Goa, 26 July 2023

 

A press conference was convened at NIT Goa today, where representatives from various educational institutions converged to present the exemplary progress made in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in Goa. The panel included Prof. B.K Mishra, Director of IIT Goa, Dr. Neelakandan, NEP2020 Coordinator at IIT Goa, Prof. O. R. Jaiswal, Director of NIT Goa, Dr. Damodar Reddy, NEP2020 Coordinator at NIT Goa, Shri. C.S Murthy, Regional Director of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Maharashtra and Goa, Shri. Ravi Pratap Singh, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya – INS Mandovi, and Shri. Animesh Pal, Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Cancona.

Prof. B.K. Mishra eloquently presented the pioneering initiatives undertaken by IIT Goa, which included the establishment of the School of Inter-Disciplinary Life Sciences (SILS). This unique academic unit focuses on critical domains like cancer biology, vaccine development, drug discovery, and pandemic modeling. The institute's visionary approach also includes mechanical modeling of cells, harnessing biomimetic knowledge to revolutionize structural design elements.

The Internship Policy at IIT Goa has been instrumental in nurturing students' industry-oriented problem-solving skills during their final year. The institute has also fostered international collaborations with foreign universities, enriching postgraduate students' thesis work and encouraging cross-border research opportunities.

Noteworthy initiatives such as the "Learning to Achieve Multi-disciplinary Perspectives (LAMP)" and "Technology and Society Learning (TASLe)" courses empower students to develop problem-solving abilities and address regional developmental challenges effectively.

Prof. O.R. Jaiswal, Director of NIT Goa, emphasized the institute's steadfast commitment to NEP 2020 implementation, beginning from the academic year 2023-24. The institute has introduced Minor programs in specialized branches like Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Computational Mathematics, which broaden students' knowledge domain and enhance employability.

NIT Goa's integration of the Indian Knowledge System was also higlighted, with courses like ‘Health and Happiness’, ‘Yoga’, ‘Vedic Mathematic’, ‘Science and Technology in Vedic Literature’ and ‘Professional Ethics and Human Values.’ The institute's focus on flexible and inter-disciplinary learning offers students the freedom to choose electives and open courses, fostering holistic education.

Adhering to NEP 2020's vision of multiple exit options, NIT Goa offers course completion certificates, ITI certificates, and diploma certificates after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, respectively. This approach also enables temporary exits for students to engage in industry work and return to complete their degrees within a prescribed time frame. Environmental education receives due prominence through the dedicated course "Environmental Studies" for undergraduate students.

Shri. Ravi Pratap Singh, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya – INS Mandovi, shared remarkable achievements in the Vidyalaya's NEP 2020 implementation. The realignment of admission age to the 5+3+3+4 design and the introduction of the NIPUN INITIATIVES (National Initiative for Proficiency in reading with Understanding and Numeracy) have contributed to tracking students' progress effectively.

Kendriya Vidyalayas have introduced Balvatika classes for ages 3+, 4+, and 5+ on a pilot basis, endorsing play-based learning with NCERT curriculum and resources. The Vidya Pravesh, a 3-month school preparation module for Grade I, bolsters pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, cognitive, and social skills. The implementation of the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF FS) aligns with NEP 2020's pedagogy, promoting a learner-centered approach.

Shri. Animesh Pal, Principal of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Canacona, underscored the Vidyalaya's unwavering commitment to NEP 2020 principles. The focus on competency-based learning in core subjects like language, Science, and Maths has transformed the learning approach, promoting conceptual understanding over rote learning.

Teachers have undergone essential CPD training from the DIKSHA portal, aligning them with NEP 2020's implementation. The Principal's leadership development training by CBSE has effectively enhanced school management.

The introduction of art-integrated, sports-integrated, toy-based pedagogy, and experiential learning has brought joy and creativity to the classrooms, fostering life skills, value, gender sensitivity, and environmental awareness among students. Traditional classrooms have been transformed into digital classrooms, embracing modern learning methodologies.

