Education
Infusing Gross National Happiness in Early Childhood Education: From Policies to Practices
Karma Gayleg writes on infusing Gross National Happiness in Early Childhood Education.
When we think about the purpose of Early Childhood Education, we do not think of children being able to name the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes and do work sheets as the primary outcomes of early education. However, many of our children end up doing just these in practice. In the case against overemphasis on academics in Early Childhood Education, there is a need to ponder over a few fundamental questions. For example, how are personal traits and attitudes built?; how do young children learn skills such as empathy, ethics, self-discipline, kindness, responsibility and sharing, etc.? While Early Childhood Education policies and principles lay strong emphasis on holistic development and developmentally appropriate learning approaches, there seems to be some gap between policy and practice. In essence, Early Childhood Education practice, unlike school education, should focus on learning socio-emotional skills, cognitive flexibility and language skills through culturally relevant approaches and activities. In this article, I seek to juxtapose early learning principles and gross national happiness by attempting to underscore how GNH is being infused both in policy and principle in Early Childhood Education programmes.
1 AN OVERVIEW OF GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS (GNH)
The philosophy of Gross National Happiness emerged from a vision propounded by His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk in 1972, that ‘Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product’. Since then, there have been continual deliberations on the concept. GNH is a holistic and sustainable approach to development which strives for balance between material and non-material values with the conviction that happiness is the ultimate human goal. Therefore, GNH is development guided by human values that emphasise collective happiness and interdependence.
2 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GNH GOALS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES
What does a GNH-infused early childhood education actually look like? How can children learn social, emotional and cultural traits through ECCD programmes? How can happiness as an area of focus be practically integrated into early learning centres? How can we physically design our early childhood centres so that they embody GNH principles? These questions could be clarified to some extent by looking into specific aspects of an early childhood programme, which in Bhutan’s case are as follows:
a Early Childhood Care and Education Policy
An enabling policy is the first step to a goal or a vision. In Bhutan, it is mandatory that any policy or programme has to ultimately contribute to enhancing happiness and well-being. A policy screening tool is used for screening policies to ensure that policies contribute to increasing happiness. In this sense, as the Early Childhood Education policy aims to promote holistic development of children for them to thrive and succeed in school and in life, it upholds well-being and happiness, and is in fact foundational to lifelong health, happiness and learning.
b Early Learning and Development Standards
The Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) are valuable benchmarks for high-quality system of services for young children, emphasising developmentally appropriate content and outcomes. The standards give emphasis to six domains of early development and learning namely physical well-being and motor skills, emotional and social development, language development, general knowledge and cognitive development and moral and cultural development. GNH as a national vision has also been infused in these standards, wherever necessary and possible and the following are a few examples of GNH infused standards:
Children are able to differentiate between events that happened in the past, present and the future. (GNH domain – community vitality)
Children demonstrate knowledge of relationship between people, places and regions. (GNH domain – community vitality)
Children are able to demonstrate awareness of economic concepts (GNH domain – economy)
Children are able to understand that the use of technology makes life easier (GNH domain – education)
Children are able to use creative arts as a means to express themselves (GNH domain – education)
Children are able to demonstrate spirituality. (GNH domain – wellbeing)
Children are able to exhibit honesty in words and in actions. (GNH domain – good governance)
Children are able to take on responsibility. (GNH domain – community vitality/ education)
Children are able to show respect and concern for others (GNH domain – community vitality/ cultural diversity)
Children are able to show respect, sense of belongingness (identity) and love for one’s country and culture. (GNH domain – community vitality/ cultural diversity)
Children understand characteristics of the natural world through observation (GNH domain – ecology)
Children are able to use different approaches to solve a problem. (GNH domain – education)
Children are able to demonstrate understanding of cause and effect (GNH domain – ecology/ education)
Children are able to adapt and control emotions (GNH domain – health)
Children are able to demonstrate self-confidence (GNH domain – wellbeing)
Children are able to demonstrate interpersonal skills (GNH domain – community vitality)
Children are able to demonstrate healthy habits and personal care and hygiene (GNH domain – health)
3 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PRACTICES
Many of the day to day practices within the early childhood centres have underpinnings of GNH, which actually help children to learn what is fun, relevant and meaningful to them as well as enrich the programmes. The following are some of the note-worthy practices being carried out in many of the centres:
a Learning from and with the environment
Learning through the environment and using environment friendly materials and practices to develop children’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment is an important consideration realised through activities that children love doing such as planting and growing a tree, nature walks and using nature as learning spaces and themes. Furthermore, preparation of learning materials from locally available resources and waste materials is also encouraged, thereby contributing to conservation and sustainability of resources.
