National Education Day 2024- In India, National Education Day is celebrated on November 11 in the honor of the first Education Minister of independent India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Education plays a vital role in shaping India’s future. Almost 65% population of India is under 35 years of age, hence it is necessary to focus on quality education and skill development. Indian government continously working on strengthening the education infrastructure, which is an important part for holistic development of students.
India has made remarkable strides in enhancing access to quality education, with numerous initiatives and constitutional measures driving the country’s educational transformation. One of the most significant milestones was the 86th Amendment to the Constitution, which introduced Article 21-A, ensuring that free and compulsory education is a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. This commitment is further reinforced by the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which guarantees that every child receives quality education in a formal school setting that meets prescribed standards. These legal frameworks, coupled with various government programs, underline India’s dedication to creating an inclusive, equitable education system for all.
NEP 2020: A Vision for a Modern Education System
In line with the global push for modernized education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on July 29, 2020, a game-changing initiative aimed at overhauling India’s education system. The policy’s core objectives are to make education more inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century, incorporating a range of forward-thinking strategies that promote holistic development.
PM SHRI Scheme: Revolutionizing School Infrastructure
On September 7, 2022, Prime Minister Modi introduced the PM SHRI Scheme (PM Schools for Rising India), a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing school infrastructure. With a staggering ₹27,360 crore allocated over five years (2022-2027), the scheme targets the modernization of more than 14,500 schools nationwide, integrating the key aspects of NEP 2020. The initiative is designed to improve educational quality, foster cognitive development, and equip students with the skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
Samagra Shiksha: Promoting Inclusive Education for All
Aligned with the goals of NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha, launched on April 1, 2021, is an ambitious program that focuses on providing high-quality, inclusive education for children from diverse backgrounds. Set to run until March 31, 2026, Samagra Shiksha seeks to ensure that every child, irrespective of their background, has access to education that fosters academic excellence and personal growth.
PRERNA: A Holistic Learning Experience
The PRERNA Initiative, launched in early 2024, offers a unique, experiential learning program for students in grades IX to XII. Held at a school in Vadnagar, Gujarat, PRERNA combines heritage and modern technology to create an immersive learning environment that nurtures innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. The program, designed for 20 selected students each week, reflects the government’s commitment to offering enriching educational experiences.
ULLAS: Empowering Adults with Literacy
The ULLAS (New India Literacy Program), introduced for the period 2022-2027, focuses on improving literacy rates among adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. By enhancing literacy, ULLAS aims to empower individuals and enable them to contribute meaningfully to society, creating a more inclusive and educated workforce.
NIPUN Bharat: Building Strong Foundations in Literacy and Numeracy
The NIPUN Bharat initiative, launched on July 5, 2021, is a nationwide effort to ensure that every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3. Set to be fully implemented by 2026-27, NIPUN Bharat is crucial for building a solid educational foundation, ensuring that young learners acquire essential reading, writing, and math skills early in their educational journey.
Vidya Pravesh: A Warm Welcome to School
The Vidya Pravesh initiative, introduced in 2021, aims to prepare children entering Grade I for school through a three-month play-based module. The goal is to ease the transition into formal education by creating a welcoming, engaging environment that helps young minds develop a positive attitude towards learning.
Vidyanjali: Fostering Community Engagement in Education
Launched on September 7, 2021, the Vidyanjali Initiative encourages community involvement in schools through volunteer-driven efforts. By promoting partnerships with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and local volunteers, Vidyanjali enhances the quality of education, ensuring that schools are supported by the collective effort of society.
DIKSHA: Empowering Teachers Through Training
The DIKSHA Platform is an innovative online portal that facilitates continuous teacher training and professional development. It was launched in 2017. By allowing state education departments and Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) to tailor training programs to local needs, DIKSHA helps educators enhance their teaching methods, benefiting both teachers and students alike.
SWAYAM Plus: Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Education
The SWAYAM Plus initiative, introduced on February 27, 2024, aims to bridge the gap between education and industry. By offering a credit recognition system for industry-relevant courses, this initiative strengthens partnerships between academia and industry, improving employability and providing students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
NISHTHA: Advancing Teacher Training Nationwide
Launched in August 2019, NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement) is designed to enhance the professional development of 42 lakh elementary teachers and school leaders. The initiative, which was adapted to an online format during the pandemic, continues to evolve, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and other critical aspects of teaching.
NIRF Ranking: Elevating Higher Education Standards
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced in 2015, provides a transparent and structured ranking system for higher education institutions across India. By promoting healthy competition, NIRF encourages universities and colleges to improve their infrastructure, research output, and academic standards, ultimately raising the bar for higher education in India.
PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Supporting Meritorious Students
The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in India’s top institutions. With an allocated budget of ₹3,600 crore for the 2024-2031 period, the scheme aims to support over 22 lakh students annually, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams without financial constraints.
Investing in Education: A Commitment to the Future
India’s educational journey is central to its aspirations of becoming a global leader. To ensure continued progress, the government has made record investments in education. For FY 2024-25, the Department of School Education & Literacy has been allocated ₹73,498 crore, marking a 19.56% increase from the previous year. This allocation includes significant investments in key institutions, with ₹9,302 crore earmarked for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and ₹5,800 crore for Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS). Additionally, the Department of Higher Education has received ₹47,619.77 crore for the same period, focusing on schemes aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country.
India’s robust investment in education reflects the government’s commitment to shaping a brighter future for its citizens. By strengthening infrastructure, enhancing teaching methods, and promoting inclusivity, India is well on its way to becoming a global educational hub, driving social and economic growth for generations to come.
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