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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).

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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 :

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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.

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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:
  1. Pledge taking ceremony to mark the occasion by reading of the Preamble to the constitution in a special assembly in the school
  2. Debates, essay competitions, cultural programs, quiz competitions, seminars and lectures etc. may be held at State, District and school levels.
  3. 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.
  4. Reading of Preamble and Fundamental Duties.
  5. Organizing Mock Parliament.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Invite eminent personalities from different walks of life to disseminate the message of Fundamental Duties.
  9. 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.

  1. Process of transfer has been made online which has resulted in increased transparency and timely completion of the process.
  2. Recruitment process has been made online and faceless till appointment. The appointment letters are also downloaded by candidates using their login password.

Achievements-2019

  1. Inauguration of new constructed school buildings: 17 newly constructed school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas were inaugurated .
  2. Foundation Stone laying of school buildings : Minister of HRD has laid the foundation stone of 7 school buildings of KendriyaVidyalayas.
  3. Opening of New KendriyaVidyalayas :  During last 6 months 25 KendriyaVidyalayas have been opened.
  4. 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

  1.  

PRT

06

3000

  1.  

TGT (English, Hindi, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Sanskrit)

07

3473

  1.  

Assistant Section Officer

06

31

  1.  

Senior Secretariat Assistant

04

218

  1.  

Junior Secretariat Assistant

02

684

  1.  

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

Trump Signs Executive Order to Promote AI Integration in U.S. K-12 Education

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The U.S. pushes for AI literacy in schools amid rising competition with China, as debates grow over federal involvement in education. (Image- USA Today)

In a significant development aimed at reshaping the educational landscape in the United States, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to promote artificial intelligence (AI) integration in K–12 schools. The order, signed on April 23, mandates several federal agencies to prioritise AI education and training as part of the national push to prepare a future-ready workforce.

The directive instructs the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to expand AI learning opportunities for high school students, introduce certification programmes, and work closely with states to implement AI-focused curricula. As part of this move, the Education Department has been directed to prioritise AI in discretionary grant programmes for teacher training, while the National Science Foundation will step up research on AI in education.

This executive order also establishes a White House Task Force on AI Education. Chaired by Michael Kratsios, head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the task force will spearhead a “Presidential AI Challenge” and foster public-private partnerships to strengthen AI infrastructure in American classrooms.

The move highlights a bipartisan recognition of the urgent need to develop AI literacy among students, especially in the face of rising global competition from countries like China. However, opinions differ on how deeply the federal government should be involved in regulating and rolling out AI in educational settings.

While some argue that AI can transform learning through customised and interactive methods, others caution that its use must be carefully aligned with existing labour and antidiscrimination laws.

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For India and other global education systems, the move presents an opportunity to observe how large-scale AI integration plays out across one of the world’s most influential education ecosystems. It underscores a shared urgency among nations to prepare learners for an AI-driven future—while also navigating the complex social, ethical, and institutional implications.

(Parts of this article are based on a story done by USA TODAY)

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Maharashtra to Regulate Pre-Primary Education with New Law Aligned to NEP 2020

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Maharashtra government to regulate private kindergartens and anganwadis | The image is generated using AI

The Maharashtra government has announced that all private kindergartens and anganwadis in the state will soon come under a formal regulatory framework. This development aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends bringing children aged three to six into the formal education system.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse confirmed that a new legislation is currently being drafted and will soon be tabled in the state assembly. “We are working on a comprehensive law to mainstream pre-primary education. The draft has been sent to the law and judiciary department for review,” said Bhuse on Wednesday.

Until now, formal schooling in India officially began at age six. However, NEP 2020 proposes an expanded foundational stage covering ages 3 to 8. To facilitate this transition, the state has introduced two digital platforms—the Maha School GIS Mobile App and the Pre-School Registration Portal—launched virtually by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

These platforms aim to create a unified data repository of all pre-primary institutions, including anganwadis and privately-run kindergartens, offering early childhood care and education (ECCE). The move will help in mapping facilities, teacher qualifications, student enrolment, and overall infrastructure. The registration process can be accessed through the ECCE tab on the official website: education.maharashtra.gov.in.

Why This Registration Drive Matters:

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  • Centralised data for policy planning and resource allocation.

  • Transparency for parents seeking quality ECCE centres.

