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Year End Review 2019 – Department of School Education
In pursuance Prime Minister’s vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अच्छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education).

In pursuance Prime Minister's vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “सबकोशिक्षा, अच्छीशिक्षा ”(Education for All, Quality Education).
In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. MHRD has launched Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge and also launched NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme. Beside this, MHRD launched several new schemes in Higher Education Department to boost research & Innovation culture in the country. Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh andPARAMARSHare other major schemes of Department of Higher Education launched in 2019.
In the year of 2019, Ministry of HRD has actively participated in various nationwide campaigns like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB), Fit India Campaign, 70th anniversary of Constitution Day, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi among others. In order to preserve environment some campaigns have been initiated by MHRD. Save water and One Student One Tree are major successful campaigns of MHRD.
Major Achievements of Department of School Education & Literacy :
NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement :
A National Mission to improve learning outcomes at the elementary level through an Integrated Teacher Training Programme called NISHTHA – National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement has been launched on 21st August, 2019. This integrated programme aims to build the capacities of around 42 lakh teachers and Heads of Schools, faculty members of SCERTs and DIETs and Block Resource Coordinators and Cluster Resource Coordinators.
This training programme has been included as one of the two transformative ideas from Department for the 100 days programme of the Government. The initiative is first of its kind wherein standardized training modules are developed at national level for all States and UTs. However, States and UTs can contextualize the training modules and use their own material and resource persons also, keeping in view the core topics and expected outcomes of NISHTHA.
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu gave the DHRUV batches to all the 60 students selected under DHRUV programmehave been broadly chosen from classes 9 to 12, from all schools including government and private.
The students will both shine through their achievements and light a path for others to follow.
Union HRD Minister launches Integrated Online junction for School Education ‘Shagun’ :
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched one of world’s largest Integrated Online Junction for – School Education ‘Shagun’ in New Delhi on 28th August 2019. School Education Shagun (URL: htpp://shagun.govt.in/) is an over-arching initiative to improve school education system by creating a junction for all online portals and websites relating to various activities of the Department of School Education and Literacy in the Government of India and all States and Union Territories.
1200 KendriyaVidyalayas, 600 NavodayaVidyalayas, 18000 other CBSE affiliated schools, 30 SCERTs, 19000 organisations affiliated with NTCE among others are integrated with Shagun. Report cards of 15 lakh schools all over the country will be available on the newly created junction. The portal seeks to connect approximately 92 lakh teachers and 26 crore students.The website provides a very robust feedback mechanism. Common people can directly give their feedback about schools which will further increase the public participation and will ensure accountability and transparency.
President presents National Awards to 46 teachers from across the country for their exceptional contribution :
The purpose of National Awards to Teachers is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honor those teachers who through their commitment and industry have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.
This year the online self nomination process followed by 3 tier selection process at District, State and National level has been completed. The Independent National Jury recommended name of 46 teachers. The award carries a Silver Medal, Certificate and Rs. 50,000/- as award money.
PM interacts with students, teachers and parents at “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0” :
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, interacted with students, teachers and parents, as part of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 29th January 2019. The interaction, which lasted for over ninety minutes, saw students, teachers and parents relax, laugh, and repeatedly applaud the Prime Minister’s observations, which included a touch of humour and wit.Students from across the country, and also Indian students residing abroad, participated in the event.
National Workshop of HRD Ministry on Social Media Outreach & Communication :
Union Human Resource Development Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the 'Social Media Outreach & Communication: National Workshop on Management and Best Practices'organised by Ministry of HRD for various educational institutions and organisations in New Delhi on 27th December.Nearly 200 Social Media Champions from various Centrally funded educational institutions participated in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to bring the social media communication and outreach of various institutions under one umbrella and to open a channel for day to day communication and dialogue with these institutions.
Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) :
To ensure quality, credibility and timely availability of information from all the schools in the country, the revamped UDISE + has been launched by the Department. The GIS based mapping portal gives information about location of more than 15 lakh schools in the country along with some salient highlights. The Data Analytics portal gives percent information about the aggregate position of the school.
Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) 2.0 :
Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 for providing digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with teacher community. This initiative has been taken forward to enhance coverage and improve the quality of e-content for teachers…All States and UTs and also KVs and NVs have been asked to involve proactively in curating contents for DIKSHA. NCERT, CBSE are also actively involved in taking the DIKSHA initiative forward. Till date, more than 67000 of content pieces have been hosted on DIKSHA and more than 10.5 crore scans have been affected.
Performance Grading Index (PGI) :
To objectively evaluate the performance of the school education system in the States/UTs, MHRD has designed a 70 indicators based matrix called Performance Grading Index (PGI) to grade the States and UTs.
Operation Digital Board (ODB) :
The aim is to provide by March 2023, two smart classrooms for every Secondary/Senior Secondary schools in1,01,967 Government and 42,917 Aided schools in all States/UTs and 1704 KVs and NVs making a total of 1,46,588 schools. One-time amount of Rs.2.40 lakhs will be required to procure hardware, including accessories and a recurring cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs (for 5 years) for electricity charges, internet connection etc. The total budgetary requirement will be Rs. 8782.55 crore (Rs. 5671.50 crore required by the DoSEL, MHRD and rest Rs. 3111.05 crore by States) spread over a period from April 2020-21 to March 2026-27. Broad features of this project have been finalized and draft EFC note will soon be uploaded as per prescribed procedure (after ‘in principal’ approval of D/o Expenditure).
Scheme for Financial Assistance for Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) :
The Centrally Sponsored restructured scheme of ‘Appointment of Language Teachers (ALT) Scheme’ has been launched for the remaining period of current FY 2019-20 i.e. from October, 2019 to March, 2020 for appointment and training of Hindi teachers in North Eastern States and the Urdu Teachers in States/UTs. A proposal is being prepared to extend this scheme.
Mid-Day Meal (MDM) :
The National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools, popularly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is an on-going Centrally-Sponsored Scheme which covers all school children studying in Classes I-VIII of Government, Government-Aided, Special Training Centres including Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. During 2018-19, 11.98 crore children studying in 11.34 lakh institutions have been enrolled under the Scheme. A total of 24.95 lakh cook-cum-helpers have been engaged by the States/UTs under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and more than 90% are women. Out of 24.95 lakh cooks, 21% SCs, 15% STs, 42% OBCs and 7% are from Minorities.
