News Analysis India

Tag: Dharmendra Pradhan

  • hd kumaraswamy: PM Modi acted immediately to safeguard students’ interests: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on NEET exam row

    Amid the row over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday said that “acting immediately” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the concerned minister to safeguard the interest of the students.

    “According to my knowledge, PM Modi acted immediately after it came to his notice. In the first cabinet itself, he advised the concerned minister how to…safeguard the interest of the students. He has given the direction,” Kumaraswamy told reporters.

    The former Karnataka CM also performed yoga on the 10th International Yoga Day here in the national capital on Friday.”PM Modi encouraged citizens of nearly 124 countries to do Yoga every day and keep good health. I congratulate him,” he said after the event.

    Earlier on Thursday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Modi and said he is ‘silent’ on the entire issue because he is “crippled” and he has “psychologically collapsed” post-elections and will struggle to run a government like this.

    Rahul Gandhi further said that it seems PM Modi is not bothered about NEET and is instead more concerned regarding the election of the Speaker.”The silence (of government) is because the Prime Minister is crippled. Right now, the PM’s main agenda is the (election of) Speaker. He is not bothered about NEET or all these things. He is bothered about his government and Speaker. That is where his mind is,” Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference on Thursday.Speaking about the people who have been arrested from Bihar in the “paper leak” case, he said, “Regarding Bihar, we have said that there should be an inquiry and action should be taken against those who have leaked the paper.”

    Rahul Gandhi also said that the Congress party will raise the issue in the Parliament.

    Recently, Patna Police arrested several people including some candidates who had taken the NEET exam in recent days.

    Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government is working to further strengthen the National Testing Agency (NTA) by “reconsidering important things.” He also assured action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examinations.

    Speaking to ANI, Pradhan said, “In a democracy, everyone has their views. It is our job to listen to everyone. Our responsibility is to run a process-driven government, it is our responsibility to speak the truth and accept truth. Few students have doubts about NTA (National Testing Agency) and we will have to accept this.”

    “The government has decided to form a committee and experts will be part of that committee. All the important things will be reconsidered and the NTA will be strengthened further. Those who are responsible for it (discrepancies) will be held accountable,” he said.

    The Education Minister earlier announced the formation of a high-level committee to probe into the issues pertaining to the functioning of NTA.

    The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and the results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14. Protests were held alleging irregularities and paper leaks as the results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720.

    The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), paves the way for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

  • NEET 2024 Row: Dharmendra Pradhan Warns NTA Officials, Says ‘Won’t Be Spared If…’ |

    NEET 2024 Row: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday assured action against National Testing Agency officials if they are found guilty of the ‘irregularities’ in the conduct of 2024 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate). The Minister added that the improvement in NTA, which conducts NEET exam, is needed.

    “On the recommendations of the Supreme Court, the order has been given for re-test of 1,563 candidates. Some irregularities have come to light in two places. I assure students and parents that the government has taken this seriously,” Pradhan told ANI.

    “Even if the big officials of the NTA are found guilty, they will not be spared. A lot of improvement is required in NTA. The government is concerned about this, no culprit will be spared, they will get the harshest punishment,” he added.

    The NTA told the Supreme Court on Thursday that the scorecards of 1,563 candidates who got ‘grace marks’ in the NEET-UG exam will be cancelled and the candidates will have a chance to reappear for the exam on June 23 and the results will be declared before June 30.

    The NTA told a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that a committee has been constituted to review the results of over 1,563 candidates who were awarded ‘grace marks’ to compensate for the loss of time suffered while appearing for NEET-UG.

    “The Committee has decided to cancel the scorecards of 1563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who were given grace marks and these students will be given the option to take a re-test,” NTA said.
    “The exam will be conducted on June 23 and the results will be declared before June 30,” it added.

    Many student organizations have protested over the 2024 NEET-UG exam issue. Members of the NSUI (National Students’ Union of India), students’ wing of the Congress, held a protest over the issue in Delhi on Saturday.
    Members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) staged a protest on Saturday in Kerala and urged authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG exam.

  • 54 MPs including ex-PM Manmohan Singh, 9 Union ministers retiring from Rajya Sabha

    As many as 54 members of the Rajya Sabha including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and nine union ministers are set to retire on Tuesday and Wednesday with some not returning to the Upper House. Former prime minister Singh ends his 33-year-long parliamentary innings in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (April 3), just as former party chief Sonia Gandhi will enter the Upper House of Parliament for the first time.

