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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
Atal Innovation Mission and IFCCI Join Hands to Scale Up Atal Tinkering Labs Across India

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) have signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to strengthen and expand the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) network across India. The agreement, formalised at the French Embassy in New Delhi during IFCCI’s 3rd CSR Connect Day 2025, marks a significant step in fostering STEM education, digital literacy, and innovation among school students.
The event was attended by H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, who praised the partnership for deepening Indo-French collaboration in social development. He highlighted that 2026 will mark the India–France Year of Innovation, encouraging businesses from both nations to invest in sustainable, community-driven impact initiatives through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Through this partnership, IFCCI and AIM aim to mobilise CSR contributions from French and Indian companies to improve infrastructure, enhance hands-on learning experiences, and bridge the gap between industry and education. IFCCI, which has already executed over 86 CSR projects benefiting more than 15,000 people across India, will leverage its network to support ATL expansion, particularly in underserved schools.
Mission Director of AIM, Deepak Bagla, noted that over 11 million students have already benefitted from the ATL initiative, which he called “one of the world’s largest grassroots innovation programs.” He said, “From the northernmost village school to the southernmost, innovation is thriving everywhere. The real story lies not in the scale, but in the creativity of the ideas students are building.”
A Shared Vision for Inclusive Innovation
The collaboration aims to make innovation accessible to all students by promoting digital tools, teacher training, and student challenges that inspire curiosity and problem-solving. IFCCI Director General Payal S. Kanwar added, “This partnership is a step forward in empowering youth with 21st-century skills. We aim to bridge the gap between industry and education and make innovation accessible to every student, especially in underserved regions.”
However, as the Atal Tinkering Labs expand, addressing operational challenges remains crucial. Reports by UNICEF and The New Indian Express underscore that access to digital tools alone cannot guarantee innovation without inclusive design, mentorship, and ethical technology use. UNICEF’s SPARK Labs model, which links creativity with social change, offers a useful reference — encouraging schools to blend innovation with empathy, inclusion, and purpose.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite the ATL program’s remarkable reach, a 2023 assessment highlighted several gaps. Nearly 58% of ATL teachers lack a STEM background or structured training, resulting in inconsistent mentorship. In many schools, ATL sessions are not integrated into the timetable, limiting daily engagement. Moreover, less than 10% of schools report active student participation due to limited guidance and parental scepticism about its academic value.
Operational hurdles like irregular funding, defective equipment, and poor monitoring systems have also hindered consistent performance. Some schools struggle to maintain labs once initial grants are exhausted, while others lack a mechanism to track outcomes effectively.
The Way Forward
For the AIM–IFCCI partnership to achieve its full potential, a few key steps can strengthen impact:
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Teacher Capacity Building: Introduce regular certification-based training programs, preferably in collaboration with universities and tech firms.
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Curriculum Integration: Embed ATL projects within school timetables and link them with existing subjects like science and mathematics.
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Mentorship Networks: Connect schools with local innovators, start-ups, and CSR professionals for year-round engagement.
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Monitoring Systems: Deploy digital dashboards to track participation, tool usage, and project outcomes for better transparency.
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Community Awareness: Conduct parent and community outreach sessions to showcase how tinkering enhances academic learning and future employability.
If executed effectively, this Indo-French collaboration can redefine India’s innovation ecosystem by turning every school into a space where curiosity meets creation. The challenge now lies in ensuring that every student, regardless of background, not only has access to a lab but also the guidance and confidence to build something meaningful within it.
Education
Ministry of Education to Promote Clean and Vibrant School Environments

The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has joined the Government of India’s Special Campaign 5.0, running from 2nd to 31st October 2025. The campaign focuses on institutionalising cleanliness (Swachhata), improving efficiency in governance, and enhancing the physical environment of schools across India.
A key goal of the campaign is to ensure that schools provide a clean, safe, and engaging atmosphere for students. States and Union Territories have been encouraged to carry out whitewashing, repainting, and minor repairs such as maintaining functional toilets, fixing flooring, and replastering walls. Refurbishing name boards, reclaiming unused spaces, and improving campus aesthetics are also part of the drive.
To make school environments more vibrant, schools are being encouraged to create murals and wall art inspired by traditional Indian art forms such as Madhubani, Kalamkari, and Warli. These creative efforts will not only beautify campuses but also serve as Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) resources, helping students connect with India’s cultural heritage.
Community involvement forms a central part of Special Campaign 5.0. The Ministry is encouraging schools to involve alumni and local communities through the Vidyanjali platform — a DoSEL initiative that connects volunteers and supporters with government and aided schools. Panchayati Raj Institutions are also being engaged to help local schools upgrade and maintain their infrastructure.
Beyond school-level improvements, the campaign also aims to enhance efficiency in governance. Government offices are reviewing, categorising, and clearing obsolete physical and digital records, while systematically indexing and digitising important files. This process is expected to declutter offices, optimise space, and improve workflow management.
The Department of School Education and Literacy is coordinating with all stakeholders to make cleanliness, participation, and efficiency integral to school operations. The Ministry envisions the campaign as a step towards creating cleaner campuses, more efficient systems, and a stronger sense of ownership within the education ecosystem.
Education
NCERT Introduces ‘Swadeshi Module’ to Foster Self-Reliance and Indian Values in Schools