** Releases as on date i.e. 23.12.2019
School Nutrition Gardens (SNG) :
A guideline on School Nutrition Gardens has been issued to all states and UTs. It is a place where herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown in the school premises for use in preparation of Mid-Day Meal.
Samagra Shiksha :
First time introduction of Library Grant and promotion of reading :
- The Central Government has launched the Integrated scheme for school education named as SamagraShikshaw.e.f 2018-19. Under the Samagra Shiksha, for the first time, Library grant at school level has been introduced.
- States/UTs have also been advised to set up Readers’ Club in schools in a phased manner with the help of National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL), is a wing of National Book Trust (NBT) to promote the habit of reading.
- In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 71164.78 lakh has been approved under library grant for 1009357 schools of different categories.
Sports and Physical Education :
- In the year 2019-20, an outlay of Rs. 800.40 crore has been approved under sports grant for 1002558 government schools of different categories.
- The fresh guidelines for sports and physical education are being prepared.
- NCERT organized Yoga Olympiad across the country at various levels, schools from states and UTs, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools participated in the Yoga Olympiad, culminating in the National Yoga Olympiad on 18th to 20th June, 2019 at NCERT, New Delhi.
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made Health and Physical Education compulsory in all classes from I-XII. It has been advised to schools that Health and Physical Education includes three areas i.e. Health Education, Physical Education and Yoga and all three areas are essential to achieve holistic health (physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual).
Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalaya :
- There are Four Types of KGBVs under Samagra Shiksha which are as under:
- Type-I: Existing KGBVs for classes VI to VIII.
- Type-II: KGBVs for classes VI to X.
- Type-III: KGBVs for classes VI to XII.
- Type-IV: Existing Girls’Hostel for IX to XII.
- Under Samagra Shiksha, total 5930 KGBVs have been sanctioned in the country out of which 4881 KGBVs are operational enrolling 6.18 lakh girls as on 30.09.2019.
- In the year 2019-20, Rs. 424750.05 lakh has been sanctioned for all KGBVs in the country.
Safety and Security of School Children :
- The Department of School Education and Literacy has issued a letter on 18.10.2019 to all States and UTs for display of ‘School Safety Pledge’ on a board or painted on wall at prominent places in all Schools. Under Samagra Shiksha, a provision of Rs. 500/- per school has been made in this regard. This Department is framing the guidelines for safety and security of school children. In this regard, consultations have been held with various stakeholders including students, teachers, Counsellors, Principals and School Managements.
Self Defence Training for Girls :
- Self defence training is being imparted to girls of class VI to XII belonging to Government Schools under Samagra Shiksha. Fund for this purpose is provided for three months @ Rs. 3000/- per school per month.
- Self defence training is also being given in Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalayas.
- Under Samagra Shiksha, an amount of Rs. 15346.257 lakh has been estimated for 180160 Elementary Schools and Rs. 6656.358 lakh has been estimated for 81800 Secondary Schools for self defence training for the year 2019-20.
Equity :
- Bridging gender and social category gaps at all levels of school education is one of the major objectives of Samagra Shiksha. The Scheme attempts to reach out to girls, and children belonging to SC, ST, Minority communities and transgender.
- State specific interventions: Special state specific projects for varied interventions under equity are emphasized for enhancing access, retention and quality by promoting enrolment drives, retention and motivation camps, gender sensitization modules etc.
- State specific projects for varied interventions are sanctioned by the Project Approval Board as per the Annual Work Plans proposed by the State/UT concerned. A total of Rs. 21486.35 lakh at elementary level and Rs. 16083.22869 lakh at secondary level have been approved for various State specific projects for the year 2019-20.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) :
- Scholarship to the 34493 students involving an amount of Rs. 40.71 crore has been sanctioned.
- Approx 1,33,460 successful application have been received on NSP.
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) :
- Incentive amount of Rs. 8.56 crore to the 28547 beneficiaries girls have been sanctioned.
PARTICIPATION IN NATIONWIDE INITIATIVES :
1. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) :
- HRD Ministry is the nodal ministry for this flagship campaign of Government of India.An illustrative list of suggested activities has been drawn up by the Department of School Education & Literacy. The Department has shared detailed guidelines including calendar of activities with all the States and UTs and concerned organizations for carrying out all the activities in all the schools.
- These activities include Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Utsav, Talking Hour in morning assembly for news and information on partnering State, Student’s State Project Notebook, learning of alphabets and of folk songs, translation of proverbs and 100 sentences of partnering State, inclusion of few pages in course book in the language of partnering State, Know your Partnering State, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat School Report, Themed Display Board and Wall Magazine, State Day celebration of partnering States, Cultural Competition on partnering State, Essay competition, Drama (on culture, history & tradition), Optional Classes on language of partnering State, Literary Fest, Pledge on Important National Campaigns in the language of partnering State and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat annual report.
- The schools are to organize these activities as per the calendar shared by the Department or in coordination with partnering States/UTs, keeping in view the academic calendar. The schools are required to maintain a report on activities conducted under “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” in the form of quarterly and annual school report. The State/UTs have been requested to upload/send action taken report, videos and photographs of the activities at [email protected].
2. Fit India Campaign :
- The Fit India Movement was launched by the Prime Minister on 29th August, 2019 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
- Department of School Education and Literacy in co-ordination with Department of Sports, organised the Fitness Pledge on 29th August, 2019 in States and UTs, KendriyaVidyalayaSangathan (KVS), NavodayaVidyalayas Samiti (NVS), Central Board of Secondary Education. Nearly, thirteen lakh schools and eleven crore students all over the country took the fitness pledge.
- Further, guidelines on Fit India Plogging Run prepared by Department of Sports were issued by Department of School Education and Literacy to States, UTs, KVS, NVS and CBSE to organize Fit India Plogging Run on 2nd October, 2019. Awareness on ‘No to Single Use Plastic’ and Collection of plastic garbage from homes, streets and open spaces was the main focus of the event.
- Department of Sports has prepared a ranking system of Fit India Schools to make Fit India a people’s movement. This department has written to all Principal Secretaries/Secretaries, School Education Department of States/UTs regarding “Fit India Movement-Fit India School” and to attain Fit India 3 or 5 Star.
