Minister of State for Education & Minister of State (IC) and Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Hon’ble Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar were present at the event. Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy; academicians, Vice Chancellors of the universities, officials, and students, also attended the event. Besides the release of various teaching-learning resources, the Ministers also launched Career Guidance Guidelines, a massive library of over 500 career cards developed by the Government in collaboration with the UNICEF, New Delhi.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that all students will participate in a 10-day bagless period during Grades 6-8 where they will intern with local experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, artists, and others. In pursuance of the above recommendation, the Government in consultation with concerned stakeholders has developed guidelines for 10 bagless days. The Ministry of Education, Government of India released the Guidelines document for the “Implementation of Activities during 10 Bagless Days” during the middle stage (Grades 6 to 8) for promoting experiential and fun-based learning in schools. The guidelines were released by Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary in New Delhi on 29th July 2024 on the occasion of the 4th Anniversary of the NEP 2020.

A Working Group Meeting for the development of the curriculum and teaching materials for a Certificate Course in Digital Marketing was held from July 29th to August 2nd, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal. External experts Dr. Vikram V. Shete, Prathamesh Sakhadeo, and Ameya Ambulkar, along with Dr. P. Veeraiah and Dr. Pravin Narayan Mahamuni, participated in the meeting. The objective was to create a comprehensive curriculum to equip students with key digital marketing skills. The team reviewed existing courses to identify best practices and gaps, finalizing content areas such as SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and analytics. They developed a modular course structure with clearly defined outcomes. The draft curriculum was reviewed for accuracy and relevance, and additional resource requirements were identified. After consolidating feedback, the curriculum was revised, and plans were made for supplementary study materials. The meeting successfully produced a well-structured curriculum.

The Department of Business and Commerce organized a working group meeting from September 2nd to 6th, 2024, at PSSCIVE, Bhopal, to develop course material for a Certificate Course in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance Services (BFSI) sector. The meeting was attended by five sector experts and coordinated by Dr. Sangamesh Hugar, Assistant Professor of the Department. Dr. Hugar introduced the experts to the guidelines for developing course material in line with NEP 2020. The experts drafted the course material for the certificate programme in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance Services sector.

The second workshop for Design, Development and Maintenance of Web Applications, Network Infrastructure, Social Media and Network Infrastructure of PSSCIVE (PAC Code 21.14) was organised at PSSCIVE, Bhopal from 2 to 7 September, 2024. One external expert attended the workshop along with the project staff. In this workshop, as per the requirement to display the draft study material in the separate vertical, the separate page was prepared for the same. Now it is possible to display the draft study material in the separate vertical. There is also requirement to display the job roles of different years in the separate page, the same was also prepared. Apart from this the errors in some of the web pages were removed. The front end and back end programming, validation and testing was done for his work in the website.

A Working Group Meeting was organised from August 28 to 30, 2024 at PSSCIVE, Bhopal to finalize the curriculum and provide guidance for the upcoming Certificate Course on Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on aligning the course with industry standards and maintaining academic rigour. The core topics outlined for the curriculum include an Introduction to AI and Machine Learning, Data Science Fundamentals, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, AI Ethics and Societal Impact, and Practical Applications of AI across various sectors. A modular approach was agreed upon, allowing for flexibility in learning. Each module will include theoretical concepts, hands-on projects, and assessments to measure understanding. The inclusion of case studies and real-world projects, with industry connections, was emphasized, along with the possibility of guest lectures from AI professionals to provide insights into current trends. The course, proposed to run over 150 hours, will be delivered through a hybrid model combining online and in-person sessions.

A five-day working group meeting for the development of the curriculum and textbooks for Bamboo Product Artisans was held from September 9th to 13th, 2024, at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The meeting brought together experts, industry representatives, and bamboo product artisans to collaborate on creating course materials. The artisans provided practical, hands-on training, which was documented to support the curriculum and textbook development. Additionally, digital resources for bamboo craftsmanship were developed during the meeting to further enhance the educational content.

The Workshop for reviewing the draft Handbook on Vocational Education, with reference to NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023, was held from September 3rd to 5th, 2024, at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. A diverse panel of external and internal experts participated in the review process, including Prof. Rajesh P. Khambayat (NITTTR), Dr. Asfa M. Yasin (former PSSCIVE professor), Dr. Jayashree Mahapatra (UNICEF consultant), and Mr. Sourabh Kulparia (KPMG specialist). They suggested that the handbook should be aligned with current standards, the inclusion of best practices, and provide a global outlook, connected to the educational content and industry requirements. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on various sections of the handbook, with experts offering valuable feedback on content accuracy, industry alignment, and practical application. Their insights were incorporated into a comprehensive action plan for revisions.

