New Delhi: An UN-sponsored survey, conducted in 14 districts including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Punjab, Karnataka and Rajasthan, revealed that only 10.4% of Indian higher-education students receive professional counseling to help them make informed career decisions.
The study included 21,239 students from grades 9 through 12 and found that most students struggle with limited information, lack of self-awareness, and external constraints when determining their future.
According to the survey, 41% of private school students reported uncertainty in course selection, compared with 35% in government schools, despite comparatively better access to resources. The study also noted that only 22% of students, 24% in private schools and 20% in government schools — have a backup career plan.
Key findings show that just 10% of students know the costs of higher education courses, while 38% remain unsure about their target education level. Overall, 81% reported barriers to career decision-making, ranging from family or peer influence to concerns about future prospects.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald, Himanshu Gupta, secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), stressing on the importance of early career planning said, “Career plays a vital role in shaping a child’s future, and the process must begin early."
Gupta said that to address the gap, it is working on qualification standards and training modules to prepare certified career counsellors, who will guide students in making informed choices aligned with their interests and skills.
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Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