b Learning of culture and traditional values
Learning of traditional culture and language is an important task for children in Bhutan. With the onslaught of modernization, there is apprehension that most children, especially those brought up in cities in small families may not learn and understand the values and customs. So, parent involvement in story-telling, songs and dances, arts and crafts, etc. are encouraged. Even as part of regular activities such as dramatisation and pretend play, folk culture, local languages and traditions are promoted. Children are also encouraged to participate in community events and local festivals.
a Meditation and mindfulness training
Meditation or mindfulness training is a regular part of the Early Childhood Care and Education programmes. This is not in the sense of religious indoctrination but done by way of joyful experiences. Through this activity, children have the opportunity to reflect on many things such as their friends, family, activities at home, foods they like, etc. This activity is also productively used as a transition activity to settle children from one activity to the next one. It is hoped that repeated practice of meditation starting in the early childhood centre would help children develop into reflective persons and build resilience against stress throughout their lives.
b Social Interaction and bonding
Relationships based on respectful, responsive and reciprocative interactions are encouraged at all times as part of the ethos of each of the centres. This includes greeting each other regularly, expressing gratitude, offering help, taking turns, cooperating in activities, sharing things and helping each other. In addition, love and respect for elders as an important part of the Bhutanese culture is encouraged.
Furthermore, there is emphasis on the ‘cause and effect’ phenomena in every aspect of programmes in Early Childhood Care and Education centres. This is critical as part of the Bhutanese culture where the law of causality or ‘Karma’ assumes an important role in encouraging or discouraging any act, thought or behaviour. At the early childhood level, this is strengthened through activities and ideas such as:
If we litter, the environment will get dirty
If we spoke harshly, the other person will get hurt
If we washed our hands, we will not get sick
If we said ‘Thank you’, the other person will be happy that he/she did something meaningful
If we helped someone in need, he/she will be okay, etc.
4 Parenting Education
As the parents are important players in children’s learning both at home and in the centres, and maintaining a link between the two, parenting education as an integral aspect of the programme draws from parents’ knowledge and skills. The diverse backgrounds of parents and families help to enrich children’s experiences as parents get involved in the centre programmes. Parenting education sessions are also used to discuss common issues pertaining to child-raising and to inform them on emerging perspectives on child care and development. In this way, centres and families have the opportunity to build close relationships and work together for children.
Gross National Happiness as the overarching goal of all efforts in every field is most appropriate in the context of child education. Through the simple day to day activities that are carried out in Early Childhood Education Centres, by ensuring that children’s learning experiences are meaningful and fun filled, it is believed that the foundations of happiness are laid. When there is a goal such as gross national happiness, provided it is not pursued with compulsive obsession, the early childhood programmes have a direction that enables them to support children in a way that balances their present wellbeing and future success. GNH as a guiding light is therefore an immensely enriching element in all early childhood programmes in Bhutan.
Karma Gayleg works with the Ministry of Education in Bhutan. As a Program Leader for ECCD in Bhutan since 2007, he gave momentum to the ECCD program through rigorous advocacy initiatives and innovative models of ECCD. He has been associated with ARNEC, as a country focal person and as steering committee member. He was also a Global Leader for the World Forum for Early Childhood in 2011-12 representing the Asia Pacific Region.
According to the government’s latest PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan report released on Monday, Class 3 students across India have yet to return to pre-COVID academic levels. The survey, conducted in December 2024, covered more than 21 lakh students from Classes 3, 6, and 9 across 74,229 schools, offering a large-scale snapshot of student learning recovery after the pandemic.
Among the three grades, Class 3 is the only one surveyed in all three rounds (2017, 2021, and 2024) — allowing for direct comparison. While there has been an uptick in scores since the 2021 assessment, they remain below the national average recorded in 2017.
In 2024, Class 3 students scored an average of 64% in language, compared to 62% in 2021 — but still lower than 66.7% in 2017. In Mathematics, the score stood at 60%, up from 57% in 2021, but below the 63% recorded in 2017.
Students were found to struggle the most in reading short stories and understanding them (60%), while performing best in everyday language usage (67%). In Maths, the lowest scores came in geometry and money concepts (50%), with the strongest performance in identifying basic shapes and number patterns (69%).