  • Improved monitoring of facilities and staff qualifications.

  • Accurate workforce estimation in the pre-primary education sector.

As India moves forward with implementing NEP 2020, Maharashtra’s decision could become a model for other states. By formalising pre-primary education, the government aims to ensure equal access, quality control, and early learning preparedness.

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Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

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A view of Harvard University's Business School campus located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. | Photo courtesy: REUTERS

In a bold move to defend their academic freedom, Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the federal government’s freeze on over $2.2 billion (approx. ₹18,350 crore) in grants. The funding block was enacted after Harvard refused to comply with sweeping demands that included curbing student activism, overhauling leadership, and auditing campus views on diversity and inclusion.

Filed in a federal court in Boston, Harvard’s lawsuit argues that the freeze violates its First Amendment rights, as well as provisions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. The university has called the move “arbitrary and capricious,” citing the significant damage it could cause to ongoing research efforts across medicine, technology, and national security.

In its filing, the university stated, “The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen.” The administration’s actions, Harvard added, threaten not just its own academic integrity but the autonomy of American universities as a whole.

The standoff began after the Trump administration issued a letter on April 11, 2025, demanding that Harvard implement stricter disciplinary measures on campus protesters, reform its admissions process, revoke recognition of certain student clubs, and audit faculty and students for political diversity. It also urged the university to screen international students for “hostility to American values.”

Harvard President Alan Garber responded firmly, refusing to compromise on the institution’s independence. “We stand for the truth that universities can fulfill their essential role in society without improper government intrusion,” he stated in a message to the Harvard community.

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Following Harvard’s public defiance, the administration quickly enacted the funding freeze. Trump himself took to his Truth Social platform to question whether the university should lose its tax-exempt status, accusing it of promoting “political, ideological, and terrorist-inspired” views.

Support for Harvard’s legal action has come from several quarters. The American Council on Education, which represents over 1,600 higher education institutions, commended the lawsuit, calling it a necessary defence of scholarship and scientific research. “We applaud Harvard for taking this step and look forward to a clear and unambiguous statement by the court rebuking efforts to undermine academic integrity,” said council president Ted Mitchell.

Anurima Bhargava, a Harvard alumna and civil rights advocate, added, “This is a reckless and unlawful attempt at power and control. Harvard has once again stood firm against dangerous and escalating demands.”

This legal battle marks one of the most high-profile confrontations between higher education and the federal government in recent times. At its core lies the question of whether public funding can be used as leverage to reshape the ideological and governance structures of academic institutions—a precedent that could have implications far beyond Harvard.

As the case unfolds, educators and students around the world will be watching closely. In a time when the autonomy of educational institutions is increasingly under scrutiny, Harvard’s lawsuit could become a defining moment in the global conversation on academic freedom.

(This article has been generated with supporting information as reported by The Hindu)

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CBSE Introduces Mandatory Bridge Course for Classes 6 to 12 in Chhattisgarh Under NEP 2020

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In line with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a significant curriculum reform has been rolled out in Chhattisgarh, where CBSE and NCERT have introduced a mandatory bridge course for students from Classes 6 to 12, starting from the academic session 2025–26.

This strategic change aims to strengthen conceptual understanding, sharpen skills, and enhance subject connectivity for students transitioning between academic years. The bridge course is designed as a foundational segment to reinforce key learnings from the previous class, enabling smoother adaptation to new academic content—especially in subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Languages.

What is a Bridge Course?

A bridge course is essentially a learning support module that helps students revise and reinforce previous class concepts before delving into the new syllabus. By bridging the learning gap, it prepares students mentally and academically for the demands of their new grade. The initiative is particularly aimed at strengthening continuity in learning and reducing academic stress.

Teacher Training and Implementation

To ensure effective integration, teachers in CBSE-affiliated schools across Chhattisgarh are undergoing dedicated training in both online and offline formats. The training focuses on how to incorporate the bridge course within the regular curriculum and adapt pedagogy to meet individual learner needs.

Changes in NCERT Textbooks

Alongside the bridge course implementation, NCERT has revised textbooks for Classes 3 and 6. The new editions lay emphasis on activity-based learning, life skills development, and project work. In particular, the Class 6 Science and Social Science books feature innovative activities and experiential modules aimed at enhancing student engagement and practical understanding.