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new educational module titled ‘Swadeshi’, aiming to instil the values of self-reliance and national pride among school students. The initiative aligns with the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on the 79th Independence Day.
The Swadeshi Module highlights the broader meaning of self-reliance, extending beyond trade and economics to include confidence, innovation, and national capability. It recalls the Prime Minister’s message that self-reliance is directly linked to a nation’s strength and ability to progress, emphasising that a decline in self-reliance can lead to a loss of capability and confidence.
Tracing its roots to India’s freedom struggle, the module revisits the 1905 Bengal Partition, when Indians boycotted British goods and turned towards indigenous products. It portrays the Swadeshi movement as both an act of resistance and a creative force that gave rise to Indian industries and enterprises.
According to NCERT, the new module encourages students to see Swadeshi not just as a historical concept but as a living philosophy that continues to shape India’s modern identity. It connects the values of the freedom movement with today’s national initiatives such as Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India, Vocal for Local, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Each of these programmes, the module explains, reinforces India’s pursuit of self-reliance through innovation, entrepreneurship, and local production.
By introducing this module, NCERT aims to nurture a generation of students who understand the importance of creating, producing, and innovating within India, fostering both self-belief and collective national responsibility.
Education
Class 11 Student Navya Mrig on a Mission to Bust Myths About Organ Donation

Saahas, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation founded by Class 11 student Navya Mrig of The Ram School, Moulsari, Gurugram, is creating awareness about organ donation and working to counter myths that prevent families from giving timely consent.
Established in 2024, Saahas focuses on every aspect of organ donation, particularly deceased organ donation where family approval must be granted quickly. The organisation highlights that hesitation and misinformation often stop families from making decisions that could save lives.
To address this, Saahas conducts workshops, myth-busting talks, and seminars in schools, resident welfare associations, hospitals, and workplaces. These sessions explain processes such as brain-stem death certification and the role of family consent in simple, clear terms. Each session concludes with practical guidance, ensuring participants leave with both knowledge and actionable steps.
The initiative has also developed resource kits with slide decks, facilitator notes, QR-linked checklists, and referral contacts to make it easier for schools and institutions to host repeatable sessions. Saahas partners with community groups and healthcare institutions to co-host Q&A sessions with clinicians and transplant coordinators, and also honours donor and recipient families through small ceremonies that highlight the impact of organ donation.
At its core, Saahas is designed to bring organ donation discussions into everyday spaces rather than waiting for the urgency of hospital decisions. By focusing on conversations in classrooms, community meetings, and staff rooms, the organisation aims to gradually build a culture where organ donation is better understood and more widely accepted.
Navya’s initiative reflects how young people are increasingly taking up important social causes and contributing to public awareness campaigns with structured, replicable models.
(News Source- ANI)
Education
India Loves its Teachers, Just Not Enough to Pay Them: India Today Reports

