In an attempt to make the education system more transparent, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Wednesday launched a web portal 'Shagun', an online integrated junction of various education portals. This web portal provides all-inclusive information on school education including the results of students through a single platform. The app will also provide all the details about the education system in the country as well as detailed information about schools with a feedback procedure structured for the parents. "Education is the foundation of a progressive society. Parents can now know all about the schools they are sending their children. They can send feedback as well. I want to congratulate the teachers and students for being linked on this platform," said the HRD minister.

A further note is issued by the minister which read, "Along with improved transparency and accountability, the website will also provide vital information related to the availability of nearby schools, navigable distance and aerial distance between schools". "It is a great initiative and if someone has a query it should be answered and we are capable of doing it. Our prime minister has

envisioned the new Bharat and what could be a better way to begin it by ensuring better education," Pokhariyal added.

According to the officials, Shagun is a comprehensive initiative to improve the school education system by creating a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the government of India and all States and Union Territories.

"The word Shagun is coined from two different words- 'Shala' meaning Schools and 'Gunvatta' meaning quality and this online junction of different websites and portals into a single platform will enhance the accessibility of information relating to schools and will ensure a holistic approach to transform education sector," Pokhriyal explains.

Moreover, adding that report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the portal, the minister said: "Websites of 1200 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 600 Navodaya Vidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE among others are integrated with Shagun."

He also added that the website provides a very robust feedback mechanism and it seeks to connect approximately 92 lakh teachers and 26 crore students across the country. "Common people can directly give their feedback about schools which will further increase the public participation and will ensure accountability and transparency," he added. He also announced setting up of the Integrated National School Education Treasury (INSET) which envisages a fully integrated, instantly accessible and seamless information network for all parameters relating to the students, teachers, and schools in the country.

Sanjay Shamrao, Minister of the State for HRD, said: "The newly created platform will provide all school-related information at one place. This will help students, parents and other stakeholders in ensuring all-round development of the child. This platform will not only give information but people can also give their suggestions, which will help in the creation of a better system.

However, Pokhariyal refrained himself from commenting on a statement he made at IIT about Ram Setu is an engineering marvel and that the Himalayas absorb pollution.