The Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), a crucial part of the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT), has recently won UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for 2021. Esteemed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this prize celebrates CIET’s use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education under PM eVIDYA, an initiative established by the Ministry of Education.
Understanding PM eVIDYA
Launched on May 17th, 2020 as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, PM eVIDYA aims to unite all digital, online, and on-air educational efforts. Its purpose is to utilize technology to reduce learning losses and offer multi-mode access to high-quality education.
The Significance of UNESCO’s King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize
Established in 2005 with the support of the Kingdom of Bahrain, this international award recognizes innovative approaches to using technology in education. It promotes the expansion of lifelong learning opportunities in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Goal 4 focusing on quality education. Each year, two projects are selected by an international jury; winners receive USD 25,000, a medal, and a diploma at a ceremony held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Mission and Achievements of CIET and NCERT: Embracing NEP-2020
In response to the recommendations of NEP-2020, the Ministry of Education through CIET and NCERT, have been working diligently to enhance the accessibility and quality of education. Their numerous endeavours include creating eBooks, audio, video, interactive, augmented reality content, Indian Sign Language videos and talking books.
Launch of PM eVIDYA: Addressing the Pillars of NEP & Samagra Shiksha
To better accomplish the objectives of the NEP and Samagra Shiksha, PM eVIDYA was launched in May 2020. In the wake of the pandemic, when schools were temporarily closed, CIET ensured that education was accessible by making extensive use of the twelve PM eVIDYA DTH TV channels and nearly 397 radio stations, including community radio stations. These efforts significantly reduced the interruption to learning caused by the pandemic.
Other Significant Educational Initiatives
Numerous other initiatives have been implemented to further improve India’s education system. Some of these are the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, NEAT PRAGYATA, the Mid Day Meal Scheme, Right To Education Act of 2009, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the UPSC Civil Services Examination, among others.
Understanding Teacher Eligibility in India According to RTE Act
According to the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the qualifications needed to teach are determined by the academic authority appointed by the Central Government. They apply to all schools providing elementary education, including state-run schools. To be eligible for appointment as a teacher, one must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The TET is conducted by the appropriate government following the guidelines framed by the National Council of Teacher Education.