GEIC gets functional head

With the appointment of noted educationist Dr Kireet Joshi as its first executive chairperson, the recently set up Gujarat Educational Innovations Commission (GEIC) is expected to embark on its mission of bringing a revolution in the education system in Gujarat. Joshi is now an education adviser to chief minister Narendra Modi.

Principal secretary (education) Hasmukh Adhia on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Joshi. “The state government made his appointment 15 days ago and now GEIC is functional. It will be the apex body for education in the state. It will conceive innovations in the field of education system that will be based on Indian philosophy of education,” Adhia said.

GEIC has the powers to bring in changes in the education system right from the primary level to higher education stage in the state. It has 13 members, including chief minister as ex-officio chairperson and the state education minister as ex-officio vice-chairperson.  The secretaries to departments like education, primary education, finance, and director of Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training, chairperson of Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, and the vice-chancellor of one state university will be the ex-officio members of the commission. Besides, four full-time members will be appointed in the GEIC.

“There will be four more full-time members who will be working on the innovations in science and technology and vocational courses, innovations in programmes relating to humanities, art, craft and other cultural courses and value-oriented education,  innovations in the areas of pedagogical methods including those related to curriculum, evaluation and teaching-learning aids, and innovations in physical education including courses related to gymnastics, aquatics, athletics, combatives, Indian and universal games, yoga, health, scouts and guides, national cadet corps and national service scheme programmes,” said Adhia.

Joshi is known for his significant contribution to the education at national and international level. He studied philosophy and law and had become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in 1955. He, however, resigned from IAS in 1956 in order to devote himself completely to the study and practice of yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pudicherry. He was involved in various activities in Sri Aurobindo Ashram till 1975.

After that, he was appointed as education advisor to the Government of India in 1976 by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. During this period, he held high offices in bodies such as Indian Council of Philosophical Research, University Grants Commission, and National Commission for Teachers.

Joshi is a nationally acclaimed Aurobindonian scholar and has served as chairman of Auroville.