    Singh, who is known for ushering in several bold reforms in the economy, became a member of the House for the first time in October 1991. He was the finance minister in the Narasimha Rao government from 1991 to 1996 and the prime minister from 2004 to 2014.

    Sonia Gandhi will enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan, filling the seat that will fall vacant after 91-year-old Singh completes his tenure on April 3. Seven Union ministers — Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Purshottam Rupala, Information Technology Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Narayan Rane and MoS Information and Broadcasting L Murugan — end their tenure in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

    Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will end their tenure on Wednesday.

    All these Union ministers, except Vaishnaw, are contesting the Lok Sabha elections and have not been given another term in the Upper House. Vaishnaw and Murugan have been given another Rajya Sabha term. As many as 49 members are retiring on Tuesday (April 2), while five are retiring on Wednesday (April 3).

    Of those retiring from the Upper House include Samajwadi Party’s Jaya Bachchan who has been renominated to the Council of States by her party for another term. So is Manoj Kumar Jha, who has been renominated by his party RJD for another term in the Rajya Sabha from Bihar, and Naseer Hussain (Congress), who has been renominated from Karnataka.

    Abhishek Singhvi of the Congress party, whose tenure in Rajya Sabha ends today will not be in the upper house as he lost his election from Himachal Pradesh.

    Among others who will be retiring include BJP’s national media in-charge Anil Baluni, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Garhwal seat in Uttarakhand,

    Besides, BJP’s Prakash Javadekar, a former union minister and Sushil Kumar Modi, former deputy chief minister of Bihar, also retire from the Rajya Sabha and have not been renominated by the party.

    BJP’s Anil Jain also retires on Tuesday as he has not been given another term by the party and so has Saroj Pandey from Chhattisgarh, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election in the state.

  • Union Minister launches web portal on ‘Mission Chandrayaan-3’ for school children

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material, including colouring books, online quizzes, and jigsaw puzzles for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3.

    Developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), the Ministry of Education, Pradhan also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3.

    Launch of ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal and special modules on #Chandrayaan3. https://t.co/zSKeCtiSPa
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2023
    This offers a comprehensive overview of its various facets, including scientific, technological, and social aspects, as well as the emotional journey and team spirit of the scientists involved.

    On the lines of the Mission Chandrayaan-3 module, the ministry plans to come up with more such modules on 14 different topics, including women empowerment, COVID-19 vaccination, India’s G20 Presidency, etc.

    “Success of Chandrayaan 3 is one of the most significant achievements of the 21st century that has inspired the children of the country the most,” he said.

    He suggested the development of the app of the web portal to make it more accessible in facilitating self-learning among students.

    “Chandrayaan 3 has ignited confidence among students and inspired them to understand technology, which will help in developing scientific temperament among them,” Pradhan said.

    He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman, of ISRO, and Secretary of the Department of Space, to take Chandrayaan 3 stories to the children of the country.

    #Chandrayaan3’s success is a symbol of resilience, rootedness, self-reliance and a triumph of Indian innovation. The journey of Chandrayaan-3 will keep inspiring our current and future generations in myriad ways. @ncert has been expanding our knowledge base and shaping our… pic.twitter.com/9ttz8Ge6sc
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2023
    He also urged him to make science fun for the students.

    “India will be the Viswa Guru sharing knowledge for the global good,” he said.

    He suggested to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to bring out social stories that will make education accessible, affordable, and qualitative, and help in bringing gender parity.

    At the occasion, Dr Somanath said India completed the Chandrayaan 3 Mission by using indigenous technologies and requested students to watch the launch of Gaganyaan on October 21. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material, including colouring books, online quizzes, and jigsaw puzzles for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3.

    Developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), the Ministry of Education, Pradhan also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3.

    Launch of ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal and special modules on #Chandrayaan3. https://t.co/zSKeCtiSPagoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2023
    This offers a comprehensive overview of its various facets, including scientific, technological, and social aspects, as well as the emotional journey and team spirit of the scientists involved.