Various skill subjects like Handicrafts, Healthcare, IT, Physical Activity Trainer, and Library & Information Science have been introduced, catering to students' diverse interests. Special classes for JEE and NEET, supported by various NGOs, have facilitated students' pursuit of higher education aspirations. Shri. Pal also highlighted the collaboration with TATA-Karta, an NGO offering free support to students pursuing higher studies abroad.

Shri. C.S. Murthy, Regional Director of MSDE, highlighted the successful integration of vocational education with general education in country, offering students conscious choices in selecting vocational skills. The implementation of technology-enabled learning and skill development programs have significantly enriched students' learning experiences.

MSDE's identification and initiation of skill hubs have empowered students with vocational education and upskilling opportunities. The exemption of examination and tuition fees for girls' students fosters gender empowerment in vocational education.

The press conference showcased the collective dedication of educational institutions in Goa towards successful NEP 2020 implementation. These initiatives aim to create a transformative impact on education, empowering students with holistic development and inclusive learning opportunities.

* * *

PIB Panaji | Gautam SK/S.Thakur/D.Rane

About Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (29th – 30th July)

 

India aims to become a 5 trillion economy in the period of Amrit Kaal, all sectors of the economy have to be bolstered and strengthened with knowledge-oriented leadership and a skilled workforce. NEP 2020 paves the way for developing and grooming our youth for such a responsibility, preparing them for emerging job roles of the future. The policy emphasizes developing the foundational and higher cognitive capacities of each individual such as critical thinking and problem solving. Therefore, there is a need for the leadership of academia, policy experts, and industry experts to come together for brainstorming and devising implementation strategy. The event will include sixteen sessions spread over 2 days from 29th to 30th July, discussions will be held on Access to Quality Education and Governance, Equitable and Inclusive Education, Issues of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Group (SEDG), National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF), Indian knowledge System, Creating Synergy between education and Skilling Future of Work, Internationalisation of Education, among others.

The sessions will be attended by around 3000 participants which will include, Principal Secretaries of Education / Skill Department of States / UTs, Directors of IITs, NITs, IIITs, IISERs, IISC, Vice-chancellors of Central, State and Private Universities, Heads of other HEIs, faculties, Principals / Teachers / Students of Schools, ITIs, Heads / representatives of Regulatory Bodies like NCERT, CBSE, UGC, AICTE, NCTE, NCVET, SSCs, NSDC, Heads / representatives of CII, FICCI, NASSCOM, ASSHOCHAM etc.

Another very attractive element of the celebrations is a multimedia exhibition showcasing the best initiatives from the world of school and higher education and the skill ecosystem. Two hundred multimedia stalls will be set up by institutions and organisation under education and skill landscape, industry, and key stakeholders. Over 2 lakh attendees would be visiting the exhibition over the two days, including students, youth volunteers and participants of Yuva Sangam.

The two-days programme will end with valedictory session. The event will also be attended by  Union Minister for Education and, Ministers of State for Education, along with Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, heads of the Autonomous Bodies, and officials of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

The Samagam will provide a platform for experts of schools, higher educational institutions, and skilling institutions to discuss, deliberate and share insights, strategies, success stories and best practices in implementing the NEP 2020.

 

****

 

THREE YEARS OF NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020

 

Vision of NEP 2020

Transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower through broad-based, flexible, multidisciplinary education suited to 21st-century needs.

Bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.

Promote critical thinking rather than rote learning, focus on learning instead of studying, encouragement to scientific temperament.

Policy for 21st Century India/ Atmanirbhar Bharat

Integration of Global with Local

Instilling among learners a deep-rooted pride in being Indian and developing knowledge, skills and values that make them truly global citizens.

Major Highlights

NEP 2020 aims for Universalization of Education from pre-school to secondary level with 100 % GER in school education by 2030

NEP 2020 will bring 20 million out of school children back into the main stream

New 5+3+3+4 school curriculum with 12 years of schooling and 3 years of pre-schooling will be introduced.

Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular streams in schools

Setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund to provide equitable quality education to girls and transgender students.

Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.

Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/ regional language

Assessment Reforms with 360 degree Holistic Progress Card, tracking student progress for achieving Learning Outcomes

Every Child will come out of School adept in at least one Skill

GER in higher education to be raised to 50 % by 2035 ; 35 million seats to be added in higher education

Higher Education curriculum to have flexibility of subjects

Multiple Entry / Exit to be allowed with appropriate certification

Academic Bank of Credits to be established to facilitate Transfer of Credits

National Research Foundation to be established to foster a strong research culture

Light but Tight Regulation of higher education, single regulator with four separate verticals for different functions

Increased use of technology with equity. A National Educational Technology Forum has been created

Curricular reforms to integrate 21st Century Skills, Mathematical Thinking and Scientific temper

Multilingualism to be promoted in both schools and higher education. Even complex subjects like Engineering are being offered in over 13 Indian languages

Wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems to be incorporated into mainstream

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEP 2020

I.         A. SCHOOL EDUCATION

1. PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) – is a centrally sponsored scheme intended to prepare schools of excellence. All categories of schools i.e. Primary, Elementary, Secondary and Senior Secondary school will be selected under this initiative to be transformed as Exemplar Schools. The Scheme is proposed to be implemented over a period of 5 years w.e.f. 2022-23 to 2026-27. A total of 6448 schools across 30 State/ UTs/ Institutions (i.e., Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas) will be covered in the first phase.

2. NIPUN Bharat: National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (NIPUN BHARAT) - The objective is to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy among children, that is the ability to read and understand simple text and do simple arithmetic by the end of class three. This competency is considered the foundation that is critical for any future learning or skilling.

3. Vidya Pravesh: NCERT has developed a 3 Months Play Based ‘School Preparation Module’ for grade I named ‘Vidya Pravesh’ The module is essentially around 12 weeks of developmentally appropriate instruction for the children entering of Grade I to bolster a child’s pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, cognitive and social skills. As on date, 33 States/UTs except Sikkim, Manipur and Kerala have implemented Vidya Pravesh from the year 2022-23. Under this, 1,80,13,930 students from 8,77,793 schools participated across States/UTs

4. National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF FS) launched on 20th October, 2022, is the first ever integrated Curriculum Framework for children between ages 3-8 in India. It is a direct outcome of the 5+3+3+4 ‘curricular and pedagogical’ structure that NEP 2020 has come out with for School Education. Following which, Jadui Pitara: Learning Teaching Material (Jadui Pitara) based on NCF FS was launched on 20th Feb, 2023. It is a play-based learning teaching material tailored for children between the age group of 3 to 8 years.

5. PARAKH: (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) is an independent vertical under NCERT, set up on 8th February, 2023. It has developed the Holistic 360-degree progress card for the Foundational and Preparatory stage. At present the HPC at the Foundational and Preparatory stage is being finalized for implementing it from the year 2023-24.

6. NDEAR: The vision of NDEAR is to create a unifying national digital infrastructure to energise and catalyse the education ecosystem. NDEAR is a super connector to cross leverage school education ecosystem capabilities and catalyse innovation in skilling and education. NDEAR has witnessed 1500+ Micro courses, 5 billion+ Learning sessions, 12 billion+ QR codes, 20K+ ecosystem participants, 15K+ Micro improvements ongoing across the various linked building blocks.

7. PM e-VIDYA: A comprehensive initiative called PM e-VIDYA unifies digital/online/on-air education to enable coherent multi-mode access to education. It includes: DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) as One Nation One Digital Platform for Education which is a storehouse of over 3.17 lakh e-contents, 6,600 Energized Textbooks in 36 Languages (29 Indian languages and 7 Foreign Languages) with average daily page hits of 2.2+ crores and is amongst the 4 Digital Public Goods identified by Govt. of India, 12 Swayam Prabha TV Channels under the one class, one TV channel initiative with more than 7000 programs Radio/Community Radio broadcasting/Mobile Podcast with 4000+ pieces of curriculum based radio programs (Classes 1 -12) disseminated/ broadcasted on 398 Radio Stations (11 GyanVani FM Radio Stations, 255 Community Radio Stations and 132 All India Radio stations), Podcasts on iRadio and JioSaavn Mobile apps and 2900+ live programs have been broadcast on iRadio, and For Children with special needs, 4200+ Indian Sign language (ISL) based contents, Talking books (in Daisy format) and 3860+ Audio Books have been developed. All 10,000 ISL dictionary words have been uploaded on DIKSHA. Additionally, one DTH channel is being operated specifically for hearing impaired students in sign language.

8. Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP): 41 Central/State University/Institutions which include IITs, NITs, RIEs and Government Colleges will run this Programme from academic session 2023-24. The ITEP is a Dual Major Programme -the first major is in Education with School Stage specialization and the second major is in an opted discipline.

9. National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST): NPST is a statement of quality and defines competencies of teachers at different stages/levels and performance appraisal based on those competencies. The Guiding Document has been developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders, field level research and due deliberations.

10. National Mission for Mentoring (NMM): NMM focuses on Competency enhancement of school teachers through the professional support provided by mentors. “Bluebook on Mentoring” developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders, field level research and due deliberations. Thereafter, NMM was piloted in 30 central government schools across the country (15 KVs, 10 JNVs, and 5 CBSE). So far, 60 mentors have onboarded and the web portal is being made operational for conducting mentoring sessions.

11. Vidyanjali Portal : Supports a community/volunteer management program, through which the community/volunteers interact and connect directly with schools of their choice to share their knowledge and skills as well as contribute in the form of assets/material/equipment. At present, a total of 4,76,412 schools have onboarded while a total of 4,19,485 volunteers have registered, impacting 5561193 children.

12. New India Literacy Programme (नव भारत साक्षरता कार्यक्रम) ULLAS- Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society “जन - जन साक्षर”: A centrally sponsored scheme on Education for All (erstwhile known as Adult Education), “ New India Literacy Programme or ULLAS” targeting all non-literates age 15 years and above, has been approved by the Government of India with a financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore for implementation during FY 2022-23 to 2026-27, in alignment with NEP 2020. The scheme is being implemented through volunteerism.

 

I.         B. HIGHER EDUCATION

Initiatives for Learner-Centric Education

1. National Credit Framework (NCrF) jointly developed by the Regulators of School, Skill and Higher Education released on 10.04.2023 provides framework for accumulation of credit from academics, skill programmes and relevant experience. Along with the provision of Multiple Entry and Exit and Academic Bank of Credit, this will allow seamless mobility of learners between various streams, making education truly multidisciplinary.

2. National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) released on 11.05.2023 is an instrument for development, classification and recognition of qualification from Level 4.5 to 8 (1st yr. UG to Doctoral programme). It defines learning outcomes at different levels.. It will facilitate national and international equivalence and comparability, inter/intra streams / institutional mobility, multiple learning pathways, lifelong learning, ensures confidence of Public in HE System.

3. Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programs - It incorporates a flexible choice-based credit system, multidisciplinary approach, and multiple entry and exit options. This will facilitate flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another, one institution to another, switch to alternative modes of learning (offline, ODL, & Online learning, and hybrid modes of learning), multiple entry and exit options with UG (certificate/diploma/degree) and to choose the courses of their interest in all disciplines. 105 Universities have adopted it as per the data reported to UGC.

4. Regulation on Academic Bank of Credit - ABC is a digital or virtual or online store-house of academic credit data base of Higher Education Institution . It will provide authenticated records of credits earned by students from Registered Higher Education Institutions. ABC will ensure the opening, closure and validation of Academic Bank Accounts, credit verification, accumulation, and transfer or redemption. As of now 1413 Universities/INIs/HEIs are onboarded with 1.10 crore ABC ID.

5. Guidelines for pursuing two Academic Programmes simultaneously -It will facilitate multiple pathways of learning involving both formal and non-formal education modes.