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With this move, CBSE and NCERT aim to create a more inclusive and progressive academic structure, staying true to NEP 2020’s vision of competency-based learning and reduced content load. As this model takes shape in Chhattisgarh, it could serve as a blueprint for nationwide adoption in the coming years.

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CBSE Mandates 50-Hour Annual Training for Teachers, Declares STEM as 2025 Theme

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CBSE issues new guidelines for teacher training and theme for 2025

In a significant move towards enhancing teacher capacity in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued fresh guidelines mandating 50 hours of annual training for all educators in its affiliated schools. The 2025 annual training theme has been declared as STEM Education, reflecting India’s push towards innovation-driven learning.

According to CBSE notifications TRG-2/2025 and TRG-3/2025, 25 hours of training must be delivered by CBSE or a recognised government training body, while the remaining 25 hours can be conducted in-house or at the school complex level. This framework has been structured in line with the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and aims to ensure continuous professional development and improved student learning outcomes.

The CPD (Continuous Professional Development) hours are categorised as follows:

  • Core Values and Ethics – 12 hours

  • Knowledge and Practice – 24 hours

  • Professional Growth and Development – 14 hours

CBSE has also clarified that academic responsibilities such as assessment duties for board exams, practical examiner roles, content creation, curriculum review, and participation in CBSE-led conferences will be recognised as valid CPD hours.

The board has instructed schools to organise District Level Deliberations (DLDs) focused on STEM pedagogy. These sessions are designed to encourage peer discussions, sharing of best practices, and localisation of innovative teaching strategies.

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Heads of institutions have been called upon to act as leaders of change, ensuring the effective implementation of this framework within their schools and nurturing a culture of continuous learning.

With this move, CBSE reaffirms its commitment to building a future-ready teaching workforce, equipped to deliver education that is both engaging and globally relevant.

🔗 More details here

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China Embarks on Ambitious AI-Driven Education Reform to Build a ‘Strong Education Nation’ by 2035

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China plans on building strong education system by 2035

China has unveiled a comprehensive education reform strategy aiming to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels of its education system. This initiative is a cornerstone of the nation’s broader “Strong Education Nation” plan, targeting significant advancements in educational quality and innovation by 2035.

The Ministry of Education announced plans to embed AI applications into teaching methodologies, textbooks, and curricula spanning primary, secondary, and higher education. This move is designed to cultivate essential skills such as independent thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration among students and educators. By fostering these competencies, China aims to enhance the core competitiveness of its innovative talent pool (Reuters).

This AI integration aligns with China’s broader educational blueprint, jointly issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. The plan outlines a two-phased objective: establishing a high-quality educational system by 2027 and achieving global leadership in education by 2035. Key goals include expanding free education, increasing enrollment in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and addressing regional disparities in educational access.

To support this vision, Chinese universities are expanding AI-related courses and enrollment. Institutions like Peking University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have announced plans to increase undergraduate spots in fields such as information science, engineering, and AI. This expansion is closely linked to the national strategy of developing a robust digital-era talent pool (Reuters Education Expansion).

Moreover, the Ministry of Education has mandated that primary and secondary schools intensify their science education to drive scientific and technological innovation. Schools are required to implement comprehensive science curricula, enhance teaching capabilities, and integrate science education resources effectively. 

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China’s commitment to integrating AI into education reflects its broader ambition to become a global leader in technological innovation and education. By embedding AI into the fabric of its educational system, China aims to prepare its citizens for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

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Delhi Government Cracks Down on Dummy Schooling; Over 600 Schools Inspected, 10 Issued Notices

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“It is completely unacceptable for any school to mentally harass parents or students"- Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

In a sweeping inspection drive aimed at curbing malpractice in private educational institutions, the Delhi Government has inspected over 600 schools across the national capital, issuing show-cause notices to more than 10 schools and initiating the process of derecognition in serious cases. The crackdown follows mounting complaints from parents about arbitrary fee hikes, dummy admissions, and neglect of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) formed district-level committees—headed by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and comprising deputy directors of education, accounts officers, and principals of government schools—to investigate complaints on a priority basis. These inspections are being closely monitored, with more schools likely to be reviewed in the coming days.

