Education in India has attracted significant attention recently, with the Ministry of Education embarking on various programs and initiatives to enhance the learning experience for children. The most recent initiative was the launch of Learning – Teaching Material for the Foundational Stage under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. On this occasion, ‘Jadui Pitara’ was also launched. This comes in the wake of the release of the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) in October 2022, which targets children between the ages of three and eight.
Jadui Pitara: A Play-Based Learning Tool
The Jadui Pitara is a play-based teaching and learning material designed specifically for children between the ages of 3 and 8. It includes playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, worksheets, and more. They all have local cultural, social context and language influences designed to spark curiosity and cater to the diverse needs of learners at this foundational stage. Developed under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), it’s available in 13 Indian languages. The main goal is to enrich the learning-teaching environment, making it child-centric, lively, and joyful for the Amrit Generation, as per the vision of NEP 2020.
Understanding the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
The NCF is one of the crucial components of NEP 2020 and empowers this transformation in line with the aims, principles, and approach of NEP 2020. It comprises four sections: NCF for School Education, NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education (Foundational Stage), NCF for Teacher Education, and NCF for Adult Education. The NCF for Foundational Stage is developed based on the vision of NEP 2020 and covers children aged 3 to 8 across diverse institutions in India.
NCF for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS)
The NCF-FS has been developed by NCERT through a wide-ranging consultation process with States & UTs, grass-root level institutions, and other organizations. This document aims to bring about positive curriculum changes, including pedagogy, to realize high-quality education for all children. Consequently, it contributes to the realization of an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the Indian Constitution.
National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) Overview
NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework for education reform in India, aiming to bring about significant changes in the local education system. The features of NEP 2020 are universalization of education from pre-school to secondary level, introduction of new pedagogical and curricular structures, emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy skills, and an increased focus on research and development in education.
Other Government Initiatives for Educational Reform
Aside from the NCF and NEP 2020, other government initiatives for educational reform include the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, PRAGYATA, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM SHRI Schools, and the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Right to Education Act and Teacher Eligibility
In keeping with the Right to Education Act, individuals must possess minimum qualifications as laid by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education, to be eligible for teaching roles. For primary classes, candidates must pass a Teacher Eligibility Test as per the guidelines of the National Council of Teacher Education. Currently, more than 90% of teacher education institutions in India are directly under State Governments’ purview.
National Education Policy 2020 and Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030)
The National Education Policy 2020 aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It seeks to restructure and orient the education system in India. The policy aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.