- Following the recommendations of the reviewing Committee of Fit India Movement , the school education department has advised the States and UTs to organise daily fitness classes in all schools and all sports facilities available in States and UTs should be made available to the school students.
3. Constitution Day :
- Celebration of Constitution Day on 26th November, 2019 and yearlong activities are to be organised in all schools up to the 26th November, 2020. Accordingly, a calendar of activities was prepared and States and UTs were advised to carry out the following activities:
- Pledge taking ceremony to mark the occasion by reading of the Preamble to the constitution in a special assembly in the school
- Debates, essay competitions, cultural programs, quiz competitions, seminars and lectures etc. may be held at State, District and school levels.
- State level essay, debate and quiz competitions on fundamental duties and themes related to constitution may be organized across the State, the winners at State level may be suitably rewarded.
- Reading of Preamble and Fundamental Duties.
- Organizing Mock Parliament.
- Public messages on Fundamental Duties for dissemination among students and staff during the celebrations. Brochures, pamphlets and e-posters on Fundamental Duties may be prepared in Hindi, English and regional languages and distributed in schools among students.
- Effective utilization of Government/Organisation websites and MyGov platform to encourage citizen centric activities on the prescribed theme. Students may be encouraged to participate in online quiz/ Olympiad competitions being organized by MyGov.
- Invite eminent personalities from different walks of life to disseminate the message of Fundamental Duties.
- Talks by eminent lawyers and legal scholars on Fundamental Duties and related themes may be organised in schools.
About 9.63 lakh schools and 10.96 crore students participated in the reading of Preamble and other activities across the country on 26th November, 2019.
4. 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi :
- 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is being commemorated for a period of two years from 2nd October, 2018 to 2nd October, 2020 throughout the nation as well as at international level. The Department of School Education & Literacy is conducting nationwide activities for the same. The following activities have been completed by Dept. of School Education & Literacy:
- CBSE organised Expression Series on Mahatma Gandhi from 19th August to 3rd September, 2019. Approximately 4.5 lakh students participated across the country. 4314 shortlisted entries were uploaded by schools on CBSE Expression Series App out of which 18 selected as best entries. The Expression Series was based on the life, vision and philosophy of the father of the nation. The series was meant to provide a creative outlet to children and provide them with a platform to express themselves on various themes. The winners of the series were felicitated by HRM on 1st October, 2019 in the programme organized to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- A large National Level Function was organised on lst October, 2019 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi
- Swachh Bharat Diwas (Shramdan: Plastic Waste Collection) was organized on 2nd October 2019 and 6,70,33,153 students of 7,73,050 schools participated in Shramdaan for Plastic Waste Collection on 2nd October 2019.
- Intensive programmes and activities on Mahatma Gandhi were organized in schools during the week from 23rd September, 2019 to 2nd October, 2019.
Kala Utsav :
- Kala Utsav is an initiative of the Department of School Education & Literacy to recognize the importance of aesthetics and artistic experiences for school students, which play a major role in creating awareness of India’s rich cultural heritage and its vibrant diversity. The National level Kala Utsav is scheduled to be held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh form 2nd -5th January, 2020. Competitions will be held in the four themes of Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance and Painting at District and State levels and the winning teams thereafter will participate at the national level competition. The Students of Classes IX to XII of any Government, Government –aided and Private schools may participate in Kala Utsav. A total of 38 teams (36 State/UTs +KVS+NVS) are likely to participate at the National level.
Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEMU :
- Project Approval Meeting of the SPQEM was held on 16th September,2019 wherein Rs. 8788.00 lakh for General States and UTs with Legislature has been approved. Whereas an amount of Rs. 950.00 lakh and 2.00 lakh were approved for NER states and UTs without Legislature respectively.
- Till date, Rs. 5912.808 lakh has been released to States under SPQEM. File of Rs.806.10 lakh has been processed/under submission.
Infrastructure Development of Private Aided/Unaided Minority Institutes (IDMI) :
- Project Approval Meeting of the IDMI was held on 27th November, 2019 wherein Rs. 2000.00 lakh for General States and Rs. 250 lakh for NER States have been approved.
- An amount of Rs. 303.63 lakh under IDMI scheme has been processed to release.
Snapshot of Coverage of Children with Special Needs -CwSN (2019-20) :
- More than 20 lakh CWSN enrolled in schools or receiving home based education.
- Rs. 136375.31 lakh estimated for various interventions of Inclusive Education for CWSN for the year 2019-20.
- Braille textbooks are being provided to 40,311 children with visual impairment at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay of Rs. 123.25 lakh.
- Large print books are being provided to 91,254 children with low vision at elementary level (class I to VIII) with an estimated outlay ofRs.289.00 lakh.
- Outlay of Rs. 619.09 lakh has been estimated for in-service training of 26,817 special educators.
- 5.96 lakh girls with special needs receiving stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- More than 2.32 lakh CWSN using aids and appliances through scheme/s like ADIP etc.
- Total outlay of Rs. 1911.05 lakh has been estimated for conducting 17,734 sports events and exposure visits thus promoting social inclusion.
- Approximately 64.24% of schools at elementary level and 58.28% at secondary level are equipped with ramps with handrails and approximately 19.59% of schools at elementary level and 24.40% at secondary level have disabled friendly toilets (DFT) to enhance retention of CWSN in regular schools.
- An outlay of Rs. 1995.93 lakh has been estimated for 58,392 assistive devices, equipmentsand teaching learning materials (TLM).
- Engagement of 28,285 resource persons and special educators have been estimated to cater to the diverse & unique needs of CWSN from elementary to higher secondary level.
Initiatives by autonomous organizations for CwSN :
- Books in Accessible Format on e-Pathshala Portal for CwSN has been developed by NCERT, the ePathshala mobile app supports Text to Speech to help children with visual impairment.
- Audio books have been developed by NCERT, in which textbooks are presented in audio form, to help the visually challenged learners
- NCERT has developed Tactile Map Books with 25 maps and diagrams, with Braille and English text to encourage collaborative learning.
- CBSE’s provision for CwSN: Exemptions/ Concessions Rules Applicable for Both Class X & XII Board Exam Facility of Scribe and compensatory time: Candidates with disabilities as defined in The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 are permitted to use a Scribe or allowed Compensatory time etc.
