Latest news with #NEP)2020
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
State-appointed committee to share report on three-language policy in 3 months
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government-appointed committee to review the three-language policy will have to submit its report within three months, according to a government resolution (GR) issued late on June 30. The committee, headed by senior economist and academician Narendra Jadhav, was appointed after the state government rolled back the introduction of the three-language policy after regional parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party's allies in the Mahayuti government, and educationists opposed the move to make Hindi the default third language. A banner by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena celebrating the state government's decision to roll back the introduction of the three-language policy. (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo) According to the GR, the committee members, apart from Jadhav, will be appointed by the state government soon. The committee will study the report by a panel appointed by the previous Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government regarding the three-language policy and 'discuss the issue with the concerned constituents, institutions, and people,' it said. The committee will also study what other states and union territories that have adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have done, it added. However, many stakeholders have opposed the move, including cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, who have announced that their parties will not accept the Jadhav committee's report. In response, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that his government will not tolerate any pressure regarding the policy. 'We have constituted the Narendra Jadhav committee to take a call on the implementation of the three-language formula, and we will act upon it keeping the interest of the students and people of Maharashtra in mind. We will not tolerate any pressure from anybody,' he said. The row over the three-language policy, which is part of NEP 2020, began when the state government on April 16 passed a resolution making Hindi the compulsory third language in Marathi- and English-medium schools across the state. Following backlash, the government revised the policy on June 17 through an amended resolution, stating that Hindi will 'generally' be the third language unless at least 20 students in each grade want to learn another language. The amended resolution was also slammed by regional parties and educationists, who said it was in effect a backdoor entry of the compulsory-Hindi policy. After the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), headed by estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, announced a joint protest rally against the move, the state government scrapped the two GRs on June 29 and appointed the Narendra Jadhav committee to find a way forward. However, the formation of the committee, too, has been opposed by stakeholders. Deepak Pawar from the Marathi Abhyas Kendra, a group that led the opposition to the state's move to make a third language compulsory, raised concerns about Jadhav's appointment, saying it was inappropriate to appoint someone who is not an expert in child education to decide on such a crucial issue. Mahendra Ganpule, a member of the state curriculum framework committee, concurred, saying, 'We have objections to this committee. This committee should be formed unanimously under the chairmanship of child education experts, child psychology experts, and language experts.' Jadhav, 72, is an economist, educationist and author who has written or edited 41 books in three languages—English, Hindi and Marathi. He has been a member of the Rajya Sabha, the Planning Commission of India and the National Advisory Council. He has also served as chief economist at the Reserve Bank of India and vice-chancellor of the University of Pune.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Active CISCE— A holistic initiative to review students' fitness
With a view to promoting holistic development of students in alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Tuesday announced the launch of 'Active CISCE', an initiative that emphasises importance of physical activity in a child's overall well-being. Each registered student will receive an online CISCE physical health and fitness assessment report card. (For Representation) 'Through this initiative, the Council seeks to transform school campuses into vibrant centres for fitness and sports, encouraging students to lead healthier, more balanced lives while supporting their academic growth. The programme aims to integrate physical fitness and sports assessment for every student in CISCE-affiliated schools, with objectives to assess physical fitness parameters of every student, nurture and develop sporting skills,' said Joseph Emmanuel, the council's chief executive and secretary on Tuesday. 'Other objectives are: To make physical fitness activities a routine part of students' lives, promote happiness, health, and positivity among students. Provide vertical mobility in sports to talented students through CISCE sports competitions, mandate curriculum-integrated physical activities and assessments to promote not just physical health but also socio-emotional and cognitive growth for all school students,' he added. As part of the initiative, schools will be required to ensure that all students from Classes I to 12 are registered on the CISCE physical health and fitness assessment web portal which will be launched on July 15. The portal will feature grade and age-specific test modules, video tutorials for assessment and self-assessment, video tutorials to improve fitness and real-time synchronisation with school dashboards, according to a circular issued by the council. Each registered student will receive an online CISCE physical health and fitness assessment report card. This comprehensive report will include a baseline fitness score, progress tracking across academic years, lifestyle indicators, sports skill badges, health and lifestyle inputs (diets, screen time, and sleep) and will also allow for early talent identification,' he said. The CISCE will conduct training programmes (both offline and online) for physical education and sports teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to implement the initiative. Schools will be provided with a downloadable Excel template that will allow them to upload data easily. Physical education teachers will upload each student's physical fitness and activity data based on continuous observations and participation throughout the academic year. To support the implementation of the initiative, a nominal annual fee of ₹100 per student will be introduced, payable through the CAREERS portal by the school at the time of student registration. 