National Education Day, celebrated on November 11, honours the legacy of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, and emphasises the transformative power of education. In a country where 65 per cent of the population is under 35, investing in education is key to harnessing the energy and potential of the youth.
The Government of India is focused on strengthening educational infrastructure, with a vision to create institutions that provide high-quality, affordable education. Hence, students need not look abroad for advanced learning opportunities. By fostering such institutions, India aims to retain its talent and attract international students, turning Bharat into a global education hub.
The Government of India has made transformative efforts to expand educational access through both legal measures and targeted initiatives. A key step was the 86th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, introducing Article 21-A, which mandates free and compulsory education as a Fundamental Right for children between six and fourteen years of age. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, effective April 1, 2010, aims to ensure that every child receives quality elementary education in a formal school setting that adheres to specific standards. These constitutional and legislative frameworks are supported by various government programs to create a more inclusive and equitable education system across the country.
- India’s education system is undergoing a transformative shift, with a substantial budget allocation in FY 2024-25 aimed at boosting global competitiveness and inclusivity. The government has allocated Rs 73,498 crore to the Department of School Education & Literacy, an increase of 19.56 per cent from the previous year, underscoring education’s role in social and economic growth. This funding will enhance access to quality education, improve infrastructure, modernise teaching, and introduce new learning technologies nationwide.
- The budget highlights record funding for Kendriya Vidyalayas (Rs 9,302 crore) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (Rs 5,800 crore) to enhance educational quality and access for various social segments, promoting social mobility. The Department of Higher Education also received Rs 47,619.77 crore, marking a 7.99 per cent increase. This includes substantial scheme-specific funding aimed at improving higher education infrastructure, research, and skill development.
- The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 reflects progress in inclusivity and gender parity, with female enrolment increasing by 32 per cent since 2014-15.
- Historically, underrepresented groups (SC, ST, OBC, minorities) have also seen higher enrollment, which supports social justice and workforce diversity. A notable achievement is the Gender Parity Index reaching 1.01, indicating a balanced gender representation in higher education. The Indian education system has made strides in reducing the dropout rate at the secondary level, which has fallen from a concerning 21 per cent in 2013-14 to a more manageable 13 per cent in 2021-22.
- STEM fields have seen a surge, with 98.5 lakh students enrolled in 2021-22. Women’s representation has notably increased in Medical Science, Social Science, and Arts, indicating progress toward gender equity. Additionally, the secondary school dropout rate has dropped from 21 per cent in 2013-14 to 13 per cent in 2021-22, highlighting the impact of targeted government initiatives.
- In his address, the Prime Minister outlined an education vision for the future, emphasising 75,000 new medical seats to meet healthcare demands, reviving ancient institutions like Nalanda to position India as a global education hub, and promoting education in regional languages. The National Research Foundation (NRF) will receive significant funding to support innovation, alongside a landmark one-lakh crore rupees for research.
- Budget allocations have notably increased for flagship schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM-POSHAN, and PM-SHRI, totaling an additional Rs 10,846 crores, reflecting a focus on educational infrastructure and resources. The Department of Higher Education has seen increases in central universities, IITs, NITs, IISc, and various schemes, supporting a vision for quality education, research, and technical training.
The Department of Higher Education’s budget for 2024-25 is set at Rs 47,619.77 crore, up by Rs 3,525.15 crore (7.99 per cent) from last year, with a Rs 1,139.99 crore increase in scheme allocations. Key allocations include:
- Rs 15,928 crore for central universities.
- Rs 10,202.5 crore for IITs.
- Rs 5,040 crore for NITs.
- Rs 596 crore for deemed universities.
- Rs 875.77 crore for IISc.
Funding for schemes like PM-USHA, Institutions of Eminence, and NATS has also risen, supporting higher education and technical training advancements.
In line with this vision, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a significant overhaul of India’s education sector. Approved on July 29, 2020, NEP 2020 aims to modernise the educational landscape, making it more inclusive, flexible, and aligned with 21st-century needs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the PM SHRI Schools initiative (PM Schools for Rising India) on September 7, 2022. This scheme focuses on enhancing over 14,500 schools nationwide as exemplars of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By integrating the NEP’s key principles, PM SHRI Schools aim to foster quality education, cognitive development, and 21st-century skills among students. With an overall budget of Rs 27,360 crore, including a central contribution of Rs 18,128 crore, the project is set to span five years (2022–2027). This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to educational transformation across India.
Samagra Shiksha, introduced on April 1, 2021, aligns closely with the NEP 2020’s vision of creating an inclusive, equitable, and quality-driven education system for all. Targeted to run until March 31, 2026, this scheme emphasises delivering a supportive classroom environment that respects and adapts to students’ diverse backgrounds and learning needs. By encouraging active participation and fostering a sense of belonging, Samagra Shiksha seeks to uplift students academically and socially, ensuring they benefit from an education that is both responsive and transformative. The initiative stands as a step forward in achieving NEP 2020’s mission for a more inclusive educational landscape.