CONSTRUCTION OF JNV BUILDINGS :
- As per 100 days action plan, newly constructed building of 10 JNVs i.e. Kanshiram Nagar(UP), Malkangiri-II (Odisha), Sitapur-II (UP), Dang (Gujarat), Navsari (Gujarat), Puri (Odisha), Palwal (Haryana), Bhandara (Maharashtra), Jhabua-II (MP), Ahemdabad (Gujarat) were inaugurated.
- As a part of 100 days agenda foundation laying done in respect of 10 JNVs and construction work begun viz. SefaiJala (Tripura), South Tripura (Tripura), South West Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri (W.B.) Kalaburgi-I (Karnataka) & Kolar (Karnataka) Jhabua (MP) &Mahisagar (Gujarat).
- · Construction of additional dormitory has been completed in JNV Srikakulam, JNV Vishakhapatnam, JNV Vijayanagaram, JNV Kodagu & JNV Mandya.
- · Infrastructure for implementation of Rooftop grid connected Solar power has been completed on 176 sites. Generation of power has also been started on 12 sites. On other JNVs, net metering is awaited.
RECRUITMENT :
- Process for engagement of 01 male and 01 female counsellor in all functional JNVs has been completed. Recruitment for filling up 2370 posts advertised on 9th July, 2019 is at advance stage of completion.
- Offers of appointment to 218 PGTs have been issued. Joining status is awaited.
It eliminates the prevailing manual system of service processes followed in the organization & to improve access to real-time data for decision support and to enhance efficiency and transparency of school operations, development of “ShaalaDarpan” project is has been developed with the help of C-DAC, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE of NVS Students :
ADMISSION IN IITS, NITS AND MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NVS STUDENTS : 2019
JEE |
NEET |
|||
Appeared in JEE Main |
11733 |
Appeared in NEET |
16156 |
|
Qualified in JEE Main |
4451 |
Qualified in NEET |
12654 |
|
Qualified in JEE Advanced -First list |
966 |
TREE PLANTATION :
All field units of NVS have been instructed to implement “One Student One Tree Campaign”. It aims at involving school students in raising plant nurseries to bring them closer to natural environment, help them understand the natural processes of germination and feel the joy of watching saplings grow. Students are involved in activities right from sowing the seed to transplanting, watering, weeding etc. so that students can learn the process also. More than 2.40 lakhs saplings were planted by the of students of JNVs in 2019-20.
SHAALA DARPAN :
ShaalaDarpan portal of NVS has been launched on 06.11.2019 at National Museum Auditorium, New Delhi by Shri Sanjay Dhotre, Minister of State for HRD.
Digital initiatives :
Process of application for the Class VI examination has been made online leading to better access for the rural population to the application process. Faceless admission process has resulted in more transparency and least corruption.
- Process of transfer has been made online which has resulted in increased transparency and timely completion of the process.
- Recruitment process has been made online and faceless till appointment. The appointment letters are also downloaded by candidates using their login password.
Achievements-2019
- Inauguration of new constructed school buildings: 17 newly constructed school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas were inaugurated .
- Foundation Stone laying of school buildings : Minister of HRD has laid the foundation stone of 7 school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas.
- Opening of New KendriyaVidyalayas : During last 6 months 25 KendriyaVidyalayas have been opened.
- Filling up of vacancies:The details of posting of staff in the last 6 months in various KendriyaVidyalyaas / Regional Offices / KVS (Hqrs.) are as under :
S.No. |
Name of Post |
Pay level |
No. of offer of appointment issued |
|
PRT |
06 |
3000 |
|
TGT (English, Hindi, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Sanskrit) |
07 |
3473 |
|
Assistant Section Officer |
06 |
31 |
|
Senior Secretariat Assistant |
04 |
218 |
|
Junior Secretariat Assistant |
02 |
684 |
|
Steno. Grade II |
04 |
37 |
Total |
7443 |
Click here for more details on KVS achievements.
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (CBSE)
Achievement-2019
CBSE has taken up several initiatives like formation of Hubs of Learning programme, training school teaches, process of recruitment of teachers, a new Vidya-Daanprogramme, preparation of students for PISA 2021, celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi, AryabhatGanit Challenge , handbooks on Artificial Intelligence for school children, and participation in national Campaigns like Fit India, Swachchtha, EBSB among others.
Click here for details of activities of CBSE.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHER EDUCATION :
Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) :
NCTE has invited applications form the institutions seeking recognition for 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). The institutions have submitted online applications which will be processed as per the provisions stipulated in the relevant Regulations. Applications were invited between 03.06.2019 and 31.07.2019.
Launching of online Performance Appraisal Report system (PAR) :
One of the conditions of recognition by NCTE is to direct the filing of a Performance Appraisal Report annually, which includes annual statement of accounts duly audited by a Chartered Accountant
The Online Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) system was formally launched on 23rd September 2019 and all recognized TEIs are required to fill up data on various regulatory parameters.
Launching of Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS) :
Some prospective employers prior to employing a person as a teacher require verification of recognition status from NCTE regarding degree/diploma/certificate in teacher education. In this regard, the NCTE has launched Online Teacher-Pupil Registration Management System (OTPRMS) to facilitate candidates who have passed out of teacher education programmes from NCTE recognized institution (s). This programme was launched on 26.07.2019.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations :
The NCTE in its Silver Jubilee year organized an International Conference with the theme “Journey of Teacher Education: Local to Global on 17th and 18th August, 2019. The Conference highlighted the achievements of the Indian education system and facilitated dissemination of quality global practices in teacher education.
The NCTE intends to engage its resources towards launching “Project Lighthouse” by identifying 700 institutions, approximately one in each district of the country in the first phase. The partner Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) will be selected by NCTE through a transparent procedure and they shall be academically and administratively supported and mentored for running an emblematic 2-year B.Ed. programme from the academic session 2020-21 onwards. This programme is expected to prepare 70,000 exemplar teachers in the year 2020-22. The selection of the 700 TEIs shall be done for 5 consecutive years after which 3,500 model TEIs will be capacitated to prepare a total of 3,50,000 quality teachers trained at international levels of competence. The TEIs so selected will be supported with several specific interventions like a centralized entrance examination for admission of students, a revised and up-to-date curriculum, capacity building of the teacher educators, etc. It is also envisioned to arrange for international placement of some selected student-teachers of these TEIs.