    On the lines of the Mission Chandrayaan-3 module, the ministry plans to come up with more such modules on 14 different topics, including women empowerment, COVID-19 vaccination, India’s G20 Presidency, etc.

    “Success of Chandrayaan 3 is one of the most significant achievements of the 21st century that has inspired the children of the country the most,” he said.

    He suggested the development of the app of the web portal to make it more accessible in facilitating self-learning among students.

    “Chandrayaan 3 has ignited confidence among students and inspired them to understand technology, which will help in developing scientific temperament among them,” Pradhan said.

    He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman, of ISRO, and Secretary of the Department of Space, to take Chandrayaan 3 stories to the children of the country.

    #Chandrayaan3’s success is a symbol of resilience, rootedness, self-reliance and a triumph of Indian innovation. The journey of Chandrayaan-3 will keep inspiring our current and future generations in myriad ways. @ncert has been expanding our knowledge base and shaping our… pic.twitter.com/9ttz8Ge6sc
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2023
    He also urged him to make science fun for the students.

    “India will be the Viswa Guru sharing knowledge for the global good,” he said.

    He suggested to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to bring out social stories that will make education accessible, affordable, and qualitative, and help in bringing gender parity.

    At the occasion, Dr Somanath said India completed the Chandrayaan 3 Mission by using indigenous technologies and requested students to watch the launch of Gaganyaan on October 21. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Activity-based learning tools for kids of 3-8 years under New Education Policy

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Centre, under the New Education Policy (NEP), has launched Jaadui Pitara an activity-based learning tool where children will be involved in talking, listening, using toys, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, running or jumping. 

    Flash cards, story cards, puzzles, toys and attractive playbooks are part of the “Jaadui Pitara” (magic box) released by the Union Education Ministry to make learning fun for children in the foundation stage.“It is an innovative, child-centric learning pedagogy that will prepare young children for the life-long journey of learning and fulfil one of the most vital recommendations of new NEP,” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the launch on Monday. PM Narendra Modi, taking to Twitter, said “Jaadui Pitara is going to fill a new enthusiasm and color in the child’s mind.”

    “Jaadui Pitara comprising playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, worksheets as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners at the foundational stage. developed under the National Curriculum Framework,” the minister said.

    “It is a giant leap towards enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively and joyful for the Amrit generation,” he said. The 3 to 8-year-olds will be taught through techniques based on Panchkosha and Taittiriya Upanishad.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre, under the New Education Policy (NEP), has launched Jaadui Pitara an activity-based learning tool where children will be involved in talking, listening, using toys, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, running or jumping. 

    Flash cards, story cards, puzzles, toys and attractive playbooks are part of the “Jaadui Pitara” (magic box) released by the Union Education Ministry to make learning fun for children in the foundation stage.
    “It is an innovative, child-centric learning pedagogy that will prepare young children for the life-long journey of learning and fulfil one of the most vital recommendations of new NEP,” Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the launch on Monday. PM Narendra Modi, taking to Twitter, said “Jaadui Pitara is going to fill a new enthusiasm and color in the child’s mind.”

    “Jaadui Pitara comprising playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, worksheets as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners at the foundational stage. developed under the National Curriculum Framework,” the minister said.

    “It is a giant leap towards enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively and joyful for the Amrit generation,” he said. The 3 to 8-year-olds will be taught through techniques based on Panchkosha and Taittiriya Upanishad.

  • Shortage of teachers in IITs and IIMs, says Centre

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: As many as 4,502 faculty posts are lying vacant in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the centre told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

    In a written reply, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said 493 teaching positions need to be filled up in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) out of the sanctioned strength of 1566.

    He said out of the 18,956 sanctioned teaching posts in 45 central universities, 12776 seats are filled up, and 6180 posts are vacant as on December 1, 2022. 

    According to data shared by the minister,  out of the 6180 posts lying vacant in the central universities, 1529 positions are of professors, 2304 of associate professors and 2347of assistant professors. 

    Of the total vacant positions in the central universities, 908 jobs – in the three categories of professor, associate professors and assistant professors – of Scheduled Castes (SC) need to be filled out of the sanctioned posts of 2284. Similarly, 544 positions of Scheduled Tribes (ST) need to be filled in the three categories out of the sanctioned posts of 1142. 