The inspection drive also revealed that 20 schools were allegedly engaging in dummy admissions—a practice where students are enrolled only on paper while attending private coaching institutes instead of regular classes. In such cases, the government has invoked provisions under the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973, and has begun derecognition procedures.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, responding to concerns raised during a Jan Samvaad public hearing, stated, “It is completely unacceptable for any school to mentally harass parents or students, threaten expulsion, or raise fees without due process.” She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring access to quality education for every child.

The DoE confirmed that some schools have also failed to submit mandatory financial disclosures and fee statements as per Section 17(3) and Section 180(3) of DSEAR, which will invite legal action. Schools violating EWS guidelines—such as failing to provide free textbooks, uniforms, and writing materials under Rule 8 of the Delhi RTE Rules—are also under scrutiny.

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The crackdown also comes after Queen Mary School in Model Town was accused of fee-related misconduct and expulsion threats. The Chief Minister had instructed the education department to take immediate action against such institutions, promising a “zero-tolerance” approach.

Delhi’s education authorities have reiterated that private schools must adhere strictly to rules governing fee regulation, student welfare, and inclusive access. Institutions found guilty of flouting these norms will face stringent penalties, including derecognition and possible takeover of management.

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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Warns Private Schools Against Arbitrary Fee Hikes and Student Harassment

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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta (Photo Source: PTI)

Amid growing parental concerns about rising school fees and student expulsions, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a stern warning to private schools across the capital. Emphasising a “zero tolerance” approach, the CM stated that any institution found violating rules—whether by imposing arbitrary fee hikes or harassing students and parents—will face strict action.

Addressing media following a public dialogue programme on Tuesday, Gupta shared that her office had received multiple complaints from concerned parents alleging wrongful fee practices and threats of expulsion. One such case involved Queen Mary School in Model Town, where families accused the school of unjust fee collection and punitive action against students.

“No school has the authority to harass parents or children, threaten expulsion, or hike fees arbitrarily,” said Gupta in a statement to ANI. “There are rules and laws in place. Compliance is not optional—it’s mandatory.”

The Chief Minister confirmed that notices have already been issued to several schools named in formal complaints. She further stated that relevant officials have been directed to conduct immediate investigations and take necessary legal and disciplinary action.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gupta reiterated the Delhi Government’s stand on education, writing,

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“The Delhi Government is fully committed to transparency, equal opportunity, and the protection of children’s rights in education. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted towards any kind of injustice, exploitation, or irregularity—no laxity will be tolerated in this. Our resolve is clear—every child should have access to justice, respect, and quality education.”

The Chief Minister’s response signals a growing shift toward regulatory vigilance in private education, especially around affordability and student welfare. As rising school fees become a point of national concern, particularly after a recent survey reported a 50–80% hike across schools in three years, Delhi’s move to crack down on irregularities could serve as a template for other states to follow.

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MAHAJYOTI’s Book Distribution Scheme to Empower 7,000 OBC Students Preparing for JEE/NEET & MHT-CET

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15 April 2025: In a step to move towards equitable education, the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research & Training Institute (MAHAJYOTI), an autonomous body under the Government of Maharashtra, is set to distribute free study materials to over 7,000 students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) under its Pustak Sanch Watap Yojana. The initiative aims to aid students in preparing for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and MHT-CET.

Beneficiaries—spread across all 36 districts of Maharashtra—have registered under MAHAJYOTI’s training programmes and will receive comprehensive preparation books for their respective entrance examinations. The Jalgaon region saw the highest number of registrations, followed by Amravati, Dhule, Buldhana, and Ahmednagar.

This large-scale effort underscores MAHAJYOTI’s ongoing mission to empower students from OBC, Deprived Castes-Nomadic Tribes, and Special Backward Classes by ensuring they are not left behind in the pursuit of higher education due to economic constraints.

Voices from the Government and Ground

Honourable Minister Atul Save, from the Other Backward and Bahujan Welfare Department, commended the scale of the scheme, stating,

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“It is inspiring to witness the tremendous response from students. Our commitment to providing such opportunities for OBC students remains steadfast. We strongly encourage them to leverage these important government initiatives designed for their progress.”

Echoing his sentiments, Shri Prashant Wawge, Managing Director of MAHAJYOTI, remarked,

“This overwhelming response reinforces our mission. We urge every eligible OBC student to take full advantage of this scheme. We wish these bright young minds success in their entrance examinations.”

