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National Education Policy 2020

Cabinet Approves ₹8,232 Crore for 85 New Kendriya Vidyalayas and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas

The Indian government has approved a budget of ₹8,232 crore to establish 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs), a decision taken during the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move is set to provide access to quality education for over 98,240 students across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that this expansion marks a significant milestone in extending the reach of KVs and NVs, which are among the most sought-after schools in India due to their innovative teaching methods and excellent academic track records. The decision includes the creation of 5,388 direct permanent employment opportunities through new KVs, with each school employing approximately 63 staff members. An additional 33 posts will be created through the expansion of an existing KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Similarly, the 28 new NVs will provide direct employment to 1,316 individuals while accommodating 15,680 students, primarily from rural areas. Construction and related activities for the schools are also expected to generate numerous employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, further boosting economic growth. Jammu and Kashmir will see the highest number of new KVs (13), followed by Madhya Pradesh with 11 and Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh with eight each. Among NVs, Telangana leads with seven new schools, followed by six in Assam. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, as nearly all new KVs and NVs will be designated as PM SHRI schools, serving as model institutions showcasing NEP implementation. Kendriya Vidyalayas cater primarily to children of Central Government employees, including defense and paramilitary personnel, while NVs focus on providing quality education to talented rural students. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible across urban and rural India. Source: Indian Expr Photo Credit: Indian Expressess

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Odisha Launches PM-USHA Programme to Boost Higher Education

The Odisha government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s higher education sector. The programme was introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state and the Union Education Ministry, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan, and State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in attendance. Under PM-USHA, the central government will contribute Rs 500 crore towards the development and infrastructure of higher education institutions across Odisha. Union Minister Pradhan described the launch as a landmark moment for Odisha’s educational landscape, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under the National Education Policy, 2020. Key Aspects of PM-USHA PM-USHA aims to ensure access, equity, and excellence in higher education across Odisha. The funding model includes 60 percent from the central government and 40 percent from the state, focusing on transforming state universities into world-class institutions equipped with 21st-century skills. Chief Minister Charan highlighted the initiative’s goal of upskilling one crore students and making Odisha a knowledge hub. Plans also include granting autonomy to state universities, revamping curricula, improving teacher training, and enhancing infrastructure and employability. The initiative promises to foster regional equity and sustainable development, aligning with the BJP’s election manifesto. Source: India today  

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Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves Formation of ‘Good Governance and Convergence Dept’

The Chhattisgarh government has announced the creation of a new “Good Governance and Convergence Department” to enhance the effective implementation of state welfare policies and ensure better governance. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday. This newly formed department will integrate key initiatives such as e-Review, e-Public Service Guarantee, and the Digital Secretariat, which were previously managed by the General Administration department. The cabinet has also amended the “Chhattisgarh Government Work (Allocation) Rules” to facilitate this change. In addition, the cabinet approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state. As part of this policy, education up to the 5th standard will be provided in local languages or dialects, and the current 10+2 academic structure will transition to the 5+3+3+4 format, focusing on equitable and inclusive education from pre-primary to the 12th grade. The cabinet also decided to extend the registration deadline for providing housing to economically weaker and lower-class families in Naya Raipur under the Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana. The new deadline has been pushed from March 31, 2024, to March 31, 2027, allowing more time for eligible families to benefit from affordable housing schemes being developed in the area. Source: Hindustan Times

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Yogi Adityanath Calls for 50% Increase in Higher Education Enrollment

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to increase the state’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 50% over the next 10 years. During a review meeting on Sunday, Yogi emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in enhancing GER and improving the quality of education in universities and colleges. The GER measures the proportion of people enrolled in higher education relative to the population aged 18-23. The NEP 2020 sets a target to boost GER by 50% by 2035. Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh has already established one university per division and is now advancing towards the “One District-One University” model. Currently, the state’s GER in higher education stands at around 25%, with the goal of surpassing 50% in the next decade. Focus on Local Language Courses The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of offering courses in local languages, highlighting the need for linguistic proficiency among youth. He urged officials to ensure that students benefit from the Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and receive their stipends on time. Yogi Adityanath further outlined the state’s commitment to modernizing education, stating that the NEP aims to deliver quality, universal, and employment-oriented education through advanced technology in higher education institutions. He also called for the establishment of a research chair in honor of the renowned writer and thinker Rahul Sankrityayan at Maharaja Suheldev State University in Azamgarh, providing a platform for young scholars to study his life and work. Agricultural Education and Innovation The CM identified agricultural education, research, and innovation as promising career paths for young people, announcing the creation of incubation centers in all four agricultural universities and Centers of Excellence related to agriculture. He proposed the establishment of a regulatory institution similar to the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR) to oversee agricultural educational institutions. Enhancing Basic Education Yogi Adityanath also highlighted the need for collaboration between the Department of Women and Child Development and the Department of Basic Education to make “bal vatikas” effective learning centers that inspire a passion for learning in children. He instructed officials to regularly update school curriculums, focusing on engaging learning materials and teaching methods for young students. The CM urged the expedited construction of Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools and Mukhyamantri Model Composite Schools, which, along with Atal Residential Schools, are expected to significantly transform the state’s basic education system. He also emphasized the importance of completing annual exams by May 15 and ensuring that every school has a playground to promote physical education.