'Schools are requested to complete the registration process for all students by September 30, 2025. As open spaces become increasingly scarce, schools serve as essential and secure environments where children can engage in physical activity,' Emmanuel said. Since CISCE is following data integration, the registration of students in Classes IX and XI and the 'Confirmation Of Entries' for the ICSE and ISC examinations will be accepted by the system only after successful registration and data submission for all students from Classes I to X (for schools with only ICSE) and Classes I to XII (for schools up to ISC) for the CISCE physical health and sports assessment. 'The detailed class wise curriculum/guidelines along with the user manual will be sent to all CISCE schools in due course. We believe that 'Active CISCE' will be instrumental in developing well-rounded individuals who excel academically and in physical fitness,' he added.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Education most effective means of empowerment: President
GORAKHPUR President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday underscored the transformative power of education, calling it the most effective means of empowerment, as she inaugurated key facilities including a girls' hostel, an academic building, an auditorium and a panchakarma centre at Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad's Gorakhnath University here. President Droupadi Murmu addresses a gathering after inaugurating key facilities at the Gorakhnath university on Tuesday. (Sourced) She said lack of infrastructure and safety concerns are major barriers that continue to discourage girls from pursuing higher education. Addressing a gathering at the university, Murmu shared her personal journey of moving nearly 300km from her village to Bhubaneswar in 1970–71 to continue her education after Class 7. She credited the availability of a safe hostel as a crucial factor in enabling her to pursue higher studies. 'Though the situation has improved, many girls today still face challenges such as lack of safety, harassment and violence on their way to school, often forcing them to drop out,' she said. The President lauded UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath's initiative to construct a girls' hostel at Gorakhnath University, calling it a significant step towards empowering women through education. She also planted a Rudraksha sapling as part of the ceremony. 'Education is the most powerful tool for empowerment. The foundation of this girls' hostel brings me immense joy,' she said, reiterating her belief in the transformative power of education. Murmu praised the contribution of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad in promoting the spirit of nationalism and expressed hope that students of the university would excel in professional education while staying rooted in spirituality and patriotism. She acknowledged the legacy of Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avaidyanath in shaping the institution's values. She noted that the newly inaugurated academic building will enhance learning facilities for both students and faculty, while the panchakarma centre will serve as an effective medium for treating chronic ailments. Highlighting the university's achievements, the President remarked that this is the first private university in Gorakhpur to actively contribute to higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Inaugurated by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the university has made impressive progress within just four years, under the guidance and support of chief minister and chancellor Yogi Adityanath. Concluding her address, the President emphasized that a healthier and safer eastern Uttar Pradesh will drive the state's holistic development.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India's 3-language policy in a tug-of-war: Balancing national unity and state rights
A contentious debate that has simmered for decades in Indian education is boiling over once again. Multiple states are reassessing their alignment with the Centre's three-language policy outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While some states continue to adhere to a two-language model, others have paused or scaled back implementation of the Centre's recommendations, highlighting the persistent tension between national education guidelines and regional linguistic priorities. At the heart of this debate is the three-language formula, a framework originally introduced in 1968 to promote multilingualism, national cohesion, and equitable access to language learning. Though reaffirmed in successive education policies, its adoption has remained uneven across India. The most recent flashpoints, involving Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have drawn renewed attention to the formula's legal status, practical challenges, and implications for federalism in Indian education policy. Understanding the three-language formula The three-language policy traces its roots back to the Kothari Commission recommendations of 1964-66 and was first implemented through the National Policy on Education in 1968. