52 short textbooks in Indian non-scheduled languages

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently introduced 52 short textbooks in Indian non-scheduled languages, encompassing tribal languages. These materials are tailored for early childhood care and education, aiming to grant young learners the opportunity to access education in their native tongue.

"The 52 primers in Indian non-scheduled languages is going to be a transformational step for young learners, especially for early childhood care and education, providing them with access to education in their mother tongue/local language. It will initiate an inspirational journey for young minds, paving the way for deeper understanding, lifelong learning, more familiarity and rooted beds in indigenous culture, and greater success in academics and beyond," says Dharmendra Pradhan.

The primers, which are short introductory books designed to acquaint students with various subjects, were developed through a partnership between the NCERT and the Central Institute of Indian Languages, located in Mysuru.

Non-scheduled languages encompass all languages spoken in India that have not been officially recognized.

 "The 52 primers in Indian languages have paved the way for the beginning of a new civilizational renaissance. These initiatives will create a seamless and futuristic learning landscape, promote learning in Indian languages, realize the vision of NEP - 2020, and holistically transform school education," the minister adds.

The initiative aligns with the government's endeavors to advance Indian languages in education across all levels, consistent with the NEP (National Education Policy) - 2020.

"The primers will initiate an inspirational journey for young minds, paving the way for deeper understanding, lifelong learning, more familiarity and rooted beds in indigenous culture and greater success in academics and beyond," Pradhan elaborates.

INITIATIVES FOR EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT AND INNOVATION

Moreover, the minister unveiled plans for the District Institute of Education & Training (DIET) of Excellence, the establishment of a National Professional Standard for Teachers, the launch of the National Mission for Mentoring, and the integration of National Vidya Samiksha Kendra with state counterparts. Additionally, there are plans to introduce 200 TV DTH channels.

These initiatives aim to empower both teachers and learners, fostering inclusive, innovative, and equitable access to quality education.

Sanjay Kumar, the School Education Secretary, emphasized the recommendation of NEP - 2020 to achieve a 100 percent gross enrolment ratio in secondary-level education by 2030. "The department is committed to fulfilling that. The new textbooks for classes 3-12, some of which have already been developed, and the remaining ones will also be brought out soon," he adds.  (With inputs from PTI)