The Department of Home Science and Hospitality Management organized a five-day working group meeting from August 20th to 24th, 2024, at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal, to develop course materials for a Certificate Course in Zari, Zardozi, and Bead Work. The meeting included experts, industry representatives, and a skilled Zari Zardozi artisan, who contributed by providing practical, hands-on training that was documented for course development. Additionally, digital resources for Zari, Zardozi, and Bead work were created during the meeting to further enhance the course materials.

A Working Group Meeting (WGM) for the review and finalization of the textbook for the job role of Hydroponics Technician was held from September 9th to 11th, 2024, at the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. Four experts participated in the meeting, during which the Grade 11 Hydroponics Technician textbook was reviewed to ensure consistency and continuity in the development of the Grade 12 textbook. Detailed discussions focused on the identified units and activities in line with the curriculum. The unit-wise text material for the Grade 12 textbook was developed, and the draft will undergo further review and finalization in the next working group meeting.

A Working Group Meeting for the development of the curriculum and teaching materials for a Certificate Course in Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies was held from July 22nd to 24th, 2024, at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. The experts thoroughly reviewed various modules of the course, identifying key EV technologies based on their relevance and ability to provide learners with essential skills in this rapidly advancing field. The meeting also finalized the list of essential equipment for the EV lab, including high-tech diagnostic tools, battery management systems, charging stations, and other crucial devices. Additionally, the necessary tools for maintenance and repair tasks were confirmed, ensuring that students enrolled in the course will have access to all the resources required for hands-on learning and practical application.

A Working Group Meeting (WGM) for the review and finalization of the textbook for the job role of Plant Tissue Culture Technician was held from August 28th to 30 th , 2024, in the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry at PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), Bhopal. Two experts participated in the meeting. The experts reviewed the Grade 11 textbook for Plant Tissue Culture Technician to ensure consistency and continuity in the development of the Grade 12 textbook. Detailed discussions were conducted on the curriculum's units and activities, and the required text material for Grade 12 was developed accordingly. The drafted material will undergo further review and finalization in the next working group meeting.

The workshop for review and finalisation of the textbook on the job role on Telecom Technician IoT Device/System (TEL/Q6210) was organised from 16 to 20 September, 2024. In this workshop two experts Prof. Prakash Khanale, Parbhani and Prof. Rita Jain, Bhopal participated to review the draft contents developed in the previous workshops. They gone through the contents of the textbook and NOSes in the Qualification Pack. The experts suggested the modifications and alterations in the contents of textbooks of both the Grades XI & XII. They have also suggested to write some new contents and practical projects. In this workshop the contents were arranged unit wise. It was concluded that the contents would be rearranged and prepared within a month and then the final copy of the textbook should be checked with the experts.

Celebration of World Tourism Day on 27th September 2024 On September 27th, 2024, PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE) celebrated World Tourism Day with a series of events focused on the theme 'Tourism and Peace,' aligning with the United Nations World Tourism Organization's mission. The celebration highlighted the significance of tourism in fostering intercultural understanding, economic growth, and job creation. Chief Guest Mr. Aman Mishra, Chief General Manager of Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC), along with Dr. Deepak Paliwal, the Program Director, set the tone for the event, underscoring the institution's role in developing vocational skills for the tourism and hospitality sector. The event aimed to raise awareness of the sector's global impact, foster collaboration between education and industry, and enhance PSSCIVE's leadership in skill development. Several activities marked the celebration, including a poster-making competition with participants from schools and colleges like Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar Public School and Government CM Rise Mahatma Gandhi Higher Secondary School. The posters illustrated themes like sustainable tourism and cultural heritage. Additionally, a quiz competition for staff members tested knowledge of Madhya Pradesh's natural and cultural heritage, promoting local tourism. A webinar on ‘Skills for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry’ engaged over 70 school teachers nationwide, focusing on digital competence, customer service, and sustainability practices in tourism. The event also showcased PSSCIVE’s strategic role in skill development, emphasizing vocational education’s importance in meeting the tourism sector’s demands. Tourism literature and exhibition further provided participants with valuable insights into tourism opportunities and challenges.