    Also, 1559 Other Backward Castes (OBC) teaching positions are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 3451.  About 301 positions of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) need to be filled in central universities in the three categories against the sanctioned strength of 513 positions.

    In IIMs, of the total vacant posts, 53 positions are of SC out of the sanctioned strength of 97; 34 of ST out of 40 positions; and 98 of OBC out of 184.

    There is no separate category for PWD in IIMs. No break-up was given for IITs.

    “The Ministry of Education has also directed all higher education institutions to fill up the vacancies in a mission mode,” the minister said in a written reply.

    “Occurrence of vacancies and filling thereof is a continuous process,” the minister said.

    Pradhan said in addition to writing to all the Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) to fill up the vacancies in a mission mode; the ministry has set up a monthly monitoring mechanism. 

    The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Act, 2019, was notified on July 9, 2019, to ensure the preparation of the rosters by considering the university as a unit. 

    Also, according to the Act, reservation is applicable in all the HEIs except the institutions listed in the schedule and a few other exceptions stated in the Act. 

    Further, as per this Act, reservation is provided for all posts in direct recruitment in the teacher’s cadre in Central Educational Institutions. After enactment of this Act, no reserved seat is to be de-reserved, the minister added.

    NEW DELHI: As many as 4,502 faculty posts are lying vacant in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the centre told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

    In a written reply, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said 493 teaching positions need to be filled up in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) out of the sanctioned strength of 1566.

    He said out of the 18,956 sanctioned teaching posts in 45 central universities, 12776 seats are filled up, and 6180 posts are vacant as on December 1, 2022. 

    According to data shared by the minister,  out of the 6180 posts lying vacant in the central universities, 1529 positions are of professors, 2304 of associate professors and 2347of assistant professors. 

    Of the total vacant positions in the central universities, 908 jobs – in the three categories of professor, associate professors and assistant professors – of Scheduled Castes (SC) need to be filled out of the sanctioned posts of 2284. Similarly, 544 positions of Scheduled Tribes (ST) need to be filled in the three categories out of the sanctioned posts of 1142. 

    Also, 1559 Other Backward Castes (OBC) teaching positions are lying vacant against the sanctioned strength of 3451.  About 301 positions of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) need to be filled in central universities in the three categories against the sanctioned strength of 513 positions.

    In IIMs, of the total vacant posts, 53 positions are of SC out of the sanctioned strength of 97; 34 of ST out of 40 positions; and 98 of OBC out of 184.

    There is no separate category for PWD in IIMs. No break-up was given for IITs.

    “The Ministry of Education has also directed all higher education institutions to fill up the vacancies in a mission mode,” the minister said in a written reply.

    “Occurrence of vacancies and filling thereof is a continuous process,” the minister said.

    Pradhan said in addition to writing to all the Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) to fill up the vacancies in a mission mode; the ministry has set up a monthly monitoring mechanism. 

    The Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Act, 2019, was notified on July 9, 2019, to ensure the preparation of the rosters by considering the university as a unit. 

    Also, according to the Act, reservation is applicable in all the HEIs except the institutions listed in the schedule and a few other exceptions stated in the Act. 

    Further, as per this Act, reservation is provided for all posts in direct recruitment in the teacher’s cadre in Central Educational Institutions. After enactment of this Act, no reserved seat is to be de-reserved, the minister added.

  • Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan meets family of Tamil poet Bharathiyar in Varanasi

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday met KV Krishnan, the 96-year-old nephew of Tamil poet Subramania Bharathiyar, and his family in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

    One of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time, Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s home is on the banks of Hanuman Ghat in Kashi is a pilgrimage.

    Pradhan said that Subramania Bharathiyar’s ideals on social justice and women empowerment are more relevant now than ever.

    “Kashi had a profound influence on shaping Bharathiyar’s personality and Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrates the philosophical unity and commonality between our two great cultures,” he further said.

    The Union Minister also said that the poet will forever be an inspiration for the next generations.

    Earlier in the day, Pradhan Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took stock of the preparations of ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to inaugurate a month-long event on Saturday.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized in Varanasi from November 17 to December 16 with the objective to rediscover, reaffirm and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi – two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.

    “Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan has been actively monitoring the preparations of the program in Varanasi to take stock of the arrangements ahead of Prime Minister’s visit to Kashi,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.

