The Indian Prime Minister recently launched several groundbreaking initiatives in the education sector at a conference marking the first anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020. This policy was implemented with the goal of transforming India into a global powerhouse of knowledge. The Prime Minister also highlighted the influential role that platforms such as Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) and Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) played in facilitating online education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Academic Bank of Credit
The Academic Bank of Credit is conceived to act as a digital repository for student credit earned in any academic course. This novel mechanism will foster multidisciplinary and well-rounded education by offering students multiple pathways in and out of higher education. Moreover, it is specifically designed to gear up the youth for an Artificial Intelligence-driven economy.
Engineering in Regional Languages
A total of 14 engineering colleges spread across eight States will commence engineering courses in five Indian languages, namely Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bangla. By advocating for mother tongue instruction, these courses aim to empower students from economically disadvantaged, rural and tribal communities. A recent All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) survey revealed that 42% of participating students expressed a preference for Engineering in regional languages. In response, the AICTE is developing a resource database and translation tool to enable more programs in regional languages.
Vidya Pravesh & SAFAL
Vidya Pravesh is a three-month play-based school preparation module for Grade 1 students, and it will soon be launched alongside SAFAL (Structured Assessment For Analyzing Learning Levels). SAFAL is a competency-based assessment framework for Grades 3, 5 and 8 in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools.
National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR)
The introduction of NDEAR aims to build an educational ecosystem with digital features that promote self-governance among involved parties, particularly the states and central government. NDEAR will empower educators to evaluate students based on talents and abilities, assisting students in identifying areas of excellence for future career use.
National Education Technology Forum (NETF)
The NETF is slated to offer independent, evidence-backed advice to central and state government agencies on technology-based educational interventions. NETF will particularly concentrate on enhancing technology access at the grassroots level of education.
NISHTHA 2.0
This initiative aims to offer need-based training programmes to teachers. As part of its comprehensive approach, NISHTHA 2.0 will incorporate 68 modules, including 12 generic and 56 subject-specific modules, with the potential to benefit nearly one million teachers.
Sign Language as a Subject
In a milestone move, Indian Sign Language has been granted the status of a language subject, opening it up for formal study. This decision benefits over 300,000 students who require sign language for their education, while giving a much-needed boost to Indian Sign Language and creating more inclusivity for the differently-abled population.
Review of Previous Related Initiatives
Various prior initiatives have also aimed to improve and enhance the country’s education sector. These include 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, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.