The survey’s structure is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which breaks school education into four key stages. Class 3 marks the end of the Foundational Stage, making it a crucial checkpoint for basic literacy and numeracy.
Classes 6 and 9: Scores Below 50% in Most Subjects
Students in Classes 6 and 9 showed average scores below 50% in all subjects except language, suggesting that older cohorts may be bearing the brunt of prolonged learning loss from pandemic-related school closures.
A senior official from the Ministry of Education noted that these grades missed nearly two full years of classroom instruction during a critical developmental period. Despite visible recovery since 2021, the learning gaps persist.
Why This Matters
The findings serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of the pandemic on India’s school education, especially for early learners. The report calls for targeted learning interventions, curriculum adjustments, and robust teacher support systems to help students recover foundational skills.
With only limited time before students transition into higher stages of schooling, the emphasis is now on accelerated catch-up strategies and deeper diagnostic assessments to address these persistent gaps.
Schools Undergoing Change in India
Schools in India are undergoing a major transformation. Teaching methods are evolving, and schools must meet rising expectations from students, parents, and educators. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced a fresh approach to learning, making it essential for new schools to be designed with these ideas in mind. Older campuses also need thoughtful upgrades and renovations to keep pace.
Schools must adapt to stay relevant in the years ahead. Designing flexible, future-ready spaces is no longer optional, it is vital for creating learning environments that will serve new generations for decades to come.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is reshaping education by focusing on hands-on, experience-based learning. It encourages students to take part in activities, real-world problem-solving, and interactive projects that spark curiosity and innovation. Collaboration is central — students work together to tackle challenges, share ideas, and find solutions. This approach deepens understanding and builds teamwork and communication skills needed for future work.
The Importance of Collaboration
Creating spaces that foster experiential learning, enhance engagement, and build critical thinking is essential. Collaborative spaces are a core part of modern school design. They encourage active learning and help students grasp concepts in a deep and meaningful way. By fostering collaboration, schools enable students to develop the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.
Evolving Traditional Classrooms
Traditional classrooms are changing fast. The old rows of desks facing the teacher are giving way to flexible layouts that support different ways of learning. Today’s classrooms can easily switch between standard seating for lectures, conference-style setups for group work, seminar formats for presentations, or campfire circles for open discussions.
Good spatial design plays a big role in building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A well-designed classroom makes it easy to rearrange furniture for each activity, helping students engage more, think creatively, and learn better together. Studies show students are more motivated and focused in classrooms that adapt to different teaching styles and make learning more interactive.
Spatial Design to Encourage Collaboration
Classrooms with movable furniture allow easy reconfiguration for group work, individual study, or interactive discussions. Flexibility is crucial in modern school design, with modular furniture, movable walls, and multipurpose rooms adapting to different needs. Removing long corridors and creating learning commons with classrooms around them is another innovative approach. Classrooms can open into these commons using sliding or folding partitions, creating a cohesive learning environment. Combining classrooms allows teachers to teach multiple groups together,
building a sense of community.
Breakout spaces offer small areas for group discussions, brainstorming, or quiet study, with comfortable seating and whiteboards. Makerspaces equipped with tools and materials foster innovation and hands-on learning by allowing students to apply theory in practice. Outdoor learning areas like gardens or amphitheaters add variety and encourage creativity. Technology-integrated spaces with interactive whiteboards and projectors enhance collaboration by making it easy for students to work together and share ideas. Learning pods provide semi-private spots for group work or individual study. Transparent walls and large windows create openness and bring in natural light, inspiring students to stay engaged.
Designing for well-being & Inclusion
Natural light, vibrant colours, and good acoustics make learning spaces more engaging. Inclusivity is essential so that diverse needs and abilities are accommodated, ensuring all students can succeed. Cross ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality are equally important — they improve physical comfort and well-being, helping students focus better.
Creativity is also key in effective learning spaces. From preschools to K-12, classrooms should inspire imagination and encourage students to think beyond the ordinary. Thoughtful design elements help create environments where curiosity and innovation thrive.
Conclusion
The future of learning will continue to evolve, but well-designed spaces will always play a central role. As educators and designers, we have a unique responsibility to create environments that inspire curiosity, spark ideas, and
support every learner’s journey. By designing schools that are flexible, inclusive, and future-ready, we build not just better classrooms but a stronger foundation for generations to come.
This article is authored by Vinod and Ranju Singhi, the Co-Founders and Principal Architects of BASICS Architects.
