-By
September 2, 2023
In a significant development, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the prestigious status of a deemed university, as announced by the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan. This announcement was made during the commemoration of NCERT’s 63rd foundation day in the national capital.
Over the years, NCERT has played a pivotal role in educational research and has actively influenced various aspects of school education, teacher training, and adult literacy. With this new status as a research university, NCERT will have the opportunity to engage in global collaborations and contribute to the international educational landscape.
Minister Pradhan also highlighted the significance of “Jadui Pitara,” an innovative play-based learning-teaching material designed for children aged 3 to 8 years, which has the potential to positively impact 10 crore children across the country.
During his address, Minister Pradhan stressed the importance of creating educational content in native languages. He proposed the establishment of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence labs in all seven regional NCERT centres to foster research and innovation in India. These centres should be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies from around the world and have infrastructure ready for the future. He also urged NCERT to standardize teacher training curricula in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
Recognizing the significance of the fourth industrial revolution, Minister Pradhan suggested the creation of concise booklets covering various subjects, including recent developments like India’s Covid-19 management and Chandrayaan 3. He emphasized the importance of imparting knowledge about the latest advancements alongside Indian values and traditions to the new generation.
During the event, students from the Regional Institute of Education in Bhopal performed a skit and song in 22 languages, showcasing the educational impact of “Jadui Pitara.” Additionally, a short film highlighted several noteworthy initiatives and achievements of NCERT.
Minister Pradhan also inaugurated a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory at the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) as part of the celebrations.
NCERT, established in 1961 under the Society Act, has been instrumental in advising and assisting the government in matters related to school education. This recent recognition as a deemed university marks a significant milestone in its educational journey.