- Instituting “Best Teacher Educator Award” to be given to 20 exemplary teacher-educators every year.
The NCTE has initiated a programme for awarding 20 meritorious teacher educators every year. The first instalment of awards will be given in 2020.
Education
What Nepal’s Gen Z Protests Teach Us About Education, Civic Sense, and Media Literacy

As we approach closer to International Day of Democracy on 15 September, I note that too often it feels like a ceremonial date, there in the calendar, acknowledged in our social media posts or a few articles but rarely lived. This year feels different because of what we are witnessing just across the border in Nepal.
Over the past week, the country’s young people have stepped onto the streets in a movement that has already become one of the most remarkable democratic awakenings of recent times. Their demand is clear: an end to corruption and the beginning of accountable governance. What makes this moment extraordinary is not only the courage to speak up but the way in which they have chosen to act. They have nominated their own candidate for the prime minister’s office. They are marching in huge numbers yet also bending down to collect trash after the rallies. They are organising traffic, repairing roads, giving first aid to strangers. They are not tearing down a nation, they are stitching it back together in full public view.
This is the generation that adults so often accuse of being lethargic, self-absorbed, or distracted by screens. In Nepal, the same generation has shown that democracy can be reclaimed and rebuilt when the young decide to act with clarity and purpose. They are proving that democracy is not just a system of elections and slogans. It is a lived responsibility where every citizen must carry their share of the weight.
Modern protests look very different from those of the past. They are no longer confined to placards and sit-ins. They are physical and digital at once, fuelled by the energy of young people who know how to use social media not only to amplify outrage but also to organise, to mobilise, and to build communities of action.
The world has seen hashtags rise and fade like shooting stars. Nepal’s youth have gone beyond that. They are grounding their protest in discipline, service, and responsibility. That is what makes it impossible to ignore.
And why should this matter to us across the border?
For educators in India, there is a powerful reminder here. Democracy is only as strong as the awareness of its youngest citizens. A classroom that teaches civics as a dry subject but does not teach students how to live its values is missing the point. Critical thinking, civic sense, and media literacy are no longer optional add-ons. They are survival skills in a democracy that must constantly defend itself against apathy, misinformation, and abuse of power.
The message is not that Indian students must take to the streets at the first sign of discontent. The message is that they must never take their rights for granted. They must understand that those in power are always less powerful than the power of the people. Questioning authority with responsibility, demanding accountability without violence, and raising their voice when it matters most are not acts of rebellion. They are the beating heart of democracy.
Teachers, parents, and institutions often worry that if children are taught to question, they will lose respect for authority. Nepal’s youth are showing us that the opposite is true. When young people learn how to question responsibly, they do not weaken democracy. They strengthen it. They protect it. They ensure that it does not become an empty word.
On this International Day of Democracy, Nepal’s streets are giving us a lesson no textbook can. Democracy is not a static gift handed down by leaders. It is a daily act of participation, awareness, and responsibility. If we want India’s democracy to remain alive and resilient, our classrooms must prepare young people not only to dream about their future but also to defend the principles that make that future possible.
Education
UK and US Tighten Student Visas: What Indian Schools and Students Must Know

The tightening of student visa policies in the US and UK has created understandable anxiety among Indian families.
In the UK, the Graduate Route visa may be reduced from two years to 18 months for undergraduates and master’s graduates, while doctoral students may keep three years. Most taught master’s students can no longer bring dependents, the country has raised proof of funds by over 11%, moved to digital e-visas and tightened university compliance.
The US has proposed limiting the F-1 visa to a fixed four-year term, requiring extensions for longer programmes such as PhDs. Interview waivers have been eliminated, and third-country applications are no longer permitted. Backlogs at Indian consulates have worsened, and a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will soon add to costs.
While complex, these changes reflect a global trend: governments are balancing immigration management with continued student flows. For Indian applicants, this means approaching the process with a sharper focus and stronger preparation.
What these changes mean for Indian students
The proposed cut of the Graduate Route visa to 18 months may cause concern, but this timeframe is enough to build career foundations, especially for students who engage early with employers. Restrictions on dependants may deter older applicants, but younger students will still find the UK attractive. The move to digital e-visas actually simplifies the verification process, while higher proof of funds requirements will require earlier financial planning. Additionally, English language changes should not affect Indian applicants, who already meet or exceed the required standards.
In the US, the proposed four-year F-1 limit introduces uncertainty for PhD students; yet, the country still offers unmatched academic choices, world-class research opportunities, and globally valued degrees. The loss of interview waivers, the ban on third-country applications and the new fee add costs and delays, but with early planning and budgeting, these hurdles are manageable. For many families, the academic ecosystem, extensive networks and long-term career benefits of a US education outweigh the administrative challenges.
How admissions counsellors and schools can guide students
Schools and counsellors now have a greater responsibility. Planning must begin early, whether preparing for tests, selecting courses or booking visa appointments, so backlogs and rule changes cause less disruption. Financial planning is equally critical, as higher UK proof of funds and new US fees make it essential to understand costs well in advance. Counsellors should also help students think long term, making strategic academic and career choices while exploring alternatives beyond the US and UK. With preparation and broad awareness, families can navigate uncertainty without losing sight of their goals.
Looking beyond the US and UK
These changes should not deter Indian families from considering the US or UK. Both remain prestigious destinations with world-class academic ecosystems. At the same time, I encourage families to keep alternatives in mind. Canada, Ireland, Australia and parts of Europe offer attractive post-study work options, while Singapore, Japan and the UAE are emerging as strong contenders closer to home.
In fact, at The Red Pen, pre-COVID, we saw families looking at an average of two destinations. This has now moved to 3.2. Keeping options open is a good idea.
Students can also explore new-age Indian universities such as Ashoka, Krea, Plaksha, FLAME and Jindal, which offer programmes on par with international standards. In addition, 12 global universities are opening campuses in India. While Deakin University, Wollongong University and the University of Southampton are already established, new entrants from 2026 include the Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, Coventry University, University of York, University of Western Australia, University of Aberdeen, Istituto Europeo di Design and Western Sydney University.
While tighter visa rules demand careful planning, expert guidance ensures that international education remains firmly within reach.