The PRERNA initiative launched its pilot phase from January 15 to February 17, 2024, at a vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat. This week-long residential program is crafted for students from classes IX to XII, providing a select group of young learners with an immersive and inspiring educational experience. Each week, 20 students (10 boys and ten girls) from various parts of India participate, blending traditional heritage with modern innovation using state-of-the-art technology. Through this initiative, PRERNA aims to create a transformative learning environment that nurtures cultural appreciation and technological advancement.
The ULLAS program, also known as the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP), was introduced by the Government of India for the period from FY 2022 to 2027. This initiative, which is centrally sponsored, is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to empower adults aged 15 and above who may have missed formal schooling, equipping them with essential literacy skills. Through ULLAS, the government seeks to promote greater social integration and enable individuals to actively participate in the nation’s progress. By fostering adult literacy, the program aspires to create a more inclusive society where every citizen can contribute meaningfully to India’s development journey.
NIPUN Bharat, launched on July 5, 2021, by India’s Department of School Education & Literacy, is a mission dedicated to ensuring that all children in the country achieve foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills by the end of Grade 3, targeting completion by the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative, known as the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat), aims to create a strong foundation in reading, comprehension, and basic arithmetic, which are essential for learning across subjects. By focusing on these core skills, NIPUN Bharat seeks to improve educational outcomes, reduce dropout rates, and create a more inclusive learning environment that empowers young learners for future academic success.
The Vidya Pravesh initiative, introduced on July 29, 2021, is a three-month, play-based school preparation module aimed at children entering Grade I. This program was developed to create a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment for young learners, making their transition into formal schooling smoother and more enjoyable. By focusing on play-based activities, Vidya Pravesh seeks to foster a positive and nurturing experience that builds foundational skills and promotes a love for learning. The initiative is part of the larger goal of enhancing early childhood education, ensuring children feel comfortable, motivated, and ready to embrace new academic challenges.
VIDYANJALI, the School Volunteer Management Program, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7, 2021, is designed to improve the quality of education in Indian schools by fostering greater community engagement. The program invites volunteers from all walks of life, including individuals, corporate entities, and private sector organisations, to contribute to the educational environment. By tapping into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Vidyanjali encourages partnerships and resources that benefit schools and students to strengthen the education system and ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive academically. This initiative represents a collaborative approach to building a better educational future for India’s youth.
The DIKSHA platform, launched on September 5, 2017, by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, is a significant initiative to advance teacher training and professional development in India. This digital platform supports and promotes innovative solutions and educational experiments, allowing educators to enhance their skills and teaching methodologies. DIKSHA empowers states and Teacher Education Institutes (TEIs) by offering them the flexibility to tailor the platform to meet their unique educational needs. This adaptability ensures that teachers, teacher educators, and student teachers across India can benefit from resources and training specific to their requirements, thereby fostering a more effective and dynamic educational environment.
SWAYAM Plus, launched on February 27 2024, by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon’ble Minister of Education, aims to transform higher education and enhance employability in India. This initiative introduces an innovative credit recognition system for industry-relevant courses, which emphasises skill development and practical learning. By focusing on strengthening industry partnerships and aligning academic programs with market needs, SWAYAM Plus seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping students with the necessary skills and competencies to succeed in the evolving job market.
NISHTHA (National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement), launched by the Ministry of Education on August 21 2019, aims to improve the professional development of 42 lakh elementary teachers and school leaders across India. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned to a digital format, NISHTHA-Online, on October 6 2020, utilising the DIKSHA platform for wider accessibility. Building on the success of this online model, NISHTHA 2.0 was launched for secondary school teachers in 2021-22, while NISHTHA 3.0, focusing on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, was introduced on September 7 2021 to address the critical learning gaps at the foundational stage. These initiatives are designed to empower educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of education in schools across the country.
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), launched by the Ministry of Education on September 29 2015, was a significant milestone in the evolution of higher education in India. By introducing a transparent and systematic approach to evaluate and rank universities, colleges, and other educational institutions, NIRF has contributed to enhancing the overall quality of education in the country. The rankings, based on various parameters like teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, and outreach, have fostered healthy competition among institutions, encouraging them to focus on improving academic excellence, infrastructure, and student welfare. This initiative has provided a comprehensive assessment of institutions and empowered students and parents to make informed decisions about higher education choices.
The PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, is a significant initiative designed to support deserving students in pursuing quality higher education. This scheme provides education loans to students enrolled in the top 860 institutions across India, benefiting over 22 lakh students annually. With a budget allocation of Rs. 3,600 crore for the period 2024-25 to 2030-31, the scheme aims to extend assistance to an additional 7 lakh students. The fully digital and transparent platform of PM-Vidyalaxmi ensures easy access, smooth interoperability, and a student-centric approach, making financial assistance more accessible to students across the nation.
India’s focus on educational reform, bolstered by constitutional amendments, strategic budget allocations, and progressive initiatives, underscores its commitment to building an inclusive and globally competitive education system. Through programs like NEP 2020, NIPUN Bharat, and PM SHRI Schools, the country is working to equip its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving world. As India strengthens its educational infrastructure, fosters innovation, and promotes accessibility, it is poised to become a global education hub, empowering its youth to drive social and economic transformation.
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