A recent report by India Today has put the spotlight on the deep contradictions in how India treats its teachers. While the profession is revered in public discourse and celebrated in ceremonies, the reality of poor pay, massive vacancies, and crushing workloads threatens the future of quality education in the country.
The report, authored by Megha Chaturvedi, shares the story of a government school teacher in rural Bihar who manages five grades, multiple subjects, administrative duties, and a long commute — all for a monthly pay of just ₹12,000. It is a picture that repeats across India, where respect is high but reward is missing.
Respect vs Pay
According to UDISE+ 2024–25 data, India’s teaching workforce has crossed 1 crore, with women making up 54.2%. Yet, over 1 million teaching posts remain vacant, concentrated in states like Uttar Pradesh (3.2 lakh) and Bihar (2.2 lakh). More than 1 lakh schools still run with just a single teacher, and some rural institutions report zero enrolment.
Teacher salaries are shockingly unequal. Permanent government teachers may earn ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 per month with benefits, but guest or contractual teachers often earn between ₹6,500 and ₹12,500, with delays stretching into months. Even in metro private schools, where parents pay lakhs in annual fees, teachers may take home just 2–10% of that amount.
International comparisons highlight the gap further. India ranks among the top 10 nations for respect towards teachers, yet falls to the bottom when it comes to pay and working conditions.
The Consequences
Low pay and insecure contracts drive talented graduates away from teaching. Those who stay face burnout from handling multiple grades or excessive administrative duties. Morale suffers when salaries are delayed, creating inequality between well-paid urban private school teachers and struggling rural counterparts. The result is a two-tiered system where students’ learning is directly compromised.
Policy Moves
Some states have taken steps. Karnataka recently raised guest teacher pay to ₹12,000–₹12,500, though teachers demand at least ₹30,000. Bihar and West Bengal have launched recruitment drives to fill thousands of vacancies. But reforms remain piecemeal. The India Today report makes it clear that modest hikes are not enough to match workload or cost of living, and insecurity continues to define contractual positions.
What Needs to Change
India may call its teachers “gurus” but without dignified salaries, stability, and recognition, the profession risks becoming even less attractive to young graduates. For education to thrive, teaching must be seen as a rewarding and respected career. ScooNews has been consistently working to spotlight teacher voices and celebrate educators who innovate against the odds. Yet change cannot come from media or policy alone. We need educators themselves to step up and demand better, and institutions to stop treating education as a business rather than a public service.
A practical way forward would include setting a national minimum pay scale of at least ₹30,000 per month for all full-time teachers, clearing the backlog of 1 million vacancies within the next three years, and ensuring strict timelines for salary disbursement. Governments and boards must invest at least 6% of GDP into education as repeatedly recommended, with a clear allocation for teacher training, well-being, and incentives. Schools must commit a fixed percentage of fee revenue directly to teacher salaries, while also offering pathways for career growth through research, leadership roles, and international exposure.
Teaching is perhaps the most undervalued profession in the nation today. If India is to build a future-ready generation, it must invest in its teachers with the same seriousness it reserves for infrastructure or defence. Respect in words is not enough. Teachers must be valued in pay, dignity, and opportunity.
You can read the full report here.
Education
NCERT to Grant Equivalence to Class 10 and 12 Certificates Across Boards for Admissions and Jobs

The Government of India has entrusted the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) with the responsibility of granting equivalence to Secondary (Class 10) and Senior Secondary (Class 12) certificates issued by different School Education Boards in the country. This equivalence will apply for admissions to higher education institutions and eligibility for employment under the Central and State Governments as well as Union Territories.
The notification, published in the e-Gazette on 6 September 2025 by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, supersedes the earlier order of 15 November 2021 which had assigned this responsibility to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Under the new arrangement, NCERT will discharge this responsibility through its National Assessment Centre, Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH). Established under the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PARAKH has been tasked with creating a robust, academically rigorous framework for determining equivalence while upholding the highest educational standards.
The system will apply to all recognised Indian School Boards established by an Act of Parliament or State legislature, by executive orders of the Central or State Governments, or by statutory bodies with the mandate to run school education. By placing the responsibility with NCERT, the government aims to streamline equivalence and reduce complications for students moving between boards.
The notification further clarifies that once NCERT grants equivalence, it will automatically be considered as inter-se parity among all recognised boards in India. This will smoothen student mobility across boards, ensuring that certificates are universally recognised for both academic progression and employment opportunities at the national level.
Education
Government Plans to Introduce Skill-Based Learning in Class 11 and 12 Curriculum