This article is authored by-

Namita Mehta- President and Partner, The Red Pen
Namita drives business growth and global partnerships at The Red Pen, representing the firm at international education forums and building key alliances, including a landmark collaboration with U.S. News & World Report. Recognised among BW Education’s 40 Under 40 and The PIE’s 50 Voices in Leadership, she has twice been shortlisted for the HerRising Awards. Namita has judged the PIE Education Awards, spoken at HSBC, Ashoka University, IC3 and Master’s Union, and contributed to leading publications such as Economic Times, Mint, Hindustan Times and The PIE News. She also serves on the advisory board of The Outreach Collective.
Education
Kidspreneurship Appoints Kushark Jaiswal as Chief Global Officer to Drive International Expansion

Kidspreneurship, the Singapore-based global EdTech venture focused on building entrepreneurial mindsets in children, has announced the appointment of Kushark Jaiswal as its Chief Global Officer. In this role, he will lead the company’s ambitious international expansion, leveraging its current base of 20,000 learners across multiple countries.
Jaiswal brings over 21 years of leadership experience in education, international sales, and business development. He most recently served as Vice President of International Sales at Educational Initiatives, where he expanded the company’s footprint across global markets. His career also includes senior positions as Director, Founder, and Head of International at leading education ventures, where he built large-scale partnerships with schools, governments, and institutions worldwide. Holding a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Management from TAPMI, along with dual degrees in Law and Commerce, Jaiswal brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision, legal insight, and commercial expertise.
With his appointment, Kidspreneurship is preparing to accelerate its reach across APAC, the Middle East, Africa, LATAM, and Europe, as it works towards its mission of impacting over one million young learners globally by 2030.
Speaking about his new role, Jaiswal said, “What excites me most about Kidspreneurship is its ability to combine creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship into a seamless, scalable model for schools. Around the world, education leaders are looking for partners who can bridge the gap between vision and execution. I am thrilled to join Kidspreneurship in taking this mission global and shaping the next generation of changemakers.”

Swati Gauba Kochar, Founder and Thinker in Chief, Kidspreneurship
Swati Gauba Kochar, Founder and Thinker in Chief at Kidspreneurship, called the appointment a pivotal moment. “Kushark’s experience in scaling global education ventures and his deep understanding of diverse markets will help us fast-track our vision of making entrepreneurial education accessible to every child, everywhere.”

Tanya Sarin, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, Kidspreneurship
Tanya Sarin, Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, added, “Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in young learners. With Kushark leading our international expansion, we will be able to bring this transformative learning to millions more children across cultures and geographies—equipping them not only to dream, but to build.”
Kidspreneurship has positioned itself as a bridge between policy and practice. With entrepreneurial and 21st-century skills already integrated into education policies worldwide, schools often struggle with classroom implementation at scale. Kidspreneurship provides a plug-and-play ecosystem that includes a multi-year structured curriculum, maker kits, tinkering experiences, an AI-powered digital platform for assessments, and teacher enablement programmes. This model ensures smooth adoption and measurable impact across geographies.
Education
Parliamentary Panel Calls for Media Literacy Curriculum in Schools

A parliamentary panel has raised strong concerns over the unchecked spread of fake news, calling it a “serious threat” to democracy, public order, and individual safety. In its draft report adopted on September 9, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, recommended sweeping reforms to curb misinformation while ensuring freedom of speech is not undermined.
While the report contains provisions such as stricter penalties, amendments to penal laws, and mandatory fact-checking across media houses, one of its most significant recommendations is the introduction of a comprehensive media literacy curriculum in schools. The committee stressed that misinformation is not only a political or technological problem but also an educational one, requiring long-term interventions that prepare young citizens to navigate information responsibly.
The proposed curriculum would train students to critically analyse media content, identify credible sources, understand the influence of algorithms, and distinguish between facts, opinions, and propaganda. Teacher training and awareness campaigns are expected to form a major part of this initiative, ensuring that schools can act as the first line of defence against misinformation. By embedding media literacy into the classroom, the government hopes to build a generation that is resilient to fake news, deepfakes, and manipulative content.
Such a curriculum could empower students to develop critical thinking skills and a questioning mindset, which are essential in a digital-first world. Students would not only learn to verify information but also become responsible content creators, aware of the ethical dimensions of what they share online. At the same time, educationists warn against turning media literacy into a tool for censorship or political indoctrination. The curriculum must avoid prescribing “what to think” and instead focus on “how to think,” giving children the tools to independently assess information rather than forcing state-approved narratives.
The committee has also recommended teacher training programmes, digital grievance redressal systems, and collaborative efforts between government, private media, and independent fact-checkers. It cited global models such as France’s law on election misinformation and urged India to take a leadership role in framing policies that address both local and cross-border misinformation.
Among other measures, the draft report proposed mandatory internal ombudsmen in all media organisations, stricter penalties for repeat offenders, licensing requirements for AI content creators, and mandatory labelling of AI-generated material. The panel also pushed for inter-ministerial collaboration through a dedicated task force to address misinformation that crosses national borders.
The report echoed concerns over the “safe harbour” clause in Section 79 of the IT Act, which protects intermediaries from liability for third-party content. It recommended exploring amendments to hold platforms accountable without stifling free speech.
Terming fake news a global challenge that undermines democratic institutions, market stability, and individual reputations, the panel underlined that India cannot afford complacency. The move to integrate media literacy into education could be one of the most transformative outcomes of the committee’s recommendations, equipping the next generation to live, learn, and lead responsibly in an age of digital overload, if implemented fairly.
Education
National Task Force Calls for Wider Participation in Surveys on Student Well-being and Suicide Prevention

On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, the National Task Force (NTF) on Student Well-being and Suicide Prevention has appealed to students, parents, faculty, institutions, and mental health professionals across India to participate in nationwide surveys aimed at addressing the growing crisis of student suicides.
The Task Force has been mandated to prepare a comprehensive report that identifies the major causes of student suicides, including ragging, discrimination, academic pressure, financial stress, and stigma around mental health. It will also examine systemic shortcomings and recommend actionable measures to improve institutional support systems.
India is home to over 60,380 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with 4.46 crore students and 16 lakh faculty members, according to AISHE 2022–23. However, the NCRB’s 2022 data revealed that 13,044 students died by suicide, making up 7.6 percent of all suicide deaths in the country. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for coordinated interventions.
