2024 Year in Review: Updates and Insights from the Department of School Education & Literacy

The Department of School Education & Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, unveiled several key initiatives and achievements in 2024, reflecting its commitment to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. From boosting foundational literacy to advancing eco-conscious education, the department’s efforts highlight a transformative year in the realm of school education in India.

Samagra Shiksha: A Holistic Approach to Education

The Samagra Shiksha scheme continued its focus on integrating education from pre-primary to Class XII, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4). Between 2018 and 2025, the scheme achieved notable milestones:

• 3,656 schools upgraded.
• 138,802 schools equipped with ICT and digital initiatives.
• 9,477 schools introduced vocational education.

The scheme also addressed inclusivity with provisions for children with special needs, including stipends, aids, and barrier-free infrastructure, ensuring equitable access to education.

PM SHRI Schools: Exemplars of NEP 2020

The PM SHRI scheme aims to establish over 14,500 exemplar schools to implement NEP 2020 effectively. As of 2024, 12,084 schools have been selected, spanning primary to senior secondary levels. These schools boast state-of-the-art infrastructure, including smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering Labs, and enhanced sports facilities, fostering holistic education and innovation.

PM POSHAN: Tackling Hunger and Promoting Nutrition

The PM POSHAN scheme continued to provide hot meals to students from pre-primary to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools. Key enhancements included:

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• Integration of school nutrition gardens.
• Special provisions for anaemia-prone districts.
• Community participation through Tithi Bhojan.

Material costs for meals were also revised to address inflation, ensuring sustained nutrition for students.

ULLAS: Fostering Lifelong Learning

The ULLAS initiative aims to achieve universal literacy by providing foundational and vocational education to adults aged 15 and above. In 2024:

• Over 2 crore learners and 39 lakh volunteer teachers registered.
• Ladakh became the first fully literate administrative unit.
• National Literacy Week saw 4.8 crore participants.

PARAKH and Assessment Reforms

The National Assessment Centre, PARAKH, implemented the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024, covering 23 lakh students across 87,619 schools. The survey aimed to benchmark student competencies and introduced Holistic Progress Cards (HPC) to capture multidimensional student progress.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Under Samagra Shiksha, efforts to include children with special needs advanced significantly. Key achievements include:

• Accessible infrastructure in 58.5% of government schools.
• Development of educational content in Indian Sign Language.
• Dedicated resources for screening and supporting students with disabilities.

Environmental Awareness: Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE

Eco Clubs, aligned with the Mission LiFE initiative, empowered students to adopt sustainable practices. Activities in 2024 included:

• 1.46 lakh new Eco Clubs established.
• 5.18 crore saplings planted during tree plantation drives.
• School nutrition gardens promoting sustainable food systems.

Teacher Education and Training

The introduction of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) aims to enhance teacher training by offering a dual major bachelor’s degree in education and a specialised subject. This initiative, along with the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), strives to elevate teaching standards and professional development.

Equivalence Across School Boards

PARAKH facilitated regional workshops and studies to standardise assessments and curricula across school boards, promoting equity in education nationwide.

Key Infrastructure Developments

• Approval for 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and expansion of one existing KV.
• Enhanced accessibility through the generation of over 7 crore APAAR IDs, ensuring seamless academic transitions for students.

Looking Ahead

The department’s initiatives in 2024 reflect a comprehensive effort to make education inclusive, innovative, and aligned with future needs. From integrating technology to fostering environmental responsibility, these steps pave the way for a transformative educational landscape in India.