    Previously, he also held meetings with the Minister of Railways, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, officials of the Uttar Pradesh Government and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful organization of Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with other ministries like Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, Information & Broadcasting and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

    The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each others’ experience.

    The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

    More than 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu under 12 categories such as students, teachers, literature, culture, artisans, spiritual, heritage, business, entrepreneurs, professionals and others will be visiting Varanasi on eight-day tours.

    “They will participate in seminars, LEC-DEMS (Lecture Demonstrations), site visits etc in special programmes curated for each of the 12 categories to interact with local people of the same trade, profession and interest,” the ministry said.

    The delegates will also visit places of interest in and around Varanasi including Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

    Students of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and other Higher Educational Institutions will be participating in the academic programmes. They will study the comparative practices pertaining to various sectors in the two regions and document the learnings.

    The first group of delegates consisting of 200 students started their tour from Chennai on November 17, their train was flagged off by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi from the Chennai Railway station.

    Along with this, a month-long exhibition of handlooms, handicrafts, One District One Product (ODOP), books, documentaries, cuisine, art forms, history, tourist places etc of the two regions will be put up in Varanasi for the benefit of the local people.

    During the inaugural programme, Prime Minister will interact with the delegates coming from Tamil Nadu. The inauguration ceremony will witness various cultural performances such as vocal renditions by Ilaiyaraaja and book releases. 

    NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday met KV Krishnan, the 96-year-old nephew of Tamil poet Subramania Bharathiyar, and his family in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

    One of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time, Mahakavi Bharathiyar’s home is on the banks of Hanuman Ghat in Kashi is a pilgrimage.

    Pradhan said that Subramania Bharathiyar’s ideals on social justice and women empowerment are more relevant now than ever.

    “Kashi had a profound influence on shaping Bharathiyar’s personality and Kashi Tamil Sangamam celebrates the philosophical unity and commonality between our two great cultures,” he further said.

    The Union Minister also said that the poet will forever be an inspiration for the next generations.

    Earlier in the day, Pradhan Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took stock of the preparations of ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to inaugurate a month-long event on Saturday.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized in Varanasi from November 17 to December 16 with the objective to rediscover, reaffirm and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi – two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.

    “Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan has been actively monitoring the preparations of the program in Varanasi to take stock of the arrangements ahead of Prime Minister’s visit to Kashi,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.

    Previously, he also held meetings with the Minister of Railways, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, officials of the Uttar Pradesh Government and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful organization of Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with other ministries like Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, Information & Broadcasting and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

    The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each others’ experience.

    The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

    More than 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu under 12 categories such as students, teachers, literature, culture, artisans, spiritual, heritage, business, entrepreneurs, professionals and others will be visiting Varanasi on eight-day tours.

    “They will participate in seminars, LEC-DEMS (Lecture Demonstrations), site visits etc in special programmes curated for each of the 12 categories to interact with local people of the same trade, profession and interest,” the ministry said.

    The delegates will also visit places of interest in and around Varanasi including Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

    Students of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and other Higher Educational Institutions will be participating in the academic programmes. They will study the comparative practices pertaining to various sectors in the two regions and document the learnings.

    The first group of delegates consisting of 200 students started their tour from Chennai on November 17, their train was flagged off by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi from the Chennai Railway station.

    Along with this, a month-long exhibition of handlooms, handicrafts, One District One Product (ODOP), books, documentaries, cuisine, art forms, history, tourist places etc of the two regions will be put up in Varanasi for the benefit of the local people.

    During the inaugural programme, Prime Minister will interact with the delegates coming from Tamil Nadu. The inauguration ceremony will witness various cultural performances such as vocal renditions by Ilaiyaraaja and book releases. 

  • Dharmendra Pradhan launches National Curriculum Framework for 3-8 years children

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday launched the National Curriculum Framework for foundational stage education of children in the three to eight age group.   

    Describing the NCF, which emphasises that early childhood care and education are critical areas of development, as an important step taken to implement the New Education Policy – 2020, Pradhan appealed to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to complete the curriculum, syllabus, and textbooks by next Basant Panchami. 

    “This will help equip our young ones with cognitive and linguistic competencies of the 21st century,” he said at the launch.