So far, the NTF has visited 13 institutions across Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, holding consultations with students, faculty, and administrators. Special focus has been placed on the experiences of disadvantaged groups, including SC-ST students, students with disabilities, and queer students. Civil society groups and NGOs have also contributed valuable inputs during these consultations.
The Task Force is currently running online surveys in English and Hindi to capture diverse perspectives. To date, over 80,000 students, 10,000 faculty members, 15,000 parents, 700 mental health professionals, and 8,000 concerned citizens have already responded. The surveys are open to the public at ntf.education.gov.in.
Regulatory bodies such as AICTE, NMC, Pharmacy Council, Nursing Council, and Bar Council have been instructed by the Department of Higher Education to ensure institutional compliance. All HEIs registered under AISHE must complete the institutional survey by 12th September 2025, providing data on student composition, mental health services, dropout rates, grievance redressal mechanisms, and measures related to well-being.
The NTF has also launched ULLAS Literacy Week from 1st to 8th September 2025, encouraging collective participation. Its final report will aim to reshape how Indian higher education institutions respond to mental health challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preventing student suicides and fostering safe, inclusive campuses.
Take the survey here: https://ntf.education.gov.in
Education
Himachal Joins List of Fully Literate States as India Marks International Literacy Day 2025

The Ministry of Education celebrated International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, with the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.” The event was addressed by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, alongside senior officials, education leaders, learners, and volunteers.
A key highlight of the celebration was the announcement that Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth state to achieve full functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa. Ladakh, which declared itself fully literate in 2024, remains the first Union Territory to do so.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the gathering virtually, lauded India’s progress in literacy, noting that the national rate has risen from 74 percent in 2011 to 80.9 percent in 2023–24. He emphasised that literacy is more than just the ability to read and write, calling it a means of dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance. Pradhan also highlighted the transformative role of the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners with the support of 42 lakh volunteers, providing learning materials in 26 Indian languages.
Jayant Chaudhary praised the achievement of Himachal Pradesh, especially given the state’s challenging terrain, and underscored that communities, governments, and volunteers together made it possible. He further observed that literacy in India has now expanded to digital literacy, pointing to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of global leadership in education and inclusion.
During the event, the ULLAS Compendium was released, showcasing innovative teaching and learning materials. Representatives from Ladakh and Goa shared their strategies and best practices, while ULLAS Literacy Week 2025, held from 1st to 8th September, was noted for its nationwide drive to register non-literates, volunteers, and neo-learners. The celebrations reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a literate and developed Bharat, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Education
International Literacy Day 2025: Beyond Reading and Writing in the Digital Era

“Education is not only the birthright of every human being but also the weapon of social change.”
Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s words carry even more weight today as we celebrate International Literacy Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Promoting literacy in the digital era,” reminds us that literacy no longer begins and ends with pen and paper.
A Journey Worth Remembering
India’s literacy story is one of resilience. In 1951, only 16 out of every 100 Indians could read and write. By 2022, that number had climbed to 77.7 per cent. The Right to Education Act of 2009 opened the doors of schools to millions who might otherwise have been left behind. Yet numbers alone do not tell the full story. Getting children into classrooms was only the first battle. The bigger challenge lies in what and how they learn.
Literacy in the Age of Screens
In a world where screens dominate, literacy now means much more than decoding text. It is about being able to access, understand, evaluate, and create digital content in safe and responsible ways. A teenager scrolling endlessly on social media might look “digitally literate,” but true literacy asks whether that teenager can spot a fake news story, respond appropriately to cyberbullying, or understand that their digital footprint will outlive their mood.
The dangers are real. A BBC feature this year explained how adolescence itself makes young people more vulnerable to online manipulation because their brains are wired for risk-taking and peer approval. Platforms exploit these vulnerabilities with algorithms that feed them echo chambers of extreme views and endless scrolling loops. What looks like harmless entertainment often becomes a powerful shaper of values and identities.
At the same time, teenagers are seeking comfort in unexpected places. An ETV Bharat report revealed that many Indian students now turn to AI chatbots for emotional support. Experts worry that without proper guidance, children may start to trust technology more than people, with little understanding of how these systems work or what agendas they may carry. Digital literacy, therefore, is not simply about knowing how to use a device but about learning how to navigate relationships, trust, and choices in a digital-first world.
The Missing Lessons
Alongside digital literacy, we are also missing some of the most practical lessons of life. An India Today feature pointed out that while our students can solve complex equations, very few know how to calculate tax, understand savings, or even read the fine print of a bank loan. In an age of instant loans and digital payment apps, this lack of financial literacy is dangerous. Children should be learning how to protect themselves from online scams, how to recognise manipulative advertisements, and how to make decisions that safeguard their futures.
The truth is, literacy today is incomplete without responsibility. Children may be skilled at clicking, posting, or streaming, but if they do not know what to believe, what to share, and what to ignore, they are vulnerable. Civic sense must become part of the digital literacy package. How we behave online is not separate from who we are as citizens. Words can wound, misinformation can destabilise, and silence in the face of bullying can be as harmful as participation.
For India to truly lead in the digital era, we must expand our vision of education. That means increasing education budgets, investing in teacher training, and ensuring that technology-enabled learning does not just deliver content but builds character. It also means recognising that the skills of tomorrow include empathy, resilience, financial wisdom, and civic responsibility.
Ambedkar reminded us that education is the most powerful weapon of social change. In 2025, that weapon is not only the ability to read books but the ability to read the world. Literacy is about survival, about belonging, and about preparing our children not just to live in the digital era but to shape it responsibly.
International Literacy Day should remind us that while we have come far since 1951, the journey is far from over. The future depends on whether we can teach the next generation not only to read and write, but also to choose wisely, live responsibly, and stand tall as citizens of a digital world.
Education
MoWCD and MoE Release Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), in collaboration with the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), Ministry of Education, has released the Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools. The release took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, and Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, along with senior officials, state representatives, and Anganwadi workers.
Objective of the Guidelines
The guidelines aim to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) through integrated models of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and schools on the same campus. The initiative builds on the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for “one campus, one vision” and seeks to ensure smoother transitions for children from Anganwadi Centres to formal schooling.
Currently, over 2.9 lakh Anganwadi Centres are already co-located with schools. The guidelines provide operational clarity for states and union territories to scale up this model, enabling better use of resources and continuity in children’s education.
