New Delhi: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, spearheaded the launch of several transformative initiatives in School and Teacher Education, crafted by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education. The event unfolded at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries, including the Secretary, DoSEL, Sanjay Kumar; Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Shri Anandrao Patil; Joint Secretary, Institutions & Training, DoSEL, Prachi Pandey; and other esteemed guests.
The initiatives inaugurated by Minister Dharmendra Pradhan encompassed the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), 52 Primers in Indian languages, printed books on NMM and NPST, various schemes/guidelines with Video of SCERTs/DIETs, and 200 TV Channels.
In his address, Minister Pradhan declared the day as a landmark in advancing towards a developed India by 2047. He emphasized that the launched initiatives, including DIETS of Excellence, National Professional Standard for Teachers, National Mission for Mentoring, 52 Primers of NCERT, National Vidya Samiksha Kendra, and 200 TV Channels, would facilitate the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, empowering teachers and learners and making quality education more inclusive, innovative, and equitable.
Highlighting the significance of learning in mother tongue, Minister Pradhan praised the 52 Primers in Indian languages, considering them the start of a new civilizational renaissance. These initiatives aim to create a seamless learning landscape, promote education in Indian languages, and transform school education comprehensively.
Sanjay Kumar, in his address, stressed the commitment to achieving a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 100% in secondary level education by 2030, as recommended by NEP 2020. He also shared insights into the development of new textbooks for Classes 3-12 and underlined the importance of the 52 Primers.
Key Initiatives Launched:
1. National Mission for Mentoring (NMM):
Aims to provide valuable support and guidance to teachers, ensuring their professional growth.
Teachers will have access to mentoring sessions from experienced professionals through a dedicated digital platform.
2. National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST):
Focuses on improving teachers’ personal and professional development.
Aims to ensure that students are taught by passionate, qualified, and well-equipped teachers at different levels.
3. 52 Primers in Indian Languages:
Transformational step for young learners, especially in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
Provides access to education in mother tongue/local language, fostering deeper understanding and lifelong learning.
4. PMeVidya: Launch of 200 DTH TV Channels:
Part of the PMeVidya Initiative, aiming to unify digital/online/on-air education efforts.
DTH TV Channels for School Education available on various platforms to enable multi-mode access.
5. National Vidya Samiksha Kendra:
Facilitates research, development, and capacity-building programs in collaboration with state counterparts.
Integrates various programs, promoting holistic advancement for school heads and teachers.
6. DIETs of Excellence:
Financial assistance of Rs 9000 crores for the physical upgradation of all 613 District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs).
Aims to develop them as DIETs of Excellence in the country in the next five years, enhancing infrastructural facilities.
Minister Pradhan emphasized that these initiatives align with the vision of NEP 2020 and contribute to holistic transformation and inclusivity in education. The NPST Guiding Document and Bluebook on NMM will be translated into various languages, Braille, and Audiobooks for wider circulation across the country.