Changing Lives One Book at a Time

Families of beneficiaries have also expressed heartfelt gratitude. Kiran Nimje, mother of Aaryan from Nagpur, shared,

“Purchasing expensive JEE books was beyond our means. This scheme has been a lifeline. My son, who scored 94% in SSC, can now prepare for engineering with confidence.”

Similarly, Sheetal Nagargoje from Amravati, whose son Aditya also benefited, added,

“We are incredibly thankful. This support came to us at the right time and will help my son, who scored 80% in SSC, get closer to his dream.”

As education costs continue to rise, especially in the realm of competitive exam preparation, government-supported initiatives like MAHAJYOTI’s book distribution scheme play a pivotal role in bridging the opportunity gap for students from marginalised communities. With a robust outreach and strong public response, this programme is a timely reminder that access to quality education must remain a priority.

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Harvard Stands Its Ground: Harvard Faces ₹18,400 Crore Funding Freeze After Rejecting Trump Administration’s Demands

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Protesters gather at Cambridge Common on April 12, 2025, urging Harvard University to uphold its autonomy and resist federal intervention in campus affairs. (REUTERS)

In response to Harvard’s refusal to implement federal directives on campus reforms, the Trump administration has escalated the standoff by freezing $2.2 billion (approximately ₹18,400 crore) in multi-year federal grants and placing an additional $60 million (₹500 crore) in government contracts on hold. This latest move by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism underscores the growing pressure on educational institutions to align with the administration’s ideological agenda—an act Harvard deems incompatible with its constitutional rights and academic independence.

At the heart of the issue lies the Trump administration’s crackdown on elite American universities, particularly those perceived to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or tolerate anti-establishment student protests. The administration’s sweeping ultimatum to Harvard included banning face masks on campus, altering hiring and admission practices to favour so-called “merit-based” criteria, and conducting an audit of students and faculty based on their ideological leanings.

“No Government Should Dictate What Universities Teach”

In a strongly-worded letter to the Harvard community, President Alan Garber reaffirmed the university’s constitutional rights, asserting that “no government—regardless of which party is in power—should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

He called the demands unconstitutional and a breach of the First Amendment, stating they “exceed the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI.” Harvard, he emphasised, would not “surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.”

This decision has not been made lightly. With $9 billion (₹75,060 crore) in federal support hanging in the balance—including student financial aid and research grants—the refusal signals the university’s unwavering commitment to preserving academic integrity, even in the face of substantial financial risk.

What’s At Stake for Students and Global Academia?

Harvard’s resistance is more than a domestic headline—it’s a global signal. With Indian students being among the top international communities at Harvard and other elite US institutions, the outcome of this standoff could have ripple effects far beyond American borders.

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According to The Hindu, the Trump administration has already frozen approximately $2.3 billion (₹19,182 crore) in funding to institutions like Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. The latter’s funding was slashed over allowing a transgender athlete to compete—a move many have labelled discriminatory and ideologically driven.

For students—especially those pursuing higher education abroad—this moment marks a sobering reminder that education can no longer be viewed as an apolitical space. If universities are pressured to reshape their curriculums, hiring practices, or student bodies based on political whims, the very essence of critical thinking, academic exploration, and diversity is endangered.

The administration’s justification for defunding Harvard cites that many DEI initiatives are “divisive” or “discriminatory”—a claim widely rejected by educators, human rights groups, and civil society organisations across the globe.

The truth is: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not trends or PR jargon—they are the moral and pedagogical backbone of an equitable education system. To see these stripped down as ideological threats marks a dangerous precedent not just for the U.S., but for any democracy flirting with majoritarian education policies.

The Bigger Picture

By refusing to accept the U.S. government’s conditions, Harvard has taken a stance to defend its institutional autonomy. While this may lead to financial strain, the university has signalled that it will not compromise on its core governance principles.

As Indian universities navigate reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), this development also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safeguarding academic spaces from excessive external influence. Educational institutions function best when given the space to operate independently and uphold their academic mandates without undue interference.

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Decisions about what constitutes academic freedom or institutional policy should ideally be made within the education system—not defined by political narratives.

Rather than setting a precedent for others to replicate, this moment should prompt global institutions and governments to reflect carefully on the balance between public accountability and institutional independence.

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