The Punjab government has announced that all Class 11 and 12 students in government schools will receive skill education in business and marketing from the upcoming academic session. The initiative is being implemented under the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme.
According to Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the programme aims to introduce basic entrepreneurship concepts to senior secondary students. As part of this, students will be required to develop and present business ideas as subject-linked projects. The state has also invested in setting up innovation labs in schools to support product development and technical training.
The initiative was formally presented at the Business Blasters Expo 2025, where student teams from various districts showcased business models to a panel of educators, industrialists, and startup professionals. According to official information, participating teams received financial support to take their ideas forward.
Some of the student-led projects included products such as handmade goods, natural cosmetics, customised simulators, framed artwork, and cycle-based mobility solutions. In one case, a student from Mullanpur Dakha created decorative items that were later sold in the market at a significantly higher margin.
The Education Minister also cited employment data between 2014–15 and 2021–22, pointing to a gap between job applicants and job placements. The scheme, he said, is being introduced with the aim of equipping students with skills relevant to today’s economic landscape.
Initially piloted in 30 schools, the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme is now being scaled across the state. The business and marketing module is expected to cover financial literacy, product development, market analysis, and customer outreach.
The government has stated that the curriculum will align with academic requirements while also supporting practical exposure. Further partnerships with technical institutions and industry stakeholders are also being explored.
Thousands of voices echoed across the valley districts of Manipur on 5th July, as students, teachers, and civil society members marched in unison, demanding an uninterrupted and safe educational environment. Marking the 18th Disturbance-Free Education Zone Demand Day, the rallies were spearheaded by the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), with support from over 15 civil society organisations.
Held across Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur, the rallies were unified under the message: “Make Education a Disturbance Free Zone.” From THAU Ground near the Legislative Assembly to Imphal College, and similar routes in other districts, demonstrators walked with banners, placards, and resolute slogans calling for peace and protection of learning spaces.
This year’s observance comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the state, as Manipur continues to reel from over two years of ethnic conflict, political instability, and administrative disruptions. These challenges have had a disproportionate impact on the state’s education system—schools in conflict zones have been intermittently closed, exams postponed, and many children displaced from both their homes and classrooms.
Speaking to the media during the rally, DESAM President Mayengbam Somorjit urged the government to pass legislation mandating a minimum of 220 academic days per year, to ensure stability and learning continuity even during crises. He emphasized that children in Manipur must not be deprived of their right to education because of circumstances beyond their control.
Other demands included the appointment of Directors of Education from among experienced educators, and greater transparency in recruitment and promotion processes within the education department. There were also strong appeals to armed groups to abstain from placing financial or material demands on educational institutions—a practice that has led to school closures and security concerns in the past.
The rallies were largely peaceful and drew significant participation from both urban and rural communities. Protesters stressed that beyond political resolution, restoring education must become a humanitarian priority.
In the past two years, students in conflict-affected districts have faced regular school closures, sporadic internet blackouts, and mental health challenges, as families grapple with violence, displacement, and uncertainty. NGOs and local educators have warned of rising dropout rates, learning loss, and a deepening digital divide—especially in remote or vulnerable communities.
While the larger political crisis in Manipur continues to seek resolution, the message from students and educators is clear: education must be safeguarded. As one banner read during the march: “Books, not bullets. Peace, not pauses.”
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday launched the ‘Tripura School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (TSQAAF),’ a state-level mechanism aimed at standardising and evaluating school performance to align with national quality benchmarks.
Speaking at the launch event at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Dr. Saha, who also holds the Education portfolio, emphasised that while academic knowledge is essential, it must be accompanied by values, social awareness, and holistic development.
“Textbook education can never be the standard of life,” the Chief Minister stated, adding, “Along with education, children should also be engaged in social work.”
The TSQAAF is expected to serve as an evaluative framework that not only sets indicators for school infrastructure, teaching practices, and learning outcomes but also focuses on co-curricular and value-based education. According to officials, the framework will allow schools across Tripura to be assessed, accredited, and guided for improvement on measurable parameters of quality.
Saha acknowledged that the state education department is adapting to the evolving needs of learners and aligning with national initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He highlighted the importance of uniformity in curriculum and assessment to ensure students across India are prepared for central-level competition.
“If there is a uniform question paper, our children can also compete centrally,” he said.