    As it is considered that children learn best through play, the curriculum thus envisages knowing by providing stimulating experiences for their development in all dimensions – cognitive, social-emotional, and physical. It will also enable the achievement of foundational literacy and numeracy for all our children.

    Pradhan also launched Balvatika for students of age group 3-5 years in 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas (VK) on a pilot basis, one of the most important recommendations of NEP 2020.

    “Foundational, preparatory, middle and secondary are the four stages of NCF for school education. Developing the foundational framework was one of the most important and challenging aspects under NEP 2020, as it has a huge bearing on shaping the future of our country,” the minister said.

    Balvatika will be implemented from the next academic year in all Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools. “We will also discuss with state governments to implement this initiative in their schools,” he said, adding that Uttarakhand has implemented and institutionalised Balvatika in more than 4,000 schools. 

    He also said that in the next few years, 100 percent of children in the 3-year age group would be brought under formal schooling.

    NCF, for the foundational stage of school education, will lay a strong foundation for building a 21st-century India and asked NCERT to translate into regional languages. “It is a pathway for nurturing global citizens who will take responsibility for humanity,” he said, adding that the holistic development of a child takes place in the first five years. 

    Innovative technology and game-based education are bringing new paradigms in teaching pedagogy. “We have to work together on a war footing to create innovative, games-based content,” Pradhan said.

    The NCF-2022 has four sections – school education, early childhood care and education, teacher education and adult education. 

    The framework said that “brain development is most rapid in the first eight years of a child’s life, indicating the critical importance of cognitive and socio-emotional stimulation in the early years.”

    The framework has listed the ‘panchakosha’ concept for children’s education, and its five parts are physical development, development of life energy, emotional and mental development, intellectual development and spiritual development. Panchakosha is an ancient explication of the importance of the body-mind complex in human experience and understanding. 

    All these engagements aim to achieve the three developmental goals of maintaining good health and well-being, becoming effective communicators, and becoming involved learners.

    The framework said that while staffing of Anganwadis is not complete, it is at high levels. However, it did not have data for private institutions. The number of institutions offering relevant teacher education programmes is low and inadequate. 

    The NCF will be transacted over three months, with four hours a day devoted to familiarising children with the school environment and providing well-being experiences.

    The entry-level education will enable learning of ethical values and cultural diversity and interaction with the physical, social and natural environment, the NCF said.

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday launched the National Curriculum Framework for foundational stage education of children in the three to eight age group.   

    Describing the NCF, which emphasises that early childhood care and education are critical areas of development, as an important step taken to implement the New Education Policy – 2020, Pradhan appealed to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to complete the curriculum, syllabus, and textbooks by next Basant Panchami. 

    “This will help equip our young ones with cognitive and linguistic competencies of the 21st century,” he said at the launch.

    As it is considered that children learn best through play, the curriculum thus envisages knowing by providing stimulating experiences for their development in all dimensions – cognitive, social-emotional, and physical. It will also enable the achievement of foundational literacy and numeracy for all our children.

    Pradhan also launched Balvatika for students of age group 3-5 years in 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas (VK) on a pilot basis, one of the most important recommendations of NEP 2020.

    “Foundational, preparatory, middle and secondary are the four stages of NCF for school education. Developing the foundational framework was one of the most important and challenging aspects under NEP 2020, as it has a huge bearing on shaping the future of our country,” the minister said.

    Balvatika will be implemented from the next academic year in all Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools. “We will also discuss with state governments to implement this initiative in their schools,” he said, adding that Uttarakhand has implemented and institutionalised Balvatika in more than 4,000 schools. 

    He also said that in the next few years, 100 percent of children in the 3-year age group would be brought under formal schooling.

    NCF, for the foundational stage of school education, will lay a strong foundation for building a 21st-century India and asked NCERT to translate into regional languages. “It is a pathway for nurturing global citizens who will take responsibility for humanity,” he said, adding that the holistic development of a child takes place in the first five years. 

    Innovative technology and game-based education are bringing new paradigms in teaching pedagogy. “We have to work together on a war footing to create innovative, games-based content,” Pradhan said.

    The NCF-2022 has four sections – school education, early childhood care and education, teacher education and adult education. 

    The framework said that “brain development is most rapid in the first eight years of a child’s life, indicating the critical importance of cognitive and socio-emotional stimulation in the early years.”