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The framework has since been reinforced in subsequent education policies, including the current NEP 2020. The policy's requirements are straightforward on paper: Every student must learn three languages during their school education At least two must be native Indian languages States, regions, schools, or students themselves can choose which languages to include Implementation should cover both government and private institutions Crucially, no language can be imposed on any state or individual However, the practical application varies dramatically across India's diverse linguistic landscape. Hindi-speaking states typically combine Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language – often from southern India. Non-Hindi-speaking states generally opt for their regional language, Hindi, and English. The resistance: States assert their rights The current pushback against the three-language formula reflects long-standing regional concerns about linguistic autonomy and cultural preservation. Tamil Nadu has maintained its opposition since the late 1930s, consistently offering only Tamil and English in its curriculum. The state's resistance to Hindi instruction has remained unwavering through multiple policy iterations. Karnataka recently declared its intention to continue with the two-language model of Kannada and English, particularly in government schools, despite earlier indications of compliance with the central policy. Maharashtra has suspended implementation of the three-language policy in primary education, becoming the latest state to formally step back from the Centre's recommendations. Constitutional framework: Where authority really lies The legal landscape surrounding language education reveals why states feel empowered to challenge central directives. India's constitutional structure provides clear protections for state autonomy in educational matters. Education falls under the Concurrent List in the Constitution's Seventh Schedule, meaning both the centre and states can legislate on the subject. However, Article 350A specifically mandates that states arrange primary education in the mother tongue for linguistic minorities. Most importantly, there exists no legal compulsion for states to adopt the three-language formula. This constitutional freedom has enabled states to design language policies that reflect their regional demographics, historical contexts, and cultural priorities. The funding controversy: Conditional support raises stakes The debate has intensified due to concerns over conditional funding through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the centre's flagship education scheme that typically covers 60% of costs whilst states contribute 40%. In 2024, central assistance worth over INR 570 crore was reportedly withheld from at least one state due to non-compliance with NEP 2020 provisions, including the three-language formula. This development has raised alarm bells about the centre using financial leverage to enforce policy compliance, potentially undermining the federal structure of Indian governance. Implementation reality: A patchwork approach Across India, the three-language policy's implementation reveals stark regional variations: Non-Hindi-speaking states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha typically offer their regional language alongside English and Hindi, though with varying degrees of emphasis and quality. Hindi-speaking states often fulfil the requirement through Hindi, English, and a third option such as Sanskrit, Urdu, or Punjabi – though critics argue that choosing classical languages defeats the policy's modern communication objectives. Private institutions, particularly those affiliated with international boards, frequently substitute foreign languages like French, German, or Spanish for the third Indian language, catering to parental aspirations for global competitiveness. The broader implications This ongoing tension reflects fundamental questions about India's federal structure and the balance between national unity and regional identity. The three-language policy, designed to promote multilingualism and national cohesion, has now become a flashpoint for debates about cultural autonomy and state rights. The centre continues to advocate for the policy as essential for national integration and equitable access to opportunities. States, however, view their linguistic policies as core to their cultural identity and constitutional prerogatives. As the debate continues, the three-language formula remains what it has always been; a non-mandatory framework that states can choose to adopt or reject. The current resistance from major states suggests that any future resolution will require greater sensitivity to regional concerns and perhaps a more flexible approach to implementation. The outcome of this debate will likely shape not just language education in India, but also set important precedents for federal-state relations in educational policy-making. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
3-day life skills training programme begins at SPMVV
Tirupati: A three-day training programme on 'Life Skills' was inaugurated on Monday at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV) under the PM-USHA initiative. Speaking at the inaugural event, Registrar Prof N Rajini emphasised the importance of life skills in facing life's challenges with courage. She highlighted the need for integrating life skills education into the curriculum as advocated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Prof K Sekhar from the Department of Psychosocial Support in Disaster Management, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, delivered the keynote address and explained the ten life skills identified by the World Health Organisation. He stressed that mastering these skills can enhance personal and professional success. PM-USHA Coordinator Prof C Vani noted that students with strong subject knowledge, but weak social skills often struggle during placements. Dr Sanjeev Kumar from NIMHANS, serving as a trainer, said that teachers could also impart life skills training once trained themselves. Event convener Prof R Usha stated that 35 faculty members who have not previously received training would be trained during the three-day programme. Several faculty members including organising secretaries Dr G Sireesha, Dr S Vajeehabanu, Centre for International Relations Dean Prof P Vijaya Lakshmi among others were present.
