Dropouts to get certificates: Smriti Irani

HRD ministry to Smriti Irani is contemplating bringing in a policy under which school/college dropouts can pursue higher education and obtain certificates.

"We are preparing a framework for those who had to leave education midway, due to family or financial constraints, so that they can get vocational training and don't suffer due to absence of certification," Irani said while replying to a query during a programme Tuesday.

The HRD minister said those dropping out from Class VII till the PhD level would get certificates depending on ability. "Creativity has nothing to do with qualification," she said. "Persons should be judged on the basis of their ability. Many of them are forced out of the education system due to various reasons," she said.

She did not elaborate how students would be judged and certificates would be provided without attending classes. As such, an open university system is already functioning in the country.