The Government is working on incorporating skill-based learning into the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the move during the Dakshinapatha Summit 2025 held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Pradhan emphasised that India’s education system needs a paradigm shift, moving beyond degree and certificate-oriented models to competency-based approaches. “We are on the job to introduce skill-based curriculum of Class 11 and 12,” he said, underlining the importance of preparing students for a rapidly evolving world of work.
According to the Minister, one of the central recommendations of the NEP 2020 is skill-based education. While previously optional, skilling will now become a formal part of schooling, starting as early as Class 6. The new curriculum will integrate areas such as computer coding, drone technology, and artificial intelligence, alongside conventional subjects like mathematics and languages. “Now, we are planning to introduce skilling also. It is a new era. We have to train our youngsters and align them with the new curriculum structure,” Pradhan explained.
The Minister highlighted examples of innovation emerging from IIT Madras, including student-led startups. He thanked IIT-M Director Kamakoti and his team for promoting and facilitating young talent. He also noted how the NEP has enabled students excelling in fields such as sports and music to access IIT programmes, which were previously out of reach.
Pradhan reiterated that languages play a crucial role in communication, adding that knowledge of multiple languages, including Tamil, reflects India’s cultural and intellectual vibrancy. On the same occasion, he interacted with students from Tamil Nadu government schools who had joined IIT Madras through the ‘IITM for All’ initiative, particularly its four-year online BS Data Science programme.
With over 1.75 lakh startups in India, Pradhan noted that the education system must support a shift from job-seeking to job-creating. He described the NEP 2020 as a philosophical document guiding the country towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Source: PTI
Education
Maharashtra Education Department Plans Students’ Tour to NASA

The Maharashtra state education department has announced an ambitious plan to send 51 finalists of its school-level science project competitions on an educational tour to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) every year. The initiative, however, still awaits final approval despite having been cleared in principle by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier this year.
Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar explained that the move is designed to recognise the efforts of students beyond prize-winning entries. “The state education department organises science project competitions at various levels. While we extend prizes to the best projects, the efforts taken by students who do not win prizes should also be given their due recognition. Therefore, the plan to honour their efforts was formulated,” he said.
According to the proposal, students with the top 21 projects from the tehsil-level competition will be taken to visit a science centre at the division level. Winners of the top 51 projects at the district level will be taken to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru. The final 51 students selected at the state-level competition will be taken on a study tour to NASA. The programme has been named the Chief Minister Vidyarthi Vigyan Vari.
Officials within the department have confirmed that the proposal requires an annual budget of around Rs 3 crore for the NASA trip. While the costs for tehsil and district-level visits will be met through District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) funds, the NASA tour requires state-level approval. “We hope to get clearance soon,” an official said.
The initiative aims to encourage students to pursue scientific research beyond one-off projects and to inspire them through exposure to advanced scientific institutions. “The aim is to encourage students not to stop at one science project but to push them further into the world of scientific research,” Bhoyar said.
In a related move, the state government has recently increased the prize money for the winner of the state-level science project competition from Rs 5,000 to Rs 51,000, underlining its commitment to promoting innovation among young learners.
Education
Ministry of Education launches Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 to Ignite Innovation among School Students

The Ministry of Education today launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a nationwide innovation movement aimed at engaging school students across India. Organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and AICTE, the initiative was formally unveiled with the release of its jingle and logo.
The event was attended by Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Sanjay Kumar; Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau, Dhirendra Ojha; Chairman, AICTE, Prof. T. G. Sitharam; Vice Chairman, AICTE, Abhay Jere; Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog, Deepak Bagla; Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Dhiraj Sahu; along with senior officials of the Ministry, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
Speaking on the occasion, the Education Minister said that the Viksit Bharat Buildathon, the largest-ever school hackathon, would further strengthen grassroots innovation by encouraging students to ideate and develop products around four themes: Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, and Samriddhi. The initiative is expected to celebrate student-led innovations, drive a new wave of creativity in schools, and position the younger generation as key contributors to a self-reliant and developed India.
Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, presented a detailed overview of the Buildathon, outlining its potential to nurture innovation at scale across the country.
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 aims to inspire creative thinking for national development, foster self-reliance and sustainable growth, engage schools in synchronized innovation, and showcase India’s innovation capabilities globally. The event also aspires to set a potential world record while celebrating young problem-solvers at both national and international platforms. The initiative builds on the success of the School Innovation Marathon 2024, which resulted in programmes such as the Student Innovator Programme (SIP) and the Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP), along with patents and startups emerging from Atal Tinkering Labs.
The journey of the Buildathon begins today, September 23, with registrations open until October 6 on the Viksit Bharat Buildathon portal (https://vbb.mic.gov.in/). Schools will then undergo a preparation period from October 6 to October 13, during which teachers will guide student teams through the portal process. Students will subsequently submit their ideas and prototypes online. The highlight of the initiative, the Live Synchronized Innovation Event, will be held on October 13. Final entries will be accepted until October 31, followed by a two-month evaluation period from November 1 to December 31. The results and felicitation of the top 1,000 winners will be announced in January 2026.
A video on the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 was screened during the launch, showcasing its themes and objectives.
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.
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