Ministers’ Remarks
Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Annpurna Devi said that co-location strengthens the foundation of learning by ensuring a smooth transition from early childhood care to primary education. She highlighted the guidelines as a roadmap for states and UTs to implement the integrated model and contribute to holistic child development.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised that early childhood education is central to lifelong learning. He said that integrating Anganwadis with schools would create a seamless learning environment, strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, and contribute to nurturing India’s human capital for a Viksit Bharat.
Alignment with NEP 2020
The guidelines are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which for the first time recognised ECCE as the foundation of the learning continuum. NEP 2020 proposed integration of three years of pre-school into the 5+3+3+4 structure, with delivery through standalone Anganwadis, co-located Anganwadis, pre-primary sections in schools, and standalone preschools.
The stated objectives of the guidelines include:
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Ensuring school preparedness and smooth transition to Grade 1.
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Strengthening linkages between Anganwadis and primary schools for joyful and holistic learning.
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Enhancing retention rates at the primary level to improve achievement outcomes.
Core Components of the Guidelines
The document outlines norms and criteria for co-locating Anganwadis with schools, mapping AWCs with nearby schools, creating child-friendly learning environments, and engaging communities and parents. It also highlights the role of various stakeholders in implementing co-location effectively.
States and UTs currently follow varied models with operational challenges. The guidelines seek to address these through inter-ministerial convergence and alignment of ECCE with foundational literacy and numeracy programmes like NIPUN Bharat Mission and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. Teaching-learning resources such as Jaadui Pitara, e-Jaadui Pitara, and Adharshila will be used in line with the National Curriculum Framework for the foundational stage.
Focus on Inclusion and Infrastructure
The initiative also underscores inclusivity through child-friendly infrastructure, optimal use of resources, and active community participation. It aims to ensure every child experiences a nurturing transition from pre-school to primary education, contributing to the holistic development envisioned by NEP 2020.
News
SC Seeks Centre’s Response on PIL for Transgender-Inclusive School Textbooks

New Delhi, Sept 1: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, NCERT, and six states—Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding the inclusion of transgender-inclusive comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in school curricula and textbooks.
The bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, directed the authorities to file their responses within eight weeks. The PIL, filed by Class XII student Kaavya Mukherjee Saha, highlights the absence of structured, examinable content on gender identity, gender diversity, and the distinction between sex and gender in NCERT and SCERT textbooks, despite statutory obligations under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
The petition argues that NCERT and most state councils have failed to implement the Supreme Court’s binding directions from the 2014 NALSA v. Union of India judgment, which recognised transgender persons as a third gender. Textbook reviews across the six states reportedly show systemic omissions, with Kerala noted as a partial exception.
According to the plea, this exclusion violates fundamental rights, including the right to equality, and undermines the Directive Principles of State Policy. It emphasises that representation in school education is key to building inclusive classrooms and combating discrimination faced by transgender students.
Global Standards and Relief Sought
The petition references UNESCO and WHO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education, which outlines scientifically accurate and age-appropriate frameworks for CSE worldwide. It seeks directions to the Centre and states to adopt similar standards, mandating transgender-inclusive CSE across public and private schools in India.
Additionally, the PIL calls for binding guidelines to ensure effective implementation of gender sensitisation programmes and examinable sexuality education, moving beyond token references to genuine, structured learning opportunities.
The matter will now move forward once responses from all concerned parties are filed before the court.
Education
Educate Girls Becomes First Indian NGO to Win the Ramon Magsaysay Award

In a landmark recognition for Indian education and grassroots activism, Educate Girls, founded by Safeena Husain, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize, this honour highlights the organisation’s transformative work in enrolling and empowering out-of-school girls across some of India’s most remote and underserved regions.
The announcement marks a historic moment — Educate Girls is the first Indian organisation to ever receive this award, underscoring the global importance of its mission. Alongside Educate Girls, the other awardees include Shaahina Ali from the Maldives for her environmental work and Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva from the Philippines. The formal ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Manila.
Safeena Husain: From Teacher Warrior to Global Recognition
For ScooNews, this moment carries a special resonance. In 2018, Safeena Husain was celebrated as a Teacher Warrior, honoured for her vision of tackling gender inequality at the root by ensuring that every girl receives access to education. What started as a 50-school test project in Rajasthan has since scaled into an expansive movement spanning 21,000 schools across 15 districts, supported by a network of 11,000+ community volunteers known as Team Balika.
Her journey, as she has often recalled, was shaped by both personal and professional turning points. After studying at the London School of Economics and working in grassroots projects across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Safeena returned to India, deeply aware of the entrenched discrimination girls faced. A family encounter in a village, where her father was pitied for not having a son, crystallised her resolve to fight for gender equity through education.
Breaking Barriers in Education
Educate Girls has gone beyond enrolling girls into schools. Its programmes aim at:
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Increasing enrolment and retention of out-of-school girls
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Improving learning outcomes for all children in rural districts
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Shifting community mindsets through participation and ownership
The organisation has also pioneered innovative financing models such as the world’s first Development Impact Bond (DIB) in education, tying funding directly to learning outcomes.
Safeena has often spoken about the transformative power of education citing stories of girls who once had no aspirations simply because nobody asked them what they wanted to be, and who today, thanks to education, dream of becoming doctors, teachers, or even police officers.
Global Platforms, Indian Roots
Safeena’s vision has found resonance globally. In her TED Talk titled “A Bold Plan to Empower 1.6 Million Out-of-School Girls in India”, she emphasised that girls’ education is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet for solving some of the world’s toughest problems from poverty to health to gender inequality. In 2023, she was also awarded the WISE Prize for Education, cementing her reputation as one of the leading voices in education worldwide.
But even as Educate Girls receives international acclaim, its deepest impact continues to be felt in the dusty lanes of rural Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where every single enrolment represents a victory against entrenched social barriers.
Why This Award Matters
The Ramon Magsaysay Award not only recognises Safeena Husain’s leadership but also places Indian NGOs on the global stage. It sends a powerful message: education is both the foundation of equity and the key to transformation. For India, a country with one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school girls, this award validates years of struggle, innovation, and community-driven action.
For ScooNews, which first honoured Safeena as a Teacher Warrior in 2018, this moment is both proud and historic. It shows that when educators and changemakers stay rooted in their vision, their work can resonate far beyond borders.
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