    The framework has listed the ‘panchakosha’ concept for children’s education, and its five parts are physical development, development of life energy, emotional and mental development, intellectual development and spiritual development. Panchakosha is an ancient explication of the importance of the body-mind complex in human experience and understanding. 

    All these engagements aim to achieve the three developmental goals of maintaining good health and well-being, becoming effective communicators, and becoming involved learners.

    The framework said that while staffing of Anganwadis is not complete, it is at high levels. However, it did not have data for private institutions. The number of institutions offering relevant teacher education programmes is low and inadequate. 

    The NCF will be transacted over three months, with four hours a day devoted to familiarising children with the school environment and providing well-being experiences.

    The entry-level education will enable learning of ethical values and cultural diversity and interaction with the physical, social and natural environment, the NCF said.

  • Draft of National Credit Framework for public consultation launched, Pradhan describes it as game changer

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday launched for public consultation the draft of the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which he described as the next generation, multidimensional instrument under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

    “National Credit Framework is a next-generation, multidimensional instrument under NEP. We are dedicating NCrF for ‘Jan-paramarsh’ for making it more dynamic,” he tweeted. 

    Jan-bhagidari is a key pillar of PM @narendramodi ji’s governance. NEP 2020 also embodies the spirit of Jan-bhagidari.National Credit Framework is a next generation, multidimensional instrument under NEP. We are dedicating NCrF for ‘Jan-paramarsh’ for making it more dynamic. pic.twitter.com/FRNCJcsnD3
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 19, 2022
    The NCrF, which will enable the integration of academic and vocational domains to ensure flexibility and mobility between the two, is an umbrella framework for skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling, accreditation and evaluation encompassing people in educational and skilling institutions and workforce, said the minister, who also described it as “game changer”.

    India is the only country to develop this framework for such a large population. “I appeal to all institutions, schools, ITIs, AICTE-affiliated engineering colleges, centrally-funded HEIs, (higher educational institutions, state universities and regulatory authorities/bodies to host the public consultation for National Credit Framework on their website for seeking suggestions from citizens,” he added.

    He said NCrF would open numerous options for further progression of students and inter-mingling of school and higher education with vocational education and experiential learning, thus mainstreaming skilling and vocational education. 

    NCrF will also enable students who have dropped out of mainstream education to re-enter the education ecosystem. It will be an inclusive umbrella framework which aims to make the options for multiple entry-multiple exits accessible and applicable across higher education, school education and vocational education, thus allowing students to choose their learning trajectories and programmes.

    The framework will seamlessly integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education and vocational and skill education by encompassing the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF).

    “We have to make India a $5 trillion economy, accomplish the vision of a Vikasit Bharat in the next 25 years and empower 100 per cent of our population,” Pradhan said, adding that the NCrF will be the most important instrument under NEP for empowering the students and the youth so that they can realise their goals.

    “India is adopting technology at an unprecedented pace. We have to bring reforms to incentivise knowledge, skills and experience. Credits for knowledge acquisition, hands-on training, and positive social outcomes will be a key step for achieving 100 percent literacy in the next 2-3 years,” said Pradhan, who had on Tuesday chaired the high-level meeting with the committee preparing the NCrF for school education, higher education and skilling.

    It also supports educational acceleration for students with gifted learning abilities and recognition of prior learning for the workforce that has acquired knowledge and skills informally through the traditional family inheritance, work experience or other methods. 

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday launched for public consultation the draft of the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which he described as the next generation, multidimensional instrument under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

    “National Credit Framework is a next-generation, multidimensional instrument under NEP. We are dedicating NCrF for ‘Jan-paramarsh’ for making it more dynamic,” he tweeted. 

    Jan-bhagidari is a key pillar of PM @narendramodi ji’s governance. NEP 2020 also embodies the spirit of Jan-bhagidari.
    National Credit Framework is a next generation, multidimensional instrument under NEP. We are dedicating NCrF for ‘Jan-paramarsh’ for making it more dynamic. pic.twitter.com/FRNCJcsnD3
    — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 19, 2022
    The NCrF, which will enable the integration of academic and vocational domains to ensure flexibility and mobility between the two, is an umbrella framework for skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling, accreditation and evaluation encompassing people in educational and skilling institutions and workforce, said the minister, who also described it as “game changer”.

