Dharmendra Pradhan Announces NCERT’s Transformation into a Deemed-to-be-University
In a significant development, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, graced the 63rd Foundation Day Celebration of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi.
Dharmendra Pradhan Announces NCERT’s Transformation into a Deemed-to-be-University
During this momentous event, Minister Pradhan unveiled a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory at the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET). The ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education; Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT; Shri Mahesh Chandra Pant, Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), along with senior officials representing various educational bodies such as the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and CBSE.
During his address, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan made a groundbreaking announcement that heralds a new era for NCERT. He declared that NCERT has been granted the esteemed status of a Deemed-to-be-University. This transformation marks a significant milestone in NCERT’s illustrious journey, which has been characterized by its unwavering commitment to research, its pivotal role in shaping school education, its excellence in teacher training, and its dedication to adult literacy. Shri Pradhan emphasized that the newfound status as a research university would open doors to global collaborations and position NCERT as a key contributor to the global educational landscape.
The Minister also shed light on “Jadui Pitara,” a play-based learning and teaching material designed for children between the ages of 3 and 8. Developed by NCERT, this innovative initiative is set to become a catalyst for change, benefiting a staggering 10 crore children across the nation.
In addition to these pivotal announcements, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan underscored the importance of educational content being available in regional languages. He proposed the establishment of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence labs in all seven regional centers of NCERT. His vision is to equip these centers with cutting-edge technologies and future-ready infrastructure, positioning India as a global hub for research and innovation. Furthermore, he urged NCERT to standardize the curriculum for teachers’ training, emphasizing the significance of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
Shri Pradhan articulated his vision for preparing the youth of India for the challenges and opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. He proposed the creation of concise booklets covering diverse subjects, such as India’s COVID-19 management and Chandrayaan 3. These booklets will serve as informative resources to keep the younger generation informed about the latest developments while instilling them with Indian values and ethos.
Shri Sanjay Kumar commended NCERT’s efforts in aligning its learning materials with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). He stressed the importance of integrating various streams of education, including arts, sciences, and vocational studies, onto a single platform, thereby providing a holistic learning experience for students. He also disclosed NCERT’s plan to develop educational materials in all 22 languages, leveraging advanced software tools like Anuvadini.
The event featured a captivating performance by students from the Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, who presented a skit on “Jadui Pitara” and performed a song in 22 different languages. Additionally, a short film showcased the remarkable initiatives and accomplishments of NCERT.
In conclusion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s announcement of NCERT’s elevation to Deemed-to-be-University status, combined with the introduction of “Jadui Pitara” and a commitment to multilingual educational resources, signifies a momentous step forward in India’s pursuit of excellence in education and research. It is a testament to the nation’s dedication to fostering a generation equipped with knowledge, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of Indian heritage.
