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could be free-lance journalists, reaching an accident spot on a motor bike and sending reports to news services, within minutes of an event. • We expect we shall need one roving monitor for say 25-50 schools, within a range of 100-200 km. 4. Computer Based Lessons We have already started producing Computer Based Lessons (CBL). They will be a boon for the education system. They have many advantages. Financial Aspects • The computer is much cheaper than a teacher on per hour basis. On the basis of the recommended staff pattern for vocational topics and the current salaries, the cost of vocational education will be approx. Rs 3000-5000 per year per student. • Our costs with the Trainee Entrepreneur scheme for Prevocational stage are less than Rs. 2000 for a 3-year course per student, with hands-on training. Our submission is that the state has obligation for Primary Education. It should bear 100 % cost of the Vocationalisation of Primary education. (Estimated at less than Rs 5000 per school of 400 students for capital facility, nil for recurring). • For the Prevocational and Vocational (+2) stage, the State should give a grant of RS. 1000 per year per student and let the school charge the balance as fees from students. The school will then have to 'sell' the vocational course to students on the basis of the benefits of the package. The student also, having paid fees, will take the study more seriously. • This grant should be reduced to nil over 5 years after a 10 year period for building up infrastructure and experience. The monitors will cost nothing to the state; they will be self employed. • The planning system has to allocate funds provided the schools meet the performance indicators. Compare the marketing of a product. The company expands production facility only with an • Rural Development Through Education System 112