The CM also spoke about the broader responsibilities of teachers in shaping character, ethics, and social consciousness among students. He encouraged the inclusion of practical subjects that address social problems and life skills, going beyond syllabus-bound instruction.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to education reforms, Saha said quality teachers are being recruited through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), and more appointments are planned to strengthen the system further.
Senior officials, including Special Secretary of the Education Department Raval Hemendra Kumar, Director of Education N C Sharma, and SBI Foundation CEO Sanjay Prakash, were present at the event. The SBI Foundation has also extended support to the state’s education initiatives.
The TSQAAF initiative marks another step in Tripura’s education reform roadmap, aimed at creating a comprehensive schooling environment that prepares students for academic success while also cultivating civic responsibility.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently stationed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), answered questions from schoolchildren during a live interaction hosted under ISRO’s Vidyarthi Samvad Program.
The session, designed to bring students closer to the realities of space science, turned into a heartwarming and humorous conversation about food, sleep, and the sheer wonder of viewing Earth from space.
When asked how astronauts sleep in zero gravity, Shukla smiled and explained: “There is no floor or ceiling in space. Some of us sleep on the wall, some on the ceiling. We have to tie ourselves down so we don’t float away while sleeping.”
The conversation became sweeter when Shukla revealed that he brought familiar Indian flavours with him into orbit. “I have carried gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice with me from India,” he said, to the delight of the young audience. He clarified that the halwa was specially medicated for space missions, not made at home — a detail that sparked laughter and curiosity alike.
The astronaut also spoke about daily life aboard the ISS, including how exercise is essential to counter microgravity. “We ride bicycles here, but there are no seats. We strap ourselves in with belts,” he told the children, who were both fascinated and amused by the image.
For Shukla, however, the highlight of being in space remains the view of Earth. “That blue sphere, that light mist… seeing Earth from here is the most beautiful experience. It’s hard to describe in words.”
Addressing mental well-being, he shared how astronauts stay connected with their families. “Technology helps bridge the distance. We can talk to our loved ones, and that keeps us grounded — even when we’re not.”
Also present during the interaction was Group Captain Angad Pratap, a fellow member of the Gaganyaan mission crew, who encouraged students to consider careers in aviation and space science.
For many students, the session was a dream come true. “It felt like science fiction,” said one participant. “Now I believe I can go to space one day.”
As India continues its rapid progress in space exploration, conversations like these serve as reminders that inspiration is as critical as infrastructure — and that sometimes, a simple chat with an astronaut can launch the imagination of an entire generation.
In a recent public interaction, political campaigner and policy strategist Prashant Kishor detailed a long-term education plan aimed at overhauling Bihar’s school system. Emphasizing structural change over symbolic efforts, Kishor’s proposal focuses on centralized excellence, increased parental choice, and a phased financial roadmap over a 10-year period.
At the heart of the model lies a shift from quantity to quality. Rather than building one school in every village, the plan envisions five world-class government schools per administrative block, inspired by the legacy of the prestigious Netarhat Vidyalaya. These institutions would be open to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, with Kishor stating that school buses and transport access would ensure that no child travels more than 20 minutes to reach school.
For families dissatisfied with local government schools, the model introduces an alternative: state-funded access to private education. If a student opts for a regulated private school nearby, the government would bear the cost. According to Kishor, this mirrors global best practices and provides an immediate quality option while public school infrastructure is being upgraded.
Contrary to the common belief that government education is cost-free, Kishor highlighted that Bihar currently spends an average of ₹850 per month per child in public primary schools. In comparison, many private institutions operate at a lower cost. “It’s not about public versus private. It’s about outcomes and value,” he stated.
The financing strategy involves a three-part allocation of the current education budget:
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Building new elite schools (500 per year; 5,000 in 10 years)
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Improving existing government schools
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Funding private education for low-income students where needed
The total projected investment over a decade is ₹1 lakh crore.
The proposal has triggered a wider conversation around efficiency, equity, and the future direction of school education in under-resourced states. While it has been shared in a pre-election context, the structural detail and comparative lens make it notable for educationists and policymakers nationwide.
As the national education landscape continues to evolve post-NEP 2020, Bihar’s unfolding discourse offers a compelling case study on scalable, outcome-driven reform.
In a bid to support youth skilling in India, NIIT Foundation and YuWaah (a UNICEF India initiative) have jointly launched an Open Online Course in Digital Marketing as part of their #NayiDigitalDisha campaign.