6. Minimum standards and procedures for award of Ph.D. degree regulations- These regulations are framed to encourage research scholars to become well-trained researchers and inquisitive explorers. Women candidates and persons with disability will be given extra time (additional 2 years) to finish their research. Candidates, who have scored above a CGPA of 7.5, can now apply for a PhD after completing a four-year Bachelor's degree. HEIs may decide their own selection procedure for Ph.D. admission of international students. It also provides for discontinuance of M. Phil programme.

7. Promotion of Indian Languages in education AICTE has permitted 49 Engineering Courses across 12 States in 7 regional languages; MBBS Course has been started in Hindi ; Common University Entrance Test conducted in 13 Languages and participated by 242 Universities; JEE (Mains) and NEET (UG) conducted in 13 languages involving about more than 30 lakhs students ; text books are being translated into multiple Indian languages through an AI based App Anuvadini, developed by AICTE

 

II. DIGITAL LEARNING AND LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY

1. Open & Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulation, 2020 : These regulations lay down the criteria for allowing institutions to run ODL programmes. 95 HEIs (71 recognized and 24 Category-I HEIs) are recognized entitled to offer 1149 ODL programmes. 66 HEIs are recognized / entitled to offer 371 online programmes.

2. UGC (Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM) Regulation Under this regulation percentage of courses of MOOCs from the SWAYAM platform towards credit transfer is enhanced from 20 % to 40%. It provides flexibility and opportunity for lifelong learning. It also enables Institutions HEIs to offer multi-disciplinary in their course. 288 Universities have adopted SWAYAM Courses for Credit Transfer. Around 86 lakhs learners are registered in the Jan 2022, July 2022 and Jan 2023 semester. More than 5 lakh students are taking exams and getting certified on SWAYAM in every year.

3. Technology enabled Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) based Solutions for Governance of HEIs starting from Admission to Grant of Degree – Smarter Automation Engine for Universities (SAMARTH) is an ICT initiative sponsored by the Ministry of Education to revolutionize the current education management system by implementing an automation engine for various universities and other Higher Education Institutes. It will facilitate HEIs in administration of HEIs and management of students from admission to grant of degree. At present 1249 Univ. & HEIs are onboarded and covering in 27 States and 4 UTs. 7 State Higher Education departments are also onboarded.

 

III.      SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Following are the aspects focusing on skill development under NEP, 2020

• Integration of vocational education with general education
• Convergence and integration of skills across disciplines/sectors
• Technology-enabled learning
• Entrepreneurship and life skills
• Teacher training and professional development
• Experiential learning through internship and apprenticeship
• Continuous evaluation
• Fostering global competence in skill development
• Inclusive and sustainable skills
• Skilling in regional languages
• Furthermore, it lays the foundation for a Credit Framework, facilitating mobility between general and vocational education, creating a seamless educational journey for students.
• Ranking of all HEIs in the top 400 has improved in QS 2023
• Number of Indian Univ./HEI increased from 13 (2015) to 45 (2024) in QS Ranking
• Indian HEIs in top 500 increased to 11 in 2024 as compared to 7 in 2015 QS Ranking
• India has improved its position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023, with 44 courses, in their respective subject categories, ranked among the Global top 100.
• 11 declared Institutes of Eminence (IoEs) account for 44 % of the 355 Programmes / courses ranked in QS World University Ranking by Subject.
• Indian universities in QS 2023-24 subject rankings saw an 18.7% rise making India the 2nd most represented Asian country with 66 ranked universities.
• India showed improvement in both publications and number of citations (a measure of impact) –
• India is ranked 3rd globally in 2022, with 2,75,367 publications, as compared to 5th rank in 2016, with 157539 publications. (Source: Scimago Journal and Country Rank)
• In number of citations India ranked 4th out of 113 countries as compared to 11th rank out of 94 countries in 2016.

***

Follow us on Social Media:@PIBPanaji    /PIBPanaji    /pib_goa   pibgoa[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBGoa

(Release ID: 1942885) Visitor Counter : 621