    India is the only country to develop this framework for such a large population. “I appeal to all institutions, schools, ITIs, AICTE-affiliated engineering colleges, centrally-funded HEIs, (higher educational institutions, state universities and regulatory authorities/bodies to host the public consultation for National Credit Framework on their website for seeking suggestions from citizens,” he added.

    He said NCrF would open numerous options for further progression of students and inter-mingling of school and higher education with vocational education and experiential learning, thus mainstreaming skilling and vocational education. 

    NCrF will also enable students who have dropped out of mainstream education to re-enter the education ecosystem. It will be an inclusive umbrella framework which aims to make the options for multiple entry-multiple exits accessible and applicable across higher education, school education and vocational education, thus allowing students to choose their learning trajectories and programmes.

    The framework will seamlessly integrate the credits earned through school education, higher education and vocational and skill education by encompassing the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF).

    “We have to make India a $5 trillion economy, accomplish the vision of a Vikasit Bharat in the next 25 years and empower 100 per cent of our population,” Pradhan said, adding that the NCrF will be the most important instrument under NEP for empowering the students and the youth so that they can realise their goals.

    “India is adopting technology at an unprecedented pace. We have to bring reforms to incentivise knowledge, skills and experience. Credits for knowledge acquisition, hands-on training, and positive social outcomes will be a key step for achieving 100 percent literacy in the next 2-3 years,” said Pradhan, who had on Tuesday chaired the high-level meeting with the committee preparing the NCrF for school education, higher education and skilling.

    It also supports educational acceleration for students with gifted learning abilities and recognition of prior learning for the workforce that has acquired knowledge and skills informally through the traditional family inheritance, work experience or other methods. 

  • Create new knowledge network with Indian, global institutions: Pradhan

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said a new knowledge network is needed with international institutions setting up campuses in India and Indian institutions going global.

    Addressing the inaugural session of the international conclave on Digital Transformation and Internationalization of the Higher Education, organised by the Deakin University, Australia, in association with TCS in Delhi, Pradhan said India aspires to lead the industrial revolution 4.0 and in that India-Australia ties can play a significant role.

    “India and Australia share a long relationship based on shared values. Our partnership in the education and skill sectors goes from strength to strength. India aspires to lead the Industrial Revolution 4.0. India-Australia partnership can play a major role in this journey,” said Pradhan.

    “In the ever-evolving world, Indian knowledge networks will be for the benefit of humanity,” said Pradhan,  who visited Australia last month to strengthen Indo-Australian ties and to explore the connection, to collaborate and cooperate aspects in education and skill development.

    The minister was joined by Prof. Ian Martin, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Subramaniam Ramadorai, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences,  and former vice chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, and Prof. C Rajkumar, founding Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal University and other thought leaders from India and Australia.

    “Indian civilisation has always been knowledge-based and knowledge-driven. Taking this forward, India is implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The challenge today is educating and skilling the vast population in the 15-25 age group,” Pradhan said.

    NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said a new knowledge network is needed with international institutions setting up campuses in India and Indian institutions going global.

    Addressing the inaugural session of the international conclave on Digital Transformation and Internationalization of the Higher Education, organised by the Deakin University, Australia, in association with TCS in Delhi, Pradhan said India aspires to lead the industrial revolution 4.0 and in that India-Australia ties can play a significant role.

    “India and Australia share a long relationship based on shared values. Our partnership in the education and skill sectors goes from strength to strength. India aspires to lead the Industrial Revolution 4.0. India-Australia partnership can play a major role in this journey,” said Pradhan.

    “In the ever-evolving world, Indian knowledge networks will be for the benefit of humanity,” said Pradhan,  who visited Australia last month to strengthen Indo-Australian ties and to explore the connection, to collaborate and cooperate aspects in education and skill development.

    The minister was joined by Prof. Ian Martin, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Subramaniam Ramadorai, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences,  and former vice chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, and Prof. C Rajkumar, founding Vice Chancellor, OP Jindal University and other thought leaders from India and Australia.

    “Indian civilisation has always been knowledge-based and knowledge-driven. Taking this forward, India is implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The challenge today is educating and skilling the vast population in the 15-25 age group,” Pradhan said.