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Chhattisgarh Moves to Offer Primary Education in 18 Local Languages and Dialects

The Chhattisgarh government has initiated a move to provide primary education in local languages and dialects in remote tribal regions as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy recommends that the mother tongue or the local language be the medium of instruction at least up to the fifth standard. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed the State Education Department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects for free, focusing on providing high-quality educational resources. “The new initiative of providing education in local language will also be helpful in preserving local culture and traditions,” Sai said while addressing the state-level ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme at Bagiya village in the tribal-dominated Jashpur district. The Shala Praveshotsav is an annual event held at the beginning of the new academic session to motivate children to enroll in schools. This year, it was moved from the state capital Raipur to Bagiya, the CM’s hometown. The literacy rate of Chhattisgarh is 70.28%, lower than the national average of 76%. School Education Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi mentioned that courses will be prepared in several languages, including Chhattisgarhi, spoken by 65.83% of Class 1 students; Sargujiha (spoken by 9.38%); Halbi (4.19%); Sadari (3.97%); Gondi-Dantewada (2.33%); and Kudukh (0.7%). An Education Department official stated that in tribal areas, primary school exams can also be taken in local languages and dialects. “But for higher classes, it will still be conducted in Hindi and English,” the official said.  

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Himachal Government to Roll Out Early Childhood Care Scheme

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is set to launch a comprehensive early childhood care scheme aimed at the holistic development of children aged between three and six years. This initiative underscores the state government’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and nurturing young minds. Chief Minister Sukhu announced on Thursday that the education department will implement a combination of all four Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) models recommended in the National Education Policy, 2020. “This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education and ensuring the holistic development and nurturing of the young minds in Himachal,” he said in a statement. Implementation Strategy The ECCE models to be implemented include: Standalone anganwadis. Anganwadis co-located with primary schools. Pre-primary schools covering children aged up to five or six co-located with existing primary schools. Standalone pre-primary schools. Currently, the state government runs 6,297 pre-primary sections in primary schools, catering to around 60,000 children. Additionally, there are 2,377 anganwadis co-located with these primary schools. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this scheme will ensure the overall growth and development of young children, laying a strong foundation for their future education and well-being. The government’s approach aims to integrate early childhood education seamlessly into the existing educational framework, providing a robust and supportive environment for the state’s youngest learners.

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Haryana Sets Ambitious Target for Full Adoption of New Education Policy by 2025

Haryana’s Higher Education Minister, Moolchand Sharma, announced the state’s ambitious plan to fully adopt the National Education Policy 2020 by 2025, accelerating the timeline from the initially projected 2030 deadline. This bold initiative was spotlighted during the State Level Implementation Committee meeting on the policy, where Minister Sharma underscored its transformative objectives aimed at positioning India as a global educational powerhouse. Acknowledging the instrumental role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in shaping the policy, Sharma commended Chief Minister Manohar Lal’s accelerated agenda. The commitment to achieving the vision by 2025 reflects the state’s dedication to shaping India’s educational landscape for the 21st century. Minister Sharma highlighted the forward-looking approach of the policy, integrating cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, 3-D printing, data analysis, and biotechnology into higher education. The emphasis is on cultivating adept professionals and enhancing youth employability to meet the evolving demands of the job market. Expressing optimism about the progress, Sharma stated, “We aspire to exceed a 50 percent gross enrollment ratio of girls in higher education by 2030.” Haryana has already achieved a commendable 32 percent enrollment ratio among girls, positioning itself strongly to reach the 50 percent milestone well before the 2030 target. Envisioning a transformative future, Minister Sharma sees the effective implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 as a mechanism propelling India to become a ‘Vishwa Guru’ once again, joining the league of leading global educational frontrunners.

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Union Education Minister Promotes Multidisciplinary Focus for IITs and IIMs at Odisha Research Centre Inauguration

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan revealed that the Centre has advised the IITs and IIMs to take a multi-disciplinary approach, expanding their scope beyond their specialized domains. Speaking at the inauguration of the Odisha Research Centre on November 26, Pradhan emphasized that the National Education Policy, 2020 prioritizes providing multidisciplinary education, and that premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs will follow suit. The Odisha Research Centre was jointly inaugurated during the event by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chhattisgarh counterpart Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, and Minister Pradhan. The research agenda of the center includes art, culture, archaeology, tradition, literature, sociology, political processes, agriculture, commerce, business, industry, contemporary Odisha development trends, science, technology, healthcare, and future technologies. It will also address issues concerning smart cities, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable development, semiconductors, rare earths, and advanced minerals. Minister Pradhan emphasized the significance of the Odisha Research Centre in shaping the region’s future. He stated that the center, which was established in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, the Ministry of Education, IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to develop innovative epistemological frameworks. These frameworks will delve into various facets of Odisha’s history, culture, economy, and society. Pradhan concluded with a forward-looking statement, saying, “In 2036, when Odisha will celebrate the centenary of its formation, and in 2047, when the country will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, the ORC will prepare a roadmap for the development of Odisha and Odia language.” This highlights the critical role that the Odisha Research Centre will play in charting the course for Odisha’s development and promoting the Odia language.

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Over 20 Million Students Register on UGC’s Academic Bank of Credit, Says UGC Chairman

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UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar announced that more than 20 million students from across the nation have registered on the University Grants Commission’s Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) platform. He made this announcement during the western zone vice chancellor’s conference held at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, Gujarat, on October 26. Chairman Kumar emphasized that in recent years, the UGC has introduced various reforms. Although over 20 million students have already registered on the ABC platform, he stressed the importance of ensuring that every student register and that their academic credentials and credit certificates are uploaded to the ABC platform. During the conference, the UGC Chairman also discussed the progress made in implementing the reforms initiated by the UGC. The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) is one of the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). ABC offers undergraduate and postgraduate students the flexibility to exit and re-enter their courses within a specified time frame. Additionally, it aims to provide every student with the opportunity to open an academic bank account with ABC to transfer credits for the attainment of various degrees, diplomas, or certificates.

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