We are establishing an educational system so that our country’s youth will not have to travel overseas. Our middle-class households do not need to spend millions or crores of rupees. Not only that, but we also want to establish institutions that would entice individuals from other countries to visit India. ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
NEP 2020: On July 29, 2020, the Indian Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) under the energetic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The NEP aims to modernize India’s educational system to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. Encourage a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach. In Maharashtra, the Mahayuti government is transforming the education sector, including providing free higher education to girls.
Various schemes are bringing change across the nation
PM Shri: On September 7, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the PM Shri Schools for Rising India initiative. The initiative intends to strengthen 14500 schools throughout India in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020. To promote quality education, cognitive development, and 21st-century skills among students. Rs 27360 crore is being spent.
Samagra Shiksha: In line with the recommendations of NEP 2020, the Samagra Shiksha Yojana seeks to deliver quality education to all children in an inclusive and equitable learning environment that caters to their different origins and requirements. The system began on April 1, 2021, and will last for five years, finishing on March 31, 2026. She focuses on encouraging varied student groups to participate actively and achieve academic excellence.
Prerna : This initiative is a week-long residential program for selected students in grades IX to XII. Its goal is to create an engaging and exciting learning experience using cutting-edge technology and a combination of innovation. Each week, a group of 20 students (10 males and 10 girls) from throughout the country will engage in this program.
ULLAS: also known as the New India Literacy Program (NILP), was started by the Government of India for the fiscal year 2022-2027. This centrally supported effort corresponds with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and seeks to empower persons aged 15 and up, particularly those who have not received formal education. The program aims to improve their reading skills, allowing them to better integrate into society and actively contribute to the country’s growth.
Nipun Bharat: The Department of School Education and Literacy announced Nipun Bharat, the National Initiative for Reading Comprehension and Numeracy Proficiency, on July 5, 2021. The purpose is to ensure that every kid in the country learns basic literacy and numeracy.
Vidya Pravesh: The Vidya Pravesh Guidelines for the three-month play-based school preparation module for Class I students were published on July 29, 2021. The goal of this effort is to provide a positive and welcoming environment for children entering class one, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Improving transitions and providing enjoyable learning experiences.
Vidyanjali: The School Volunteer Management Program, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 7, 2021, aims to increase community participation by improving educational quality in schools and encouraging contributions from corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and the private sector.
DIKSHA: Initiation by the Honorable Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu introduced it on September 5, 2017. The platform’s goal is to improve teacher training and professional development by expediting educational innovations and experiments. Diksha gives states and Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) the ability to tailor the platform to match their individual needs, which benefits teachers, teacher educators, and student teachers across the country.
Swayam Plus: was officially inaugurated on February 27, 2024, by Honourable Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The program aims to transform higher education and increase employability by establishing an innovative credit recognition system for industry-relevant courses, skill development, employability, and the formation of strong industry collaborations.
NISHTA: The Ministry of Education inaugurated NISHTA (National Initiative for Holistic Advancement of School Heads and Teachers) on August 21, 2019, with the goal of enhancing the professional development of 4.2 lakh primary teachers and school heads. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nishta initiative was launched online on October 6, 2020, via the Diksha platform. Building on this success, NISHTHA 2.0 was published for secondary school teachers in 2021-22, while NISHTHA 3.0, which focuses on fundamental literacy and numeracy, was released on September 7, 2021.
NIRF Ranking: The Ministry of Education released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) on September 29, 2015, as a significant step toward improving the quality and accessibility of higher education in India. NIRF established an organized and transparent system for evaluating and ranking universities, colleges, and other institutions, promoting healthy competition and driving improvements in education and infrastructure.
PM-Vidhyalakshmi Yojana: The Union Cabinet, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM-Vidhyalakshmi Yojana, which will provide financial aid to meritorious students for quality higher education. The plan offers educational loans to students admitted to India’s top 860 universities, benefiting about 2.2 lakh students each year. The budget allocates Rs. 3600 crore from 2024-25 to 2030-31. PM-Vidhyalakshmi is implemented using a fully digital, transparent, and student-centric infrastructure, ensuring easy access and seamless interoperability for students across the country.
Invest in education for a better future
India’s journey to global leadership is inextricably related to the quality of its educational system. The Department of School Education and Literacy has received a record allocation of Rs 73,498 crore in the FY 2024-25 budget to improve education quality and resilience. This marks a significant increase of Rs 12,024 crore (19.56 per cent) over the revised estimate for FY 2023-24, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthen the education sector. Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) received ₹9302 crore, while Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) earned ₹5800 crore. This enormous expenditure demonstrates a definite determination to improve India’s education system.
Invest in education for a brighter future
India’s path to global leadership is closely linked to the strength of its education system. To increase access to quality education and create a resilient learning environment, the Department of School Education and Literacy has been allocated a record Rs 73,498 crore in the FY 2024-25 budget. This represents a substantial increase of Rs 12,024 crore (19.56 per cent) over the revised estimate for FY 2023-24, highlighting the government’s commitment to boost the education sector.
Notably, major autonomous institutions have received the highest allocation, with Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) receiving Rs 9302 crore and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) ₹ 5800 crore. This substantial investment shows a clear intention to further upgrade India’s education system.
The higher education department’s budget allocation for fiscal year 2024-25 is Rs. 47,619.77 crore, with Rs 7,487.87 crore committed to schemes and Rs 40,131 crore for non-plan expenditure. 3525 crores, or 8 per cent, indicates a considerable increase above this figure. The allocation for specialized schemes has increased by Rs. 1140 crore, with an emphasis on focused initiatives in higher education.
Education has the ability to break down barriers, create new opportunities, and empower individuals to make significant contributions to society. India’s educational landscape has changed dramatically, resulting in a strong system through continual innovation and extensive reforms. By using a holistic, 360-degree strategy that incorporates new ideas, technology, and teaching methods, India is creating an environment in which the youth may thrive, transforming them into a key force for national growth. Let us reinforce our commitment to education as the foundation for a better, more inclusive future for everyone. (Source : PIB)