The initiative has been rolled out in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha and aims to reach 500 participants. The 8-week online program has been structured to be accessible to learners from underserved and remote areas. Upon completion, students will receive a credential assessed by NCVET and certified by NSDC.
The curriculum focuses on practical digital marketing skills including social media strategy, online customer sourcing, and campaign execution. Course development was led by NIIT Foundation, drawing on industry consultation and its prior experience in skill training.
According to the organisers, the goal is to provide industry-aligned learning opportunities to help learners secure employment and enhance their readiness for digital roles. Participants will receive certifications from both NIIT Foundation and YuWaah, UNICEF.
The program’s implementation coincides with India’s broader push towards a skilled workforce, aligning with national goals to build digital and job-readiness capacity by 2047. The digital learning initiative is part of a larger ecosystem supported by YuWaah that includes career guidance, leadership opportunities, and pathways to socio-economic participation for young people.
Earlier success stories, such as a student securing job placements after course completion, indicate emerging results; however, the course’s full impact is yet to be assessed as it progresses through its first implementation cycle.
In a move set to impact India’s school education ecosystem, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, convened a high-level National Conference on Curricular and Assessment Equivalence of Boards and Improving Learning Outcomes at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi.
With over 250 senior officials from education departments, boards, SCERTs, and autonomous bodies like CBSE, KVS, and NVS, the conference reflected a coordinated push to align learning outcomes and assessment standards across India’s diverse schooling systems.
Chaired by DoSE&L Secretary Sanjay Kumar, the sessions explored how India can move toward competency-based education while ensuring fairness and flexibility for States/UTs. He emphasised that equivalence in curriculum and assessments is essential as India modernises its academic benchmarks in line with NEP 2020.
A key highlight was the launch of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan Dissemination Portal, giving open access to national and state-wise data on student performance. The tool is designed to help States/UTs craft targeted improvement plans.
Prof. Indrani Bhaduri, CEO of PARAKH, also unveiled the findings from the 2024 National Survey, highlighting district-wise variations and prompting calls for data-driven, localised reform.
Best practices from six States/UTs — including Kerala, Punjab, UP, and Maharashtra — offered a practical lens on how systemic innovations can drive classroom-level change.
The conference also delved into board equivalence frameworks, with seven State Boards — including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, and J&K — presenting models for alignment of curricula, assessments, and evaluation standards.
CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh spoke on school quality assurance, urging emphasis on self-evaluation and data transparency.
The conference spotlighted the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF) and called for the establishment of State School Standards Authorities (SSSA) in every State/UT.
Further, the session on vocational education equivalence underscored the importance of recognising school boards as vocational awarding bodies — a step towards seamless academic–skill integration and lifelong learning.
Ready Reckoner videos, Holistic Progress Cards (HPCs), and tools for continuous, child-centric evaluation were also introduced, aimed at embedding NEP’s vision in day-to-day school practice.
The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation: building an equitable, high-quality education system will require collaborative governance and commitment to learning for all.
More than 8,600 villages in Maharashtra remain without a single school, according to a recent report by the state’s Women and Child Development Department.
The gap isn’t just in classrooms. Nearly half of all government schools in the state have failed to install CCTV cameras, despite a Bombay High Court directive issued over a year ago mandating the move for student safety.
The numbers come from an internal state government communication that has now surfaced publicly, raising concerns about Maharashtra’s compliance with both the Right to Education (RTE) Act and judicial orders.
While urban education garners attention with smart classrooms and NEP pilot projects, rural Maharashtra still contends with the fundamentals: no schools, no surveillance, and often, no real learning environment.
The CCTV issue, though seemingly minor, ties directly to concerns about student safety and teacher accountability, especially in government-run schools where complaints often go unaddressed. The High Court directive had explicitly asked for CCTV cameras to be installed in all government school premises. Yet, as per the report, only 53% of schools have complied so far.
Educationists and civil society groups have pointed out that the absence of schools in over 8,000 villages violates the RTE Act’s basic requirement of ensuring a primary school within a 1-km radius of every habitation. These gaps disproportionately affect students from marginalized communities who lack access to private schooling options or reliable transportation.
While the state has announced new digital initiatives and curriculum reforms, this data signals the urgent need for parallel investment in basic school infrastructure and safety mechanisms, especially in rural and tribal regions.
If Maharashtra is serious about achieving educational equity, the solution isn’t just in policy blueprints or digital dashboards — it’s in ensuring that every